What a delete kit removes from your 2017 6.7 Powerstroke

A delete kit for a 2017 6.7 Powerstroke removes or bypasses the emissions control systems that Ford installed on that engine. Specifically, it disables the diesel particulate filter (DPF), the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and sometimes the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. These parts are designed to reduce harmful emissions, but they also reduce engine performance and can create maintenance headaches.

When you install a delete kit, you're removing physical components and reprogramming the engine computer to stop monitoring them. The engine will no longer try to regenerate the DPF (a process that can take 20 to 40 minutes and reduce fuel economy), and it won't recirculate exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber. The result is more horsepower, better fuel economy, and fewer emission-related repairs — but at a significant legal and financial cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A delete kit removes the DPF, EGR, and sometimes SCR systems, then reprograms the engine computer to stop monitoring them.
  • Deleting emissions systems is illegal for on-road use in all 50 states under federal EPA law, and violations can result in fines up to $37,500 per vehicle.
  • You will need a tuner, a shop experienced with Powerstroke deletions, and typically $1,500 to $3,500 in labor and parts beyond the kit itself.
  • Deleted trucks cannot pass emissions testing and will fail state vehicle inspections in states that require it, making registration impossible.
  • Delete kits are legal only for off-road or competition use on private property, and you must be able to prove the truck is not driven on public roads.

Why people delete emissions systems

The 2017 6.7 Powerstroke is known for DPF and EGR problems. The DPF clogs with soot, triggering expensive regeneration cycles that consume fuel and can damage the engine if they fail. The EGR system recirculates hot exhaust gas, which raises combustion temperatures and can cause carbon buildup, valve sticking, and premature wear. Owners who delete these systems report 50 to 100 additional horsepower, 2 to 4 miles per gallon better fuel economy, and an end to DPF regeneration cycles.

For owners who use their trucks off-road or in competition, a delete kit can make sense. For owners who drive on public roads, the legal risk and inspection failure make it impractical, even if the performance gains are real.

The legal status of deleting emissions systems

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibits removing or disabling emissions control equipment on any vehicle designed for on-road use. This applies to all 50 states and is federal law, not a state regulation. The Clean Air Act makes it illegal to sell, install, or use a deleted vehicle on public roads. Penalties include fines up to $37,500 per vehicle for the vehicle owner, and fines up to $43,280 per violation for shops that perform the work.

States that require emissions testing — including California, New York, Massachusetts, and others — will fail a deleted truck during inspection. You cannot register a vehicle that fails emissions testing, so a deleted truck cannot legally be titled or insured for road use in those states. Even in states without emissions testing, the EPA can pursue violations if a deleted truck is discovered.

The only legal use for a delete kit is on a truck that never leaves private property — a competition truck, a farm truck used only on private land, or a show truck. You must be able to document that the truck is not driven on public roads, and you should keep records of the deletion in case you are questioned.

What a delete kit includes and what it costs

A complete delete kit for a 2017 6.7 Powerstroke typically includes a new downpipe (to replace the DPF), an EGR delete kit (which blocks the EGR valve and removes the cooler), and sometimes an SCR delete kit. The kit itself usually costs $800 to $1,500 depending on the brand and what components are included. Popular brands include ATS, Flo-Pro, and Sinister Diesel.

Installation requires a tuner — a device that reprograms the engine computer — and labor from a shop experienced with Powerstroke deletions. The tuner itself costs $400 to $800, and installation labor typically runs $1,000 to $2,000. Total cost is usually $2,200 to $4,300. Some shops bundle the kit, tuner, and labor into a package price. You will also need to budget for any custom exhaust work if your truck has aftermarket exhaust components that need to be modified to fit the new downpipe.

How the deletion process works

The deletion process takes one to three days depending on the shop's schedule and whether your truck has other modifications. First, the shop removes the DPF from the exhaust system and replaces it with a straight downpipe. This requires removing the exhaust from under the truck, which is labor-intensive but straightforward. Next, they remove the EGR cooler and block the EGR valve so exhaust gas cannot recirculate.

