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If you own a 6.7 Cummins, you've probably thought about deleting it. Maybe a regen left you stranded, or the dealer just quoted you $4,000 for a DEF system repair. This guide cuts through the noise so you can pick the right kit.
Heads up: deleting an on-road truck violates the federal Clean Air Act. This article is written for off-road, farm, and competition use.
What a 6.7 Cummins Delete Kit Does
A delete kit removes the emissions hardware Ram bolted onto your 6.7 Cummins. That means the DPF (the filter that traps soot in your exhaust), the EGR (which sends hot exhaust back into the intake), and the DEF/SCR system (the urea injection that cleans up NOx).
Why pull this stuff off? Regens dump fuel into the cylinders and kill your MPG. EGR coolers crack and contaminate the oil. DEF systems fail and trigger limp mode. Every one of those repairs runs $1,500 to $5,000 at the dealer. A delete ends all of it and adds power on top.
Delete Kit vs Tuner
A delete kit includes hardware. That may mean EGR block-off plates, coolant reroute lines, exhaust race pipes, DEF plugs, clamps, gaskets, and mounting hardware.
A tuner changes the ECM calibration. It can turn off emissions-related diagnostic checks, adjust fueling, change torque management, manage transmission behavior, and load economy, tow, street, or race files.
A delete bundle includes both hardware and a compatible tuning solution.
This matters because a truck can have the right delete hardware and still run poorly if the tuning is wrong. It can also have a tuner that supports deletes, but still need the correct exhaust and EGR hardware to complete the job.
The Main Types of Delete Kits
Not every kit takes off everything. Some owners just want to fix one specific headache.
EGR Delete Only
An EGR-only kit removes or blocks the EGR valve and cooler circuit. The goal is to stop hot, soot-loaded exhaust from being routed back into the intake and to remove the EGR cooler as a future failure point.
|
Model Year |
Does It Need a Tuner? |
Notes |
|
2007.5 to 2009 |
Sometimes |
Some basic EGR block-off setups may run without tuning, but check-engine lights and regen issues are still possible. |
|
2010 to 2012 |
Usually recommended |
EGR flow is more closely tied to DPF regen strategy, so tuning helps prevent codes and drivability issues. |
|
2013 to 2018 |
Assume yes |
The EGR, DPF, DEF, and SCR systems are electronically integrated, so an EGR-only delete usually requires tuning. |
|
2019 and newer |
Yes, model-specific |
These trucks normally need a model-specific tuning solution. ECM unlock or custom flashing may also be required. |
Best for: off-road trucks where the EGR cooler or valve is the main problem.
Typical hardware cost: $150 to $400.
DPF Delete Only
Swaps your factory DPF for a straight pipe. No more regens, better flow, lower EGTs. You'll need a tuner so the ECM doesn't throw codes.
Cost: $400 to $900 with tuner. Best for: 2007.5 to 2012 owners or guys deleting in stages.
Full Delete with Tuner
What most people mean by "delete." Pulls the EGR, DPF, and DEF/SCR all at once with a tuner that handles the whole system. Includes block-off plates, a full-length race pipe, DEF plugs, and a programmer pre-loaded with delete files.
Cost: $1,000 to $2,500. Best for: most owners. Cleanest one-and-done.
Race or Competition Delete
The full delete cranked up. Bigger exhaust (4 or 5-inch), aggressive tuning, and supporting mods. Power can hit 500 to 600 rear-wheel horsepower.
Cost: $2,500 to $5,000+. Best for: pulling and sled trucks. Not a daily driver.
How to Match a Kit to Your Truck Year
A kit that fits a 2014 won't fit a 2020. The 6.7 Cummins has gone through three big emissions setups since 2007.
2007.5 to 2012 Rams
DPF and EGR but no DEF system. Kits are the cheapest to source. Mini Maxx V1 was the original tuner of choice, though most owners have moved on to newer platforms.
Watch out: 2007.5 exhaust dimensions differ from later years. Make sure the kit lists 2007.5 specifically.
2013 to 2018 Rams
The most-deleted generation, with the most kit options. Full triple stack: EGR, DPF, and DEF/SCR. Common tuners: EZ Lynk AutoAgent, EFILive (with a PPEI custom tune), and Mini Maxx V2.
Watch out: Cab and Chassis trucks need different exhaust pieces than pickups.
2019 to 2024 Rams
The toughest ECMs to crack. Plug-and-play tuners from older trucks won't work here. You'll need an EZ Lynk with cloud-based custom tuning, or a bench flash service.
Watch out: confirm the kit lists "2019+" or "2020+" specifically. Older inventory still on shelves won't work.
The Best 6.7 Cummins Delete Kits Right Now
Here are the best picks broken down by what you're actually trying to do.
