Updated 11 Dec 2025
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of Dodge Ram 6.7L Diesel DPF delete. Learn how it impacts performance, fuel economy, legality, and engine health.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is an exhaust aftertreatment device engineered to trap Particulate Matter (PM) and soot from the combustion process. It functions as a wall-flow filter, physically capturing contaminants before they exit the tailpipe.
While the filter has a finite storage capacity, the engine management system performs periodic "Regeneration" cyclesโsuperheating the exhaust to burn off the trapped soot into gas. However, this is not a perfect solution. Regeneration cannot remove Ash (non-combustible residue from engine oil). Over time, this ash accumulates, permanently reducing the filter's capacity and increasing backpressure until the unit requires professional cleaning or replacement.
DPF Delete Kit: Uncorking Your Exhaust System
Letโs cut to the chase. A DPF Delete Kit is surgery for your exhaust system. It mechanically removes the biggest restriction in your drivetrain: the Diesel Particulate Filter.
The Mechanics: Flow vs. Restriction
Think of your stock DPF as a dense brick of ceramic honeycomb. It forces your engine to push exhaust gas through microscopic pores. This creates massive Exhaust Backpressure.
- The Fix: A delete kit replaces that restrictive canister with a mandrel-bent, straight-through race pipe.
- The Result: With backpressure eliminated, the pressure differential across the turbocharger turbine increases. This means your turbo spools up faster (less lag) and the engine pumps air more efficiently. You aren't just "letting air in"; you're finally letting the exhaust get out so the engine isn't choking on its own heat.
The Hardware & The Brains
A proper kit has two non-negotiable parts:
- The Hard Part (Race Pipe): A stainless steel or aluminized pipe that physically replaces the heavy DPF/CAT assembly.
- The Software (Tuner/Programmer): You can't just unbolt sensors and drive. The Engine Control Module (ECM) expects to see pressure readings. The tuner reflashes the ECM to delete the sensor inputs and disable the regen logic. Without the tune, your truck is a 7,000lb paperweight stuck in Limp Mode.
Why Delete the DPF? The Mechanic's Perspective
We see Dodge Ram 6.7L trucks on the lift every day. Owners don't delete just for noise; they delete to solve three critical mechanical failures:
1. Killing the Backpressure (Saving Your Turbo)
The stock DPF creates significant backpressure. This force pushes back against the turbine wheel, putting immense axial load on the turbo shaft bearings. By deleting the DPF, you remove this load, allowing the turbo to spin freely and cooler. This is why deleted trucks see lower EGTs and longer turbo life.
2. The "No-Regen" Fuel Savings
The biggest efficiency killer isn't airflowโit's Active Regeneration. On a stock truck, the ECU dumps raw diesel into the exhaust stroke to cook the soot out of the DPF. It's a waste of fuel and it washes down your cylinder walls, diluting your oil. A delete kit kills this cycle 100%. No more wasted fuel cooking a filter.
3. Avoiding the $3,000 Nightmare
A clogged DPF isn't a matter of if, but when. Once the ash load exceeds capacity, the filter cracks or plugs completely. A factory replacement DPF for a 6.7L Cummins can cost upwards of $2,500 to $4,000 just for the part. Deleting it removes this liability from your maintenance ledger forever.
Pros and Cons of Dodge Ram 6.7L Diesel Delete
Like everything in the world has a plus and negative, same is the case with Dodge Ram 6.7L cummins DPF delete kit. It has its own advantages and disadvantages. Following are given the pros and cons of Dodge Ram 6.7L diesel delete
Pros of Dodge Ram 6.7L Diesel Delete
We don't just delete the DPF to make noise. We do it to remove the biggest parasitic loss in the powertrain. Here is the technical breakdown of the advantages.
1. Uncorking Horsepower (Volumetric Efficiency)
The stock DPF is a restriction. By forcing the piston to push exhaust gas through a clogged ceramic filter, you create Pumping Loss. The engine wastes horsepower just trying to exhale.
The Delete Advantage: By replacing the DPF with a high-flow race pipe, we eliminate this backpressure. The engine cycles freely, allowing the turbo to spool instantly. You aren't just "adding" power; you are reclaiming the horsepower the factory choked off.
2. The "No-Regen" Fuel Economy Boost
Factory trucks waste gallons of fuel during "Active Regeneration"โdumping raw diesel into the exhaust stroke just to cook the soot out of the DPF.
The Delete Advantage: A delete kit kills the regen cycle 100%. No more wasted fuel. No more Cylinder Washdown (where raw fuel dilutes your engine oil). Owners typically see a 15-20% gain in MPG simply because every drop of fuel is used for propulsion, not filter cleaning.
3. Turbocharger Longevity & Lower EGTs
Backpressure kills turbos. The stock DPF creates pressure that pushes back against the turbine wheel, increasing heat and stress on the shaft bearings.
The Delete Advantage: Without the DPF dam, exhaust gas exits fast. This drastically lowers Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs), keeping your turbo cooler and extending its life significantly under heavy towing loads.
4. Ending the Maintenance Nightmare
The DPF is a "wear item." It fills with non-combustible ash and will eventually fail, costing upwards of $3,000 to replace.
