GM Guy
Manual Trans. 2WD Enthusiast
mpg and cold starts are important to me, and both are high points of the DS4. I guess my DS4 love comes from my fantastic luck with PMDs, once I put Leroy's kit on, I have never had to replace it ever again on any of the rigs. In fact, I do something that even makes Leroy nervous: embark on a 1000 plus mile journey with no spare PMD. 
Also, I like a little bit of computer intervention in case I am an idiot and am not paying attention to guages.
IMO this was GM's first crack at a fly by wire diesel, and while there is the one major problem on Stanadynes end of the deal, I felt GM had alot of stuff overdone (the throttle pedal system) for durability, reliability, and safety. Maybe alot of it came from Detroit diesel, or at least leftover engineering ideas?
Many large manufacturers tended to overbuild their first crack at a electronic controlled item. I hate John Deere, but I will use them as a example. the 4960 was their large MFWD tractor into the 90s, and had a sprinkling of electronics, but not very much. the 8000 series was a clean slate new design and launched in the mid 90s, and was highly electronically controlled. They are well known for their reliability, because Deere knew to get it right and retain, if not gain, customers due to the reliability.
Fast forward to today, the new Deeres are loaded with wimpy electronics, and are not even close to the reliability of the 8000, and few want to admit it.
Detroit hit a home run with the Series 60 truck engine, it seemed to be awesome right out of the gate. They did try a few things out (DDEC I electronic injection system) on the last of the 2 cycles, likely to make sure things were gonna work for the Series 60.
IMO the 1990s was about the end of the "build it to last" mentality and I feel it carries over into quite a few different diesels across the industry, including our beloved 6.5Ls.
Plus, you feel like Mr. Sulu keeping the Enterprise aloft when the reactor core is all fubared. Annoying, but impressive that the old girl will stay running when the whole system is on borderline failure. This was on the 98 bomber farm truck, and I am thinking its an ignition switch. we will see. she was down to about 20 mph tops, about 30 RWHP, codes flying, etc. I knew I had a potential issue before departing, but went anyways, and sweet talked her all the way home. about a 160 mile round trip... a little much to ask of a 500 dollar pickup...
Also, I like a little bit of computer intervention in case I am an idiot and am not paying attention to guages.
IMO this was GM's first crack at a fly by wire diesel, and while there is the one major problem on Stanadynes end of the deal, I felt GM had alot of stuff overdone (the throttle pedal system) for durability, reliability, and safety. Maybe alot of it came from Detroit diesel, or at least leftover engineering ideas?
Many large manufacturers tended to overbuild their first crack at a electronic controlled item. I hate John Deere, but I will use them as a example. the 4960 was their large MFWD tractor into the 90s, and had a sprinkling of electronics, but not very much. the 8000 series was a clean slate new design and launched in the mid 90s, and was highly electronically controlled. They are well known for their reliability, because Deere knew to get it right and retain, if not gain, customers due to the reliability.
Fast forward to today, the new Deeres are loaded with wimpy electronics, and are not even close to the reliability of the 8000, and few want to admit it.
Detroit hit a home run with the Series 60 truck engine, it seemed to be awesome right out of the gate. They did try a few things out (DDEC I electronic injection system) on the last of the 2 cycles, likely to make sure things were gonna work for the Series 60.
IMO the 1990s was about the end of the "build it to last" mentality and I feel it carries over into quite a few different diesels across the industry, including our beloved 6.5Ls.
Plus, you feel like Mr. Sulu keeping the Enterprise aloft when the reactor core is all fubared.
Annoying, but impressive that the old girl will stay running when the whole system is on borderline failure. This was on the 98 bomber farm truck, and I am thinking its an ignition switch. we will see. she was down to about 20 mph tops, about 30 RWHP, codes flying, etc. I knew I had a potential issue before departing, but went anyways, and sweet talked her all the way home. about a 160 mile round trip... a little much to ask of a 500 dollar pickup... 
