6.7 Powerstroke DPF Delete Guide

6.7 Powerstroke emissions systems tend to be common failure items and are very expensive to repair. While the diesel particulate filter and other emissions systems are great at reducing emissions, they do have a few downfalls.

First, the DPF system is prone to clogging. Secondly, it creates a lot of backpressure in the exhaust system which is bad for performance and the health of the turbo, which is a common 6.7 Powerstroke problem already. Lastly, if the DPF system fails it can cost $3k-$5k to replace it.

For these reasons, deleting the 6.7 Powerstroke DPF system is common. This guide is going to walk through the DPF system, the pros and cons of deleting it, and what DPF delete kits you’ll need to remove the system.

Understanding the DPF System

The DPF that captures diesel particulates that are left over after the combustion process and then burns them through a regeneration cycle.

The DPF is actually the 3rd emissions component in the 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust system. First is the diesel oxidation catalyst, or DOC, which bolts directly the the downpipe and is essentially a catalytic converter. Second is the selective catalytic reduction, or SCR, system. The SCR system uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to turn nitrous oxide into nitrogen gas and water vapor. After the exhaust gases are burned down as much as possible through the first two systems, they then enter the DPF system.

What Does Deleting the DPF System Remove?

DPF deletes are somewhat complicated since the DPF is only one of four actual emissions systems. However, a typical DPF delete kit will actually delete the DOC, SCR, and DPF systems. On consumer pickups the SCR and DPF system are integrated into the same pipe. Chassis cab work trucks have the DPF integrated into the DOC and the SCR system is separate.

So, deleting the 6.7 Powerstroke DPF will remove:

• Diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)
• Diesel particulate filter (DPF)
• Selective Cat Reduction (SCR)
• Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)

A DPF delete kit is essentially just one piece of exhaust piping. It bolts up to the downpipe and to the muffler and delete all of the emissions components in between. 

What About EGR?

A DPF delete does not remove the EGR system. The EGR system needs to be deleted separately.

Deleting the EGR system on a 6.7 Powerstroke is slightly more complicated and labor intensive since it requires plugging the EGR valve and replacing some hoses. On the otherhand, a DPF delete just requires unbolting a portion of the exhaust and bolting the DPF delete pipe on.

Individual EGR Delete Kits

2011-2014 6.7 Powerstroke
2015-2016 6.7 Powerstroke
2017-2019 6.7 Powerstroke

6.7 Powerstroke DPF Delete Pro’s

The two main reasons to delete the 6.7 Powerstroke DPF are for reliability and performance. The DPF system is prone to clogging and failing and a brand new OEM replacement system costs about $4k. Additionally, it reduces the turbochargers reliability, and the turbo is a common failure item. Secondly, it creates a lot of back pressure which is bad for the turbo and reduces engine performance.

Here are the benefits of deleting the DPF:

• 30-100+hp gains (with a tune)
• 2-5mpg increase
• Reduced exhaust backpressure
• More reliable and efficient turbo
• No more regen or need for DEF fluid
• Increased reliability and lower maintenance costs
• You can sell your OEM system for $$$

Deleting the DPF system requires a tune. Therefore, power gains will mostly depend on what tune you are running. However, even on a modest tune you will still experience solid gains.

The other benefits are all centered around reliability and reducing maintenance costs. You’ll save money at the pump by not needing DEF fluid. Additionally, SCR pumps diesel fuel into the exhaust system which hurts gas mileage, so you’ll see some nice mpg gains with it deleted. And lastly, you’ll prevent yourself from costly repairs if the DPF system clogs or fails.

6.7 Powerstroke DPF Delete Con’s

Deleting the DPF system is great for power, maintenance, and operating costs. However, it’s not so great for emissions, warranty, resale value, and a number of other things.

• Decreased resale value (have to sell private or reinstall OEM equipment)
• Install must be DIY’d
• Lose all factory warranty and dealership may refuse to work on your truck
• It is illegal and will not pass emissions
• It’s harmful for the environment
• Requires a tuner which makes it a bit more expensive

Should You Delete the DPF System?