Best Budget EGR Kit
If you just need to kill the EGR before it kills your engine, you don't need to spend $2,000. Look for a CNC-machined steel block-off plate, coolant bypass line, and quality gaskets. Most run $150 to $300 and bolt on in two or three hours.
Best for: 2007.5 to 2018 owners with a failing EGR cooler.
Best All-in-One Bundle
One box, one weekend, done. Should include EGR block-offs, a full-length DPF/SCR replacement pipe (3 or 4-inch), DEF plugs, and a programmer like the EZ Lynk AutoAgent or Mini Maxx V2 with delete files for your year. Expect $1,200 to $2,000 for a quality bundle.
Best for: most 2013 to 2021 owners.
Best for Daily Driving and Towing
If you tow weekly, you do not want a race tune. You want lower EGTs, minimal smoke, smooth throttle response, and strong low-RPM pull without beating up the transmission. Supporting airflow parts, such as a 2013–2018 Ram 6.7 Cummins intercooler pipe and boot kit, can also help keep the setup reliable under load.
Look for conservative tow tuning, shift-on-the-fly options, and clean transmission behavior. EFILive and EZ Lynk are common tuning platforms, but the quality of the actual tune matters more than the device name.
Best for: owners hauling trailers, RVs, equipment, or work loads.
Best for Max Power Builds
If you are chasing 500-plus horsepower, the delete kit is only one part of the build. You will also need supporting mods such as a larger exhaust, aggressive custom tuning, fuel system upgrades, turbo upgrades, valve springs, and a built transmission. For 2013 to 2017 trucks, a 2013–2017 Ram 6.7 Cummins DPF delete pipe is one common exhaust-side component used in off-road or competition setups.
For certain late-model trucks, fuel system planning is also important before adding major power.
Best for: pulling trucks, sled pullers, and closed-course competition builds.
Not recommended for: stock daily drivers.
Cost, Power Gains, and Legal Reality
What you'll spend. EGR-only runs $150 to $400. Full delete with tuner runs $1,000 to $2,500. Pay a shop and add another $500 to $1,500 in labor.
What you'll gain. 50 to 150 horsepower and 100 to 300 lb-ft of torque depending on tune aggression. Most owners pick up 1 to 3 MPG, more under tow. EGTs drop and regens stop. That last one is the biggest day-to-day quality-of-life upgrade.
What you'll lose. Deleting emissions equipment on an on-road truck is illegal under the federal Clean Air Act. Enforcement risk can apply to owners, sellers, installers, shops, and fleets.
A deleted truck can also lose warranty coverage and may fail OBD-II testing, visual inspection, opacity testing, or emissions readiness checks. For that reason, deleted trucks should stay off public roads and be limited to farm, trail, track, or competition use where allowed.
That's why honest guides tell you to keep deleted trucks on the farm, the trail, or the track.
How to Pick the Right Kit in 5 Steps
Step 1: Pin down your truck's exact specs. Year (2007.5 vs 2008 matters), cab style (pickup vs Cab and Chassis), and whether it has DEF (2013 and up).
Step 2: Decide what you're actually solving. Failing EGR cooler? EGR-only. Tired of regens? Full delete. Competition build? Race-spec. Don't buy more than you need.
Step 3: Pick the tuner platform first. EZ Lynk, EFILive, and Mini Maxx V2 are common tuning platforms, but availability depends on model year, ECM compatibility, and tuner support.
Step 4: Match the tune to your driving. Tow tune if you tow, street tune if you daily drive. A 150-horsepower tune on a stock transmission means a new transmission within a year.
Step 5: Buy from a vendor that's still around. This market has been hammered by EPA enforcement. Stick with shops that have been in business at least three years and back their tuners with software updates.
FAQs
Will I get caught and fined for running a deleted truck?
It depends on where the truck is used and how it is inspected. The biggest risk points are state emissions tests, roadside DOT inspections, dealer visits, resale inspections, and warranty claims. Enforcement risk can apply to vehicle owners, sellers, installers, shops, and fleets, so deleted trucks should stay off public roads and be limited to off-road, farm, trail, track, or competition use where allowed.
Will my dealer know my truck was deleted if I put it back to stock?
Almost always. ECMs log every flash and store emissions monitor history. Even after you reinstall the factory parts and reflash to stock, dealers can usually tell. Some don't bother looking. Plenty do.
Do I need to upgrade my transmission after a delete?
Depends on the tune. A mild street tune on a stock 68RFE or AS69RC is fine for most driving. A 100-plus horsepower tune with regular towing chews through a stock 68RFE fast. The Aisin AS69RC handles more but isn't bulletproof.
How much louder will my deleted truck be?
Noticeably louder, but not obnoxious with a 4-inch exhaust and a muffler. The DPF acted as a giant muffler from the factory, so taking it off lets you actually hear the engine. Straight-pipe with no muffler will drone on the highway. Most kits include a muffler.
More reading:How Long Does a 6.7 Powerstroke Last?