Once the physical components are removed, the tuner connects to the truck's onboard diagnostic port and uploads new software to the engine computer. This software disables all the emissions monitoring systems and adjusts fuel injection and timing to account for the missing components. The tuner then performs a test drive to verify the truck runs correctly and the check engine light does not come back on.

After deletion, your truck will have no DPF regeneration cycles, no EGR system faults, and noticeably more power. However, it will also produce higher emissions and will fail any emissions test. If you ever need to sell the truck, you will have to disclose the deletion to the buyer, which significantly reduces resale value in states with emissions testing.

Alternatives to deletion if you want better performance

If you want more power and better fuel economy but cannot risk the legal consequences of deletion, there are legal alternatives. A DPF-back exhaust system keeps the DPF in place but replaces the restrictive factory exhaust with a larger-diameter pipe and a performance muffler. This costs $400 to $800 and adds 10 to 20 horsepower without removing emissions equipment. It will not trigger a check engine light or fail an emissions test.

A tuning tune (also called a performance tune) reprograms the engine computer to optimize fuel injection and timing without removing any physical components. This adds 20 to 40 horsepower and 2 to 3 miles per gallon of fuel economy, and it is legal for on-road use. Tuning costs $400 to $600 and can be reversed if you need to return the truck to stock. Some tuners offer a "street tune" that keeps emissions systems active but optimizes their operation.

A combination of a DPF-back exhaust and a street tune will give you most of the performance benefit of a full deletion without the legal risk. You will still have DPF regeneration cycles, but they will be less frequent and less intrusive. This approach costs $800 to $1,400 total and keeps your truck legal for road use and able to pass emissions testing.

What happens if you get caught with a deleted truck

If you are pulled over and an officer suspects your truck has been deleted, they can connect a diagnostic scanner to your truck's onboard computer and see that emissions systems have been disabled. This is grounds for a citation. The officer may also perform a visual inspection of the exhaust system to look for a straight pipe where the DPF should be.

If you fail an emissions test, the testing facility will report the deletion to your state's environmental agency. You will not be able to register the truck until you have the systems reinstalled and the truck passes a retest. Reinstalling a DPF system costs $1,500 to $2,500 and requires a tuner to restore the original software.

If you are caught selling a deleted truck without disclosing the deletion, you may face additional liability depending on your state's consumer protection laws. Some states treat it as fraud if you sell a vehicle that cannot pass inspection without telling the buyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete just the DPF and keep the EGR system?

Technically yes, but most shops recommend deleting both at the same time because the tuning changes needed for a DPF delete will trigger EGR-related check engine lights if the EGR system is still active. A DPF-only delete is rare and usually not worth the cost savings.

Will a deleted truck pass a visual inspection at a truck meet or show?

That depends on the event rules. Some truck shows and competitions specifically require deleted trucks and will not allow stock emissions systems. Others are open to any truck. Check the event rules before you show up. A deleted truck will always fail a state emissions inspection or vehicle registration inspection.

Can I reinstall the DPF later if I need to sell the truck?

Yes, but it is expensive and time-consuming. You will need to source a used or new DPF, have it installed, and have the engine computer reprogrammed back to stock. This costs $1,500 to $2,500 and takes one to two days. Many deleted trucks are sold as-is to buyers who plan to keep them off-road.

What is the difference between a delete kit and a tune?

A delete kit removes physical components (DPF, EGR cooler) and then reprograms the computer. A tune only reprograms the computer without removing anything. A tune is legal for on-road use; a delete is not. A delete gives more power but is illegal; a tune gives less power but is legal.

Will deleting my truck void the factory warranty?

Yes. Ford will not warranty any engine or emissions-related repairs on a deleted truck. If your engine fails after deletion, you will pay for repairs out of pocket. This is a significant financial risk, especially on a newer truck.