How Much Does a Straight Pipe Cost

When people talk about straight pipe exhaust, things can get a little mixed up — and honestly, that’s totally normal in the diesel world. A lot of truck guys just call anything that deletes the mufflers or the filters a “straight pipe.” Whether it’s a DPF delete kit, a downpipe, or a DPF-back system, it’s all fair game. Technically, they’re different, but if you’re replacing the stock exhaust with something louder and more free-flowing, it fits the vibe.

The most common first step is deleting the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). That’s where the sound really changes and performance starts to open up. And yeah — that’s what most folks are talking about when they say, “I straight piped my truck.”

In this article, we’ll break down the real-world pricing of straight pipe kits using one of the most popular platforms out there: the 2019+ Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins engine. We’ll talk costs, install, tuning, and which brands give you the most bang for your buck.

Straight Pipe Current Pricing (June 2025) 

As of 2025, the price of a straight pipe exhaust is still a hot topic in the diesel scene. You’ve probably seen people online claiming they paid $300 total, while others say they got quoted $2,000 for install and tuning. So what gives? It all comes down to what kind of kit you’re getting, what it’s made of, whether tuning is included, and if you're wrenching it yourself or paying a shop.

Straight Pipe Kits Costs

Brands like SPELAB offer everything from basic DPF delete pipes to full downpipe-back or even turbo-back systems. Prices usually start at around $258 and go up to $899, depending on size (4" vs. 5"), material (409 stainless vs. 304), whether it includes a muffler, and how complete the kit is (mounts, clamps, hangers, etc.).

So, when we talk about the “cost” of straight piping your truck, it’s more of a price range than a fixed number. If you just want the essentials, you might spend under $300. If you want a full bolt-on system with premium stainless and a muffler, it’ll be closer to $800–900 — and that’s just the kit, not counting tuning or install.

Installation Costs

Now that we’ve talked about the kit prices, let’s dive into what it costs to install a straight pipe exhaust on a 2019+ Ram 2500 with the 6.7 Cummins. If you’re planning to have a shop do it, you’re looking at somewhere between $300 and $600 for labor alone. That price can go up or down depending on where you live, how complex the system is, and how much of the factory exhaust needs to come off.

For example, swapping just the DPF delete pipe might take a shop two hours. But if you’re installing a full downpipe-back or turbo-back system, it can easily take four or five hours. With shop rates averaging $100–$150 per hour, it adds up quick.

Of course, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a weekend garage project and you’ve got the tools — like a jack, PB Blaster, safety glasses, and maybe a cutoff wheel — doing it yourself is totally possible. A lot of SPELAB customers go the DIY route, following videos and install guides online to save a good chunk of cash.

Tuning Costs

Let’s be real — throwing on a straight pipe exhaust is only half the job. The other half? Tuning. Especially with newer trucks like the 2019+ Ram 2500 or 3500 running the 6.7L Cummins, the factory ECU is super sensitive about emissions stuff. If you pull the DPF and don’t tune the truck properly, you’ll get dash lights, error codes, and maybe even limp mode. Worst of all, your fuel economy might tank.

There are two main ways to handle tuning: plug-and-play tuners (like PPEI or EZ Lynk), and custom ECU tuning. Plug-and-play tuners are easy — just plug into the OBD port, follow some steps, and you’re good to go. Those typically run about $700 to $1,200. Custom tunes cost more — usually $1,500 to $2,000+ — but they’re tailored to your setup, whether you’ve got a turbo-back straight pipe, bigger tires, or a performance trans.

If you’re only deleting the DPF and keeping most of the system stock, a plug-and-play tuner is probably fine. But if you’ve gone full-send with a full straight pipe kit, it’s worth investing in a proper tune. Otherwise, you might end up with an undriveable truck and a check engine light that won’t quit.

Cost Summary for 2019+ 6.7 Cummins

If you’re driving a 2019+ Ram 2500 or 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins, you’re probably wondering: which straight pipe setup gives me the best bang for my buck? Here’s a quick breakdown of what SPELAB offers so you can see how each kit compares:

Compared to other brands or third-party kits off eBay, SPELAB kits may cost a little more — but you're getting premium stainless, full mounting hardware, better welds, and solid customer support. Some eBay kits go as low as $265, but many users report poor fitment, rattles, and missing parts.

