3.0 EcoDiesel DPF Delete Guide

The 3.0 EcoDiesel was plagued with emissions related problems, especially with components like the EGR cooler and DPF system. These can lead to some very expensive repairs and cause for general reliability concerns. Not to mention, this equipment is restrictive from a performance standpoint as well.

Deleting the EcoDiesel DPF system in Ram 1500’s and Jeep Grand Cherokee is popular for both performance and reliability purposes. This guide is going to discuss the emissions equipment, the pros and cons of deleting the DPF system, and how-to delete the DPF.

DPF Delete Basics

Deleting the DPF system in the 3.0 EcoDiesel actually removes a lot more than the DPF. A DPF delete will also remove the DOC and SCR equipment. And since the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is tied into the SCR system, you will no longer need to fill-up on DEF fluid, so this gets removed as well.

Deleting the EcoDiesel will remove:

• DOC – first portion of the exhaust
• SCR & DPF – integrated into the same piping
• DEF – no longer need to fill this up so the tank either gets plugged or can be uninstalled

Therefore, deleting the EcoDiesel removes every single emissions system that sits within the exhaust. Also, while this might sound like a lot of equipment to remove, a delete kit is simply one piece of exhaust piping that bolts up to the turbo and to the muffler, so it’s actually really simple.

EcoDiesel EGR Delete

Since the EGR is pre-exhaust, it does not get removed when the DPF is deleted. Therefore, it will need to be removed separately with its own delete kit.

If you plan on deleting the DPF then it probably makes sense to also delete the EGR as most delete tuners will also tune out of the functionality of the EGR. Doing so will help lower EGTs, prevent soot buildup in the valves, and improve turbo efficiency.

2014-2018 EcoDiesel EGR Delete Kit

3.0 EcoDiesel DPF Delete Benefits

There are 2 reasons for deleting the EcoDiesel DPF on your Ram 1500 or Jeep:

• Reliability and reduced maintenance costs
• Performance

The 3.0 EcoDIesel does not have a good reputation for reliability. Especially when towing. This is because this engine does not respond well to heat. And the DPF system causes a lot of engine heat via exhaust backpressure. Therefore, it makes your engine healthier overall but also removes components that cost thousands to replace when they break.

Secondly, exhaust backpressure is bad for the turbo and it’s efficiency. Therefore, it is restrictive to performance. Removing the system improves performance and performance potential.

Pro’s:

• Power gains up to 50whp with tune (gains mostly from tune)
• 1-3mpg fuel economy improvements
• Better turbo efficiency and reliability
• Lower EGTs
• Decreased exhaust backpressure
• Bye bye DEF and regen cycles
• Better reliability and less maintenance costs

Con’s:

• Lower resale value
• Voids all warranty
• It is technically illegal – you won’t pass emissions
• Dealers and even some mechanics won’t work on your truck
• Must DIY the installs
• It is bad for the environment
• You have to use a tuner

Should You Delete Your EcoDiesel?

Improved reliability, better gas mileage, and no DEF fluid sounds great. Not to mention more performance potential. But, if you aren’t chasing huge power goals then the decisions comes down to reliability vs your comfort dealing with the hassles of owning a deleted truck.

The EcoDiesel isn’t very reliable so we understand the desire to improve reliability and decrease ownership costs. Unfortunately, excess engine heat can cause a number of other system failures on these engines. We would normally just say delete the emissions equipment when it fails. But the problem is this equipment also contributes to higher EGTs and heat is the downfall of the 3.0L.

If you don’t tow and aren’t looking for crazy power, then we would probably suggest keeping your DPF and emissions equipment. If you do tow frequently then there is a better case for a delete since towing is a huge cause of problems for the EcoDiesel.

How to Delete the 3.0 EcoDiesel DPF

For those than don’t care about the downsides, here is how you delete the 3.0 EcoDiesel DPF:

• DPF Delete Kit
• Tuner and custom tune

1) DPF Delete Kit

DPF delete kits are actually pretty affordable since it’s literally just a straight exhaust pipe that goes from the turbo to muffler. It is usually a direct bolt-on and shouldn’t require much modification. You have a few options in terms of how much of the exhaust you want to replace.

You can stick with just the emissions portion of the exhaust, or you can opt for a full turbo-back exhaust system. You can either keep the muffler, or go muffler delete if you want a significantly louder truck. Most simple delete kits will be around $250, while going with a full exhaust system will run you $500+.

Diesel Dudes Delete Kits

Diesel Dudes is one of the few reputable companies out there that still sells delete kits. Their kits currently only work for 2014-2018 EcoDiesels but they do sell tuners with pre-loaded delete kits for 2019+ models for anyone that has a delete kit for their later model 3.0’s.

Buy Here: 3.0 EcoDiesel DPF Delete Kit

2) Tuner

The second thing you need is a tuner and a DPF tune. These emissions systems have various sensors hooked up to them that need to be tuned out. Deleting the DPF without a tune will throw the car into limp mode and it will barely be drivable.

The downside is, there aren’t any off the shelf tuners that come with DPF delete tunes since selling these is illegal. Fortunately, Diesel Dudes still sells pre-loaded tuners with DPF delete tunes. HP Tuners is the only device that works for the 3.0 EcoDiesel unless you go the custom tuning route with something like Ez Lynk. The downside is that the HP Tuners costs about $1,500.

Buy here with pre-loaded delete tunes: Iron Loader DPF Delete Tuner 3.0L EcoDiesel

Summary

All of the emissions equipment on the 3.0 EcoDiesel is prone to failing, and it is all very expensive to replace. Also, it creates a lot of backpressure within the exhaust system which leads to higher EGTs and engine temps which is bad for reliability. Therefore, deleting the DPF is popular for preventative maintenance and reliability purposes. There are some performance benefits, but these only really come into play when you are upgrading the turbo and so on.

Deleting this emissions equipment will give you a healthier and more reliable engine. If you do want to delete the DPF, you will need a delete kit and a custom tune. All in costs will range somewhere from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the route you go for these two items.

Looking for more power and upgrades? Check out our guide on the best 3.0 EcoDiesel Performance Upgrades.