Guides on Cummins, Duramax, and Power Stroke engines including reliability, problems, and buyer research.
When Texas buyers start comparing diesel trucks, three names always rise to the top: Duramax, Power Stroke, and Cummins. Each one has strengths, loyal followers, and proven capability. But when it comes to long-term durability and high-mile performance, the details matter.
This guide breaks down how each platform ages, what affects longevity, and how to choose the diesel that fits your needs.
The Duramax diesel engine family has shaped GM’s heavy-duty trucks for nearly 25 years. Born from a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu, the Duramax replaced the aging 6.5L diesel and launched GM into true competition with Cummins and Power Stroke.
Each Duramax generation is defined by its Regular Production Option (RPO) code — LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM, LML, and L5P — and each represents a major shift in power, reliability, emissions technology, or design philosophy.
Below is a complete, diesel-enthusiast-focused look at every Duramax generation:
its strengths, weaknesses, key updates, and why certain years are still sought after today.
The Ford Power Stroke diesel family has powered Ford’s heavy-duty pickups and commercial trucks for more than 30 years. Across multiple generations, Power Stroke engines have delivered huge gains in horsepower, torque, emissions technology, and reliability.
From the legendary 7.3L to the modern 6.7L “Scorpion,” here is the full year-by-year evolution of the Power Stroke platform.
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The 6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel has been the backbone of Ram heavy-duty trucks for well over a decade. As competition between diesel manufacturers intensified, Cummins introduced a steady stream of upgrades—boosting power, refining emissions systems, and strengthening internal components to handle ever-increasing torque.
Below is the complete model-year breakdown from 2009 through 2025, including horsepower, torque, emissions changes, and major mechanical upgrades.
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