So if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience and quality that lasts, SPELAB’s straight pipe exhaust systems are a solid investment.

Straight Pipe Kit Pros and Cons

So is a straight pipe exhaust really worth it? Well, that depends on what you care about most — sound, performance, daily comfort, or staying legal. Here’s a straight-up look at the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros:

• More airflow, less backpressure: Removing the DPF and muffler lets your truck breathe. On a 6.7L Cummins with tuning, you can gain 30–50 HP pretty easily.

• Big sound: If you love the raw diesel rumble, a straight pipe will give your Ram 2500 a beastly tone. Expect anywhere from 95–110 dB, depending on your setup.

• Affordable upgrade: While performance exhaust systems can start at $1,500+, straight pipe kits are much cheaper — as low as $258 from SPELAB.

• Better MPG: Many users report 5%–10% better fuel economy, especially during highway cruising, after deleting emissions and tuning.

Cons:

• It’s LOUD: Not just “fun loud” — we’re talking “wake the neighbors” loud. Not ideal for city driving or quiet neighborhoods.

• Legally risky: Deleting the DPF/CAT is illegal in most U.S. states. You could face fines or fail inspection if caught.

• Drone and fumes: Bad pipe routing or cheap kits can cause cabin drone or exhaust smell in the cab — especially on muffler-less setups.

• Hurts resale: Emissions-deleted trucks often sell for less, since buyers worry about legal headaches or needing to restore it.

Tips Before You Buy 

Getting a straight pipe exhaust isn’t just about slapping on a loud pipe and calling it a day. There are a few key tips every experienced diesel owner will tell you — and following them can save you money, stress, and future headaches.

1. Keep your stock DPF and exhaust system

Seriously, don’t toss those parts! You might not care now, but if you ever need to pass inspection, sell the truck, or revert to stock, you’ll be glad you kept your factory setup. On trucks like the Ram 2500, the OEM DPF system alone is worth a good chunk of change.

2. Know your local laws

Not every state is as chill as Texas. If you’re in California, New York, or anywhere with strict emissions laws, running a straight pipe is probably illegal, and you might fail your annual inspection. Do your homework with your DMV or local EPA office before committing.

3. Consider a high-performance exhaust as a middle ground

If you want better sound and flow without the legal risks, go with a performance system that keeps emissions intact — like a cat-back with a performance muffler. SPELAB even offers muffler-included kits that give you the sound without attracting too much attention.

4. Avoid sketchy eBay kits

That $265 straight pipe kit on eBay might look tempting, but many buyers report bad fitment, rattling, and no customer support. Sticking with a trusted brand like SPELAB means better quality, proper fit, and someone to help if anything goes wrong.

Conclusion

Whether you’re after more power, louder sound, or a cost-effective mod, a straight pipe exhaust is worth looking into. SPELAB offers multiple options for the 2019+ Ram 2500/3500 with the 6.7L Cummins, so you can pick what fits your goals.

At the end of the day, your setup depends on how (and where) you drive. Just remember — keep your stock parts, get proper tuning, and stick with a brand you trust.

Got questions about fitment, tuning, or which kit’s right for you? Drop a comment below or message the SPELAB team — we’re here to help you build it right.

FAQ

Q1: Can SPELAB straight pipe kits work with third-party tuners?
Yes. SPELAB kits are designed with standard fitment and can work with most popular tuners like PPEI, EZ Lynk, and H&S, as long as the tuner supports your vehicle model (e.g. 2019+ Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins).

Q2: Will a straight pipe affect cold starts or turbo response?
In most cases, the effect is minimal. In fact, reduced backpressure often leads to faster turbo spool. The sound during cold start may be louder than stock, but that’s totally normal.

Q3: Do I need a new exhaust tip with the kit?
Not necessarily. Some SPELAB kits come with a tip, while others retain the stock tailpipe connection. If you want a more aggressive look, upgrading to a 5" black or polished tip is a great add-on.

Q4: Can I install just the DPF delete section without a full system?
Absolutely. Many people start with a DPF & CAT delete pipe only. It’s affordable, simple to install, and gives you a big change in sound right away.

Q5: What kind of support does SPELAB offer?
All products include a 1-year warranty, detailed instructions, live chat support, and lifetime technical advice. Got an issue? Reach out — we’re here to help.