If you’re replacing a Duramax LMM turbo, then it may be worth considering ditching the stock LMM turbo and instead taking the opportunity to perform an LMM turbo upgrade instead. While the parts necessary for a Duramax LMM turbo upgrade may be more expensive than the stock options, parts aren’t the only expense you’re dealing with. Labor also has to be considered, and the labor cost of a turbo replacement can be well in excess of $1,000. Because of this, upgrading later is a far more expensive option. It may also be a sensible idea to have multiple jobs done at once to get the most out of your labor expenses. +Read more
An LMM Turbo replacement also gives a mechanic easy access to the LMM up pipe, which in turn provides an ideal opportunity for an LMM up pipe upgrade. Upgrading the up pipe may be a solid long-term investment. An upgraded up pipe can lead to increased torque and power. It can also increase fuel efficiency, so it could actually pay for itself in the long run.
If you just want to minimize the costs or time spent on a job, there may be better options than an upgrade. You can probably save even more money by refurbishing your old turbocharger instead of purchasing a new one. The cheapest and easiest way to do this involves purchasing an LMM turbo rebuild kit, which contains all of the parts you need to transform an old, broken, turbocharger into a working part.