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'Killing a Duramax' Gale Banks YouTube series methodically tunes a diesel to death

Learning or perfecting a skill by watching YouTube videos is known as attending YouTube University. GM Authority picked up on one of the video site's more fascinating courses, hosted by Gale Banks; in a fair world, he should be referred to as Professor Banks when it comes to diesel engines and truck tuning. A few months after GM introduced the updated L5P 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD that ships with 454 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, Banks decided he wanted to methodically tune the engine to death. The purpose of the resulting series, called "Killing a Duramax," is to push more power out of the engine in order to discover which parts break and when — or, as Banks puts it, force-feed the Duramax "until the crank hits the street and the heads hit the hood." With that knowledge, Banks can figure out all the weak points on his way to building what he calls a "Superturbo," that being a supercharged, twin-turbo race engine with more than 1,000 hp. What makes the series fascinating is Banks' knowledge, paired with the company's comprehensive iDash engine monitoring system that keeps tabs on a glut of parameters every step of the way. So for instance, you get Banks explaining the differences between inches of mercury and barometric pressure, how those are different from the water content of the air measured in grains, then showing those readouts on the iDash, then explaining in detail how they affect the air density in the Duramax system. The stock Borg-Warner variable turbo gets a lot of airtime — Banks accuses it of being "out to lunch" because he feels it's the weakest link on the engine. That turns into a turbo teardown and a deep explanation of performance pitfalls, such as when air pressure on the turbine begins to diverge from the boost pressure coming from the compressor. Banks says he can keep close tabs on where power's coming from, because the iDash monitors the horsepower contribution provided by the ambient air, the turbo, and the intercooler separately. The major changes so far are a stouter Precision 7675 turbo and TurboSmart wastegate (episode 5), a twin intake (episode 6), a custom liquid-cooled intercooler from a marine engine, a new GM oil cooler and synthetic oil (episode 10), and new injectors (episode 11).

2016 Chevy Camaro takes a walk on the wild side at SEMA

From highly modified restomods to tuned pickups, Chevrolet has over 20 custom vehicles at this year's SEMA Show. Given the popularity of the Camaro in the aftermarket, it's no surprise that the new, sixth-generation model gets in on that act with four modified examples. Thanks to a combination of concept parts and components on the way in early 2016, Chevy gives future owners an idea of what's possible for their new coupe. Among the group are two takes on the SS trim at opposite ends of the color spectrum. The Chevrolet Performance version is Summit White with red accents, and it uses a lowered suspension to hunker the body over conceptual 20-inch wheels. Alternatively, the Camaro Black wears darkened trim, tinted glass, and matching 20-inch wheels. Chevy beefs up their performance to fit the added style by equipping both customs with exhaust, air intake, and brake upgrades. By far the weirdest among Chevy's group of modded Camaros is the Krypton concept in a custom shade of eye-popping green. This wild paint is electroluminescent, and when the system is activated, illuminated bowties appear across the body. Headlights with matching trim and painted exhaust tips finish off this alien aesthetic. Finally, the Camaro Hyper concept is for those looking for just a little added style for their coupe. Based on the LT trim with the 3.6-liter V6, it features Hyper Blue Metallic paint with white stripes and rides on 20-inch wheels. For a little added performance, coupe uses Chevy's aftermarket exhaust and a lowered suspension. Related Video: Gen Six Camaro Concepts Shine at SEMA Show Customized quartet demonstrate personalization and performance possibilities LAS VEGAS – With the all-new 2016 Camaro rolling soon into dealerships across the country, Chevrolet introduced four customized concepts at the SEMA Show today – each demonstrating the personalization possibilities enabled by a new lineup of accessories and performance parts.

New 2016 Chevy Volt ad arrives in time for Tomorrowland

As summer approaches, so do the blockbusters. We've already seen Furious 7 and The Avengers: Age of Ultron, while Mad Max: Fury Road arrives this week. Next week's big debut is Disney's Tomorrowland, starring George Clooney, and not surprisingly, the advertising campaign is kicking into gear. Perhaps attempting to capitalize on the high-tech theme of the flick, Chevrolet has teamed up with Disney for the second-generation Volt's very first commercial appearance. As we reported previously, the Volt will star on the big screen when Tomorrowland hits theaters, and it will be accompanied by the EN-V Concept. Take a look at the Volt's Tomorrowland spot, up top. Related Video: