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If you want to bypass restrictive factory emissions equipment to improve the reliability and performance of your 2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins, a delete kit is often the ultimate solution.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about 2015 Ram 2500 delete kits. Inside, we break down exactly what hardware and tuning software you need, compare EGR and DPF delete options, provide expert buying advice to help you avoid costly mistakes, and clearly outline the strict federal and state legal risks you must consider before making a purchase.
What Delete Kit Fits a 2015 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins?
When shopping for a delete kit, compatibility is everything. The 2015 Ram 2500 falls into the 2013–2018 generation of the 6.7L Cummins. This is a crucial distinction because 2013 was the year Ram introduced Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to their 2500 and 3500 pickups.
You need a kit specifically engineered for the 2013–2018 6.7L Cummins. A kit designed for a 2010–2012 truck will not work properly, as the exhaust routing and emissions sensors are completely different. Additionally, you'll need to know your cab and bed configuration (e.g., Crew Cab Short Bed, Mega Cab) to ensure the replacement exhaust pipes are the correct length.
What Parts Are Usually Included in a Delete Kit?
A true "delete" isn't just one single part; it’s a combination of hardware and software working together to bypass the factory emissions equipment.
EGR delete kit
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system feeds dirty, soot-filled exhaust gas back into your engine intake. An EGR delete kit typically includes billet aluminum block-off plates, a coolant reroute hose, and the necessary gaskets and hardware to physically remove the EGR valve and cooler from under the hood.
DPF delete pipe
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is the massive, restrictive filter bolted underneath your truck. A DPF delete pipe is a straight section of exhaust piping (usually 4-inch or 5-inch in diameter) designed to bolt directly in place of the factory DPF, allowing exhaust gasses to flow freely.
DEF and SCR system considerations
In a 2015 Ram, the DPF is part of a larger assembly that includes the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, which injects the DEF. When you install a DPF delete pipe, you are almost always removing the SCR system alongside it. The hardware kit will allow you to drop this entire bulky unit.
Tuner and calibration support
This is the most critical piece of the puzzle. You cannot simply unbolt your emissions equipment and drive away. If you do, your truck’s computer will panic, throw a dashboard full of check engine lights, and force the engine into a low-power "limp mode." A tuner (capable of loading custom "delete tunes") is required to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) so it runs perfectly without receiving signals from the missing emissions sensors.
EGR Delete vs DPF Delete vs Full Delete
You don't necessarily have to remove everything at once, though most owners choose to. Here is how the different approaches break down:
EGR-only hardware
This involves removing just the under-hood components to stop soot from caking up your intake manifold and valves. It improves engine longevity and lowers coolant temperatures, but leaves the restrictive exhaust filters underneath the truck intact. Custom tuning is still required.
DPF pipe replacement
This removes the belly filters (DPF/SCR) to improve exhaust flow, increase fuel economy, and lower exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs). The EGR system remains under the hood. Again, custom tuning is mandatory to prevent limp mode.
EGR and DPF hardware combo
This is the mechanical sweet spot. By combining the EGR block-off kit and the DPF delete pipe, you are fully mechanically deleting the truck's emissions restrictions.
Full delete bundle considerations
A "full delete bundle" typically gives you everything you need in one box: the EGR hardware, the DPF/SCR delete pipes, and the required electronic tuner pre-loaded with the correct calibration files. Buying a bundle is usually the safest route to ensure all parts and software communicate perfectly.
Is a 2015 Ram 2500 Delete Kit Legal?
We need to be incredibly straightforward here: deleting a modern diesel truck comes with significant legal baggage.
Federal emissions rules
Under the federal Clean Air Act, it is illegal to tamper with, remove, or bypass any factory-installed emissions control device on a motor vehicle designed for public roads. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has heavily cracked down on the manufacturing, sale, and installation of delete kits in recent years.
Off-road and competition-use only
Historically, the loophole for delete kits was labeling them "for off-road or competition use only." However, the EPA has aggressively tightened the definition of a competition vehicle. Driving a deleted truck on public highways is a violation of federal law, regardless of what a manufacturer prints on the box.
State inspection risks
Beyond federal laws, your local jurisdiction matters. States like California, Colorado, New Jersey, and several others enforce strict diesel emissions testing. If you live in a county that requires annual OBD-II plug-in testing or visual inspections, a deleted 2015 Ram 2500 will fail. You risk hefty fines, denied registrations, and being forced to reinstall the expensive factory equipment.
How to Choose the Right Kit
If your truck is designated for off-grid farm use or closed-course competition, here is how to shop smart.
Confirm your year, engine, and chassis
Double-check that the kit specifically lists "2013-2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins." Measure your wheelbase or check your exact cab/bed configuration so the exhaust pipes fit perfectly without requiring welding or fabrication.
Check pipe size and material
You'll generally choose between aluminized steel and stainless steel.
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Aluminized steel is cheaper but will rust over time, especially in snowy climates where roads are salted.
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Stainless steel (like T409 or T304) is more expensive but highly durable.
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You will also choose between a 4-inch pipe (standard flow, slightly quieter) and a 5-inch pipe (maximum flow, deeper, louder exhaust note).
Verify what is included
Read the packing list closely. Does the EGR kit include a replacement coolant hose? Does the DPF pipe include the necessary clamps and hangers? Don't assume everything is in the box.
Understand tuning requirements
Buying the metal pipes is the easy part; finding the software is the hard part. Due to EPA crackdowns, many mainstream tuners no longer support delete tuning. Ensure you have a reliable source for custom calibration software before you buy the physical hardware.
Review local emissions laws before buying
We can't stress this enough: check your county and state DMV or DEQ regulations. Know exactly what kind of inspections you are subject to before cutting into your exhaust.
Recommended XKV Racing Parts for 2015 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
If you're building a dedicated off-road rig, XKV Racing offers some of the most precise, high-quality components on the market for the 6.7L Cummins.
EGR delete hardware
XKV Racing’s EGR kits are machined from high-grade billet aluminum for a perfect, leak-free seal. They include premium O-rings and heavy-duty hardware to ensure your coolant system remains pressurized and secure after the cooler is removed.
DPF delete pipe options
Whether you want the standard 4-inch flow or the aggressive rumble of a 5-inch system, XKV Racing provides mandrel-bent exhaust pipes. Their kits are designed as true bolt-on replacements, utilizing the factory hanger locations for a headache-free installation.
EGR and DPF hardware combinations
For builders looking to knock out the whole project over the weekend, XKV Racing offers complete mechanical hardware combinations. These kits bundle the under-hood block-off plates with the under-body exhaust pipes, saving you the hassle of piecing together a kit from multiple vendors.
Supporting Cummins airflow upgrades
Once the restrictive factory emissions are out of the way, the 6.7L Cummins loves more air. Consider pairing your XKV delete hardware with an upgraded intake horn or a high-flow cold air intake to maximize throttle response and spool up that turbo faster.
Common Buying Mistakes
Don't let a simple oversight ruin your weekend wrenching project. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Buying the wrong model-year kit
A kit for a 2012 Ram will not fit a 2015 Ram. The addition of the DEF system in 2013 completely changed the exhaust geometry. Always verify the year range.
Assuming every kit includes a tuner
Many retailers sell "hardware-only" kits to avoid liability. If you buy a kit for $300, it almost certainly does not include a tuner. A full bundle with tuning software is a significant investment, often costing well over $1,500.
Ignoring DEF and SCR differences
Make sure the delete pipe is designed to replace both the DPF and the SCR. If it's too short, you'll be left with a gap in your exhaust system.
Overlooking emissions inspection rules
The most expensive mistake you can make is deleting a truck that you rely on as a daily driver in a strict emissions county. Always know your local laws.
FAQs About 2015 Ram 2500 Delete Kits
What delete kit fits a 2015 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins?
You need a kit specifically designed for the 2013–2018 generation of the 6.7L Cummins, ensuring it accounts for the DEF/SCR system.
Does a 2015 Ram 2500 need a tuner after a delete?
Absolutely. Without a tuner to recalibrate the ECM, your truck will immediately go into limp mode, heavily restricting your speed and power.
Is an EGR delete the same as a DPF delete?
No. An EGR delete removes the exhaust gas recirculation system from the engine bay. A DPF delete removes the soot filters from the exhaust system underneath the truck.
Will a delete kit pass emissions?
No. A deleted truck will fail a visual inspection, an OBD-II plug-in test, and a tailpipe sniffer test.
What should I check before buying?
Verify your truck's exact model year and cab/bed configuration, confirm that you have a reliable source for custom delete tuning, and deeply research your local and state emissions laws.
More reading:How Much Oil Does a 6.7 Cummins Take?
