ICON Series Aluminum Cylinder Heads

The KDD ICON Series O-Ringed Aluminum 6.0 Cylinder Heads represent a significant advancement in diesel engine performance. Developed over more than a year, these heads are a new, clean-sheet USA design, moving away from previous overseas casting methods. The primary focus of the ICON series is to enhance both airflow and cylinder swirl, crucial for direct-injected diesel engines. Traditional head porting often sacrifices swirl when increasing flow. However, KDD's extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, conducted at 60 psi and 150°F intake air temperature, shows the ICON heads nearly double cylinder swirl while increasing in-cylinder air mass by a massive 22% compared to their previous best-flowing heads. This meticulous engineering approach aims to optimize the fuel-air mixture, reduce soot, and improve power output, lower EGTs, and enhance throttle response. Constructed from aluminum, these heads boast significant structural reinforcements, including dual-layer water jackets, gusseted head bolt reinforcements, and extra ribbing to disperse clamping load. The deck surface is 25% thicker, and the port geometry has been completely re-engineered while maintaining compatibility with conventional intake and exhaust manifolds. Even the as-casted ICON heads outperform many existing market options, with the CNC-ported versions offering next-level performance. Installation notes indicate that valve covers are sold separately. These cylinder heads are compatible with a range of Duramax engines, including LB7 (2001-2004.5), LLY (2004.5-2005), LBZ (2006-2007.5), LMM (2007.5-2010), LML (2011-2016), and L5P (2017+), as well as Cummins 5.9L (12V and 24V) and 6.7L engines.