The power gains, MPG improvements, and peace of mind sound great. However, the downsides are pretty substantial as well. We generally do not recommend deleting your DPF system unless you are chasing crazy power gains, or have a failed DPF that you don’t want to spend $5k fixing.

If you aren’t in either of these situations then deleting the 6.7 Powerstroke DPF causes headache. Inspections, repairs, etc. become more challenging and there are some serious fines for getting caught with deleted emissions systems.

Deleting the EGR system is a bit more of a headache since it’s more challenging to undo.

How to Delete the 6.7 Powerstroke DPF System

Two things are required for a DPF delete:

1. DPF Delete Kit
2. DPF Delete Tuner

DPF delete kits are simply exhaust pipes which makes them pretty simple. However, there are a few options ranging from just the delete pipe, to a full exhaust system. The second key component is a tuner that is capable of tuning-out the various sensors and turning off regeneration.

1) DPF Delete Kit

The portion of the exhaust that has to get deleted is the part from the downpipe to the muffler. It’s a simple bolt-on and mostly doesn’t require any cutting or modifying. Since it’s one simple pipe, these kits are pretty cheap and cost somewhere around $300.

Alternatively, you can get a DPF delete kit that replaces the whole 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust system. This kit will bolt up directly to the downpipe again but will also replace the muffler and back portion of the exhaust system. These kits are made in 4″ and 5″ sizes and are usually straight-pipes. This is a great option for anyone who wants to delete the DPF and add a “cat-back” exhaust system to their truck.

Best Delete Kit: Diesel Dudes Complete Delete Kit

Delete tunes will also render the EGR system useless, so we usually recommend going with a complete delete kit and removing the DPF and the EGR. Diesel Dudes offers great complete packages that come with both delete kits and a tuner that is pre-loaded with the necessary delete tunes. They also offer the dpf deletes are separate kits and you can get one that is either just the delete piping, or with a full 4″ downpipe-back exhaust system.

Buy Here: 2011-2014, 2015-2016, 2017-2019

2) DPF-Capable Tuner

Not all 6.7 Powerstroke tuners on the market are capable of tuning a deleted Ford. So, you’ll need to get one capable of handling a deleted truck. Fortunately, the majority of the big name brand tuners are capable of handling this BUT you will need custom tunes. Tuner companies no longer sell their tuners with pre-loaded delete tunes, so you will need to purchase from a company like Diesel Dudes to get tuners that are pre-loaded.

Tuning is required since the DPF system has a number of emissions related sensors that get removed with delete kits. These sensors control various emissions related things like regeneration and so on. Therefore, for your truck to function properly a tune needs to be added so that these items can be tuned-out. If you don’t have a tune, your Powerstroke will throw a bunch of check engine lights and likely run into some performance and driveability issues.

Tuners are rather expensive so unfortunately, this adds about $700-$1,500 to the cost. The two best on the market are H&S Mini Maxx and the BullyDog BDX.

Buy them here with pre-loaded delete tunes:

• H&S Mini Maxx
• BullyDog BDX

Summary

There are 4 primary emissions systems on the 6.7 Powerstroke: EGR, DOC, SCR, and DPF. A “DPF delete kit” refers to deleting the DOC, SCR, and DPF emissions systems, which are all components in the exhaust system. Deleting the DPF system is popular for performance gains, gas mileage improvements, and better reliability.

The DPF system is prone to clogging and failure and can cost near $5k to replace it when it fails. Additionally, it creates a lot of backpressure in the exhaust system which hurts the efficiency and reliability of the turbocharger. Therefore, deleting the 6.7 Powerstroke DPF is a great option for performance and reliability.

However, a DPF delete does cause some headaches. It is noncompliant from an emissions perspective which can create problems with registration and inspection. Additionally, you will need to DIY the delete kit install and might have trouble finding people willing to work on your truck once it’s deleted.

Deleting requires two things: a delete kit, and a tuner. Delete kits range from $250-$750 depending on whether you want a full downpipe-back exhaust system or just the DPF pipe. Tunes run in the ballpark of $750 which makes a full DPF delete around $1,000-$1,500.