The Delete Advantage: You can't break what isn't there. Deleting the system removes the DPF, the DEF doser, and the NOx sensors from the equation forever. Itโs the ultimate reliability fix.
Cons of Dodge Ram 6.7L Diesel DPF
Itโs Illegal
The wellbeing of living things, which is ultimately what matters most, is greatly influenced by the environment. Hence, in order to protect the environment, some states have made the DPF mandatory; as a result, deleting an DPF is unlawful in some jurisdictions. Also, when DPF is removed, the car will not pass an emission test.
Contributing to air pollution and fails emission test
Bypassing an DPF system will definitely give rise to increase in environment harming nitrogen oxide emissions. ย It will obviously fail all emission tests.
Engine losses/ malfunctioning
ECU being the brain of the vehicle is responsible for running the engine and therefore, plays a main role in adjusting different parameters. If the vehicle is not tuned properly after installing the delete kit, it will malfunction and you can have serious problems like overheating, knocking and loss of power.
Voids warranty and reduced resale
Any changes made with the original vehicle in terms of modifying it can void its warranty and people will normally avoid the vehicle which has been tampered with, because for majority of people the company does things at their best and they do not need that much power or performance from a vehicle. Thus, making the selling market limited for you after DPF is installed.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Mechanic's Reality Check
Q1: What are the real downsides of a DPF delete?
A1: The biggest downsides arenโt mechanicalโtheyโre legal and warranty-related. A DPF delete is illegal for on-road use in the U.S., and it will void your powertrain warranty immediately. You also wonโt pass emissions inspections, and dealerships generally cannot take a deleted truck on trade. Mechanically, a properly tuned delete typically improves reliability, but if the tuning is poor, EGTs, fuel mixture, and turbo control can be thrown off.
Q2: Will a DPF delete hurt my 6.7L Cummins engine?
A2: When done correctly with a quality tune, a delete generally reduces stress on the engine by eliminating high backpressure and stopping fuel-dump regens. Active regeneration can contribute to oil dilution over time, and removing that cycle can help oil life. But itโs not a magic cureโpoor tuning can still cause high EGTs, overly aggressive fueling, or timing issues. The delete itself doesnโt damage the engine; bad tuning does.
Q3: Is it worth doing a DPF delete?
A3: From a purely mechanical and cost standpoint, many owners think so. A factory DPF can cost $1,800โ$3,500+ to replace depending on model and dealer pricing. A delete eliminates future DPF clogging issues and stops regen-related fuel usage. But from a legal and resale standpoint, it can complicate registration, trade-ins, and inspections. Whether itโs โworth itโ depends entirely on your priorities.
Q4: How much horsepower does a delete actually add?
A4: The pipe alone mainly reduces backpressure. The real power gain comes from the tune that accompanies the delete. With a standard performance tune, most 6.7L Cummins trucks pick up roughly +30 to +70 RWHP and a big jump in low-RPM torque. Results depend on turbo setup, model year, and how conservative the tuning is. The biggest difference most drivers feel is the faster spool-up and sharper throttle response.
Q5: Can I delete the DPF without a tuner?
A5: No. The truckโs ECM constantly monitors exhaust pressures and temperatures. If the sensors report impossible values (like zero pressure), the ECM puts the truck into limp mode. Without a tune that properly disables regen logic, differential pressure checks, and EGT-based commands, the truck simply wonโt run correctly.
Q6: Will this improve my towing EGTs?
A6: Usually, yes. Removing the DPF helps exhaust gas exit faster, which often lowers EGTs under heavy load. Many drivers report 100โ200ยฐF drops on long grades, depending on tune, trailer weight, and terrain. But EGT control ultimately comes down to the quality of the tune and how hard you push the truck.
Q7: What happens to DEF after a delete?
A7: Once tuned, the SCR and DEF system are electronically disabled. You wonโt need to add DEF, and the system stops dosing. Some owners leave the DEF hardware in place; others remove it to reduce maintenance or weight. Legally, for on-road use, all emissions equipment is required to remain installed and functional.
Q8: Is the installation difficult?
A8: Moderate to challenging, depending on rust. The DPF assembly is heavyโoften 70โ90 lbsโand the factory flange bolts can be stubborn. Most DIY installs take 3โ5 hours with a jack, penetrating oil, and decent hand tools. On a lift, the job is much easier.
Q9: Does this affect the transmission?
A9: Indirectly, yes. Power increases from tuning put more load on the transmissionโespecially the 68RFE. Mild delete tunes are generally safe with normal driving, but aggressive tunes can accelerate clutch wear. Many shops recommend TCM tuning or a transmission upgrade if you plan to run higher-power files or tow heavy regularly.
Q10: What maintenance is required after a delete?
A10: Maintenance usually becomes simpler. Without regen, your oil stays cleaner and doesnโt dilute as quickly. Follow normal oil and fuel filter intervals. Periodically check exhaust clamps, tuning updates, and EGT levels if you're working the truck hard. No new special maintenance is requiredโjust responsible monitoring, especially if running higher power.
John Lee
Lead Mechanical Engineer | 10+ Years Experience
John has spent the last decade engineering and testing high-performance automotive components. Specializing in drivetrain durability and thermal management, he bridges the gap between OEM limitations and aftermarket performance. His philosophy: "Factory parts are just a starting point."
