A delete kit removes emissions control systems from your 2020 Ram 2500
A delete kit for a 2020 Ram 2500 removes or disables the diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. These are emissions control components that reduce pollutants the truck sends into the air. Removing them changes how the engine runs, typically increasing fuel economy and engine power while eliminating the need for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
The 2020 Ram 2500 diesel engine (the 6.7-liter Cummins) comes with all three systems factory-installed. A delete kit physically removes the DPF from the exhaust line, blocks or removes the SCR injector that sprays DEF into the exhaust, and disables the EGR cooler that recirculates exhaust gas back into the engine. Some kits are full deletes (all three systems removed), while others target specific components.
This is not a maintenance item or a repair. It is a permanent modification that changes the truck's emissions profile and requires engine tuning software to run correctly after the hardware is removed.
Key Takeaways
- A delete kit removes the DPF, SCR, and EGR systems, which are emissions control devices that come standard on the 2020 Ram 2500 diesel.
- Deleting these systems requires both hardware removal and engine tuning software, and the truck will no longer meet federal emissions standards.
- Deleted trucks cannot pass emissions testing in states that require it, and selling a deleted truck to someone in a state with testing can create legal liability for the seller.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) prohibit the sale and installation of delete kits, and violations carry significant fines.
- Warranty coverage from Ram is typically voided once a delete kit is installed, and some shops will refuse service on deleted trucks.
Why people install delete kits and what they claim to gain
Owners install delete kits primarily to increase fuel economy and engine power. The DPF and SCR systems create backpressure in the exhaust, which reduces efficiency. Removing them allows exhaust to flow more freely, and tuning software can adjust fuel injection and timing to take advantage of that change. Many owners report 2 to 4 miles-per-gallon improvement in highway driving, though real-world results vary based on driving habits and load.
Deleting the DEF system eliminates the need to buy and refill diesel exhaust fluid, which costs money and requires trips to the pump. The SCR system injects DEF into the exhaust to convert nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. Without it, you never need DEF again.
Some owners delete because they tow heavy loads regularly and believe the systems reduce towing capacity or create maintenance headaches. The DPF can clog under certain conditions, triggering expensive regeneration cycles or requiring professional cleaning. Removing it eliminates that risk.
Federal and state laws that restrict or ban delete kits
The EPA prohibits the manufacture, sale, and installation of delete kits under the Clean Air Act. The agency classifies them as "defeat devices" — equipment designed to circumvent emissions controls. Manufacturers and sellers of delete kits face fines up to $37,500 per kit sold. Installers can face fines as well, though enforcement against individual shops varies by region.
California and several other states have their own emissions standards that are stricter than federal requirements. California Air Resources Board (CARB) also bans the sale and installation of delete kits and pursues enforcement against shops and manufacturers operating in the state. Some states follow federal standards only; others adopt California's rules.
Individual truck owners who install a delete kit on their own truck face potential fines from the EPA if caught, though enforcement against private owners is less common than enforcement against sellers and installers. However, the real legal risk emerges when you try to sell the truck. If you sell a deleted truck to someone in a state with emissions testing, and that person cannot register it, you may face liability for misrepresenting the vehicle's condition.
Emissions testing and registration problems in states that require it
States that conduct on-board diagnostics (OBD) emissions testing will reject a deleted truck during inspection. The test reads the truck's computer to verify that all emissions systems are present and functioning. A deleted truck will show fault codes indicating missing or disabled systems, and the truck will fail the test. You cannot register a vehicle that fails emissions testing in those states.
States that require emissions testing include California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas (in certain counties), Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Some of these states test all diesel trucks; others test only trucks above a certain model year or weight. The 2020 Ram 2500 would be subject to testing in all of these states.
If you own a deleted truck and move to a state with testing, you will not be able to register it without either reinstalling the emissions systems (which is expensive and often difficult after deletion) or registering it in a state without testing and commuting across state lines — which is illegal for regular use.
Warranty and insurance implications
Ram's factory warranty explicitly covers only trucks with all original emissions systems intact. Once a delete kit is installed, the warranty is void for any engine-related repairs, and many dealers will refuse to service the truck at all. If the engine fails after deletion, you are responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement, even if the truck is still under the original warranty period.
Some insurance companies will not insure a deleted truck, or will charge higher premiums if they discover the modification. Others straightforward exclude coverage for engine damage on modified vehicles. Before installing a delete kit, contact your insurance company to understand how it affects your policy. Failing to disclose the modification could give the insurer grounds to deny a claim.
Resale value also takes a hit. A deleted truck is worth less than an unmodified one because the next owner inherits the legal and registration risks. Private buyers often avoid deleted trucks, and dealers typically will not accept them as trade-ins.
What the installation process involves
A full delete kit installation typically takes 8 to 16 hours at a shop, depending on the truck's condition and which systems are being removed. The DPF is located in the exhaust system under the truck and must be physically cut out and replaced with a straight pipe or delete pipe. The SCR injector is removed from the exhaust, and the DEF tank may be left in place or removed entirely. The EGR cooler is either removed or bypassed.
After the hardware is removed, the truck's engine control module (ECM) must be reprogrammed with tuning software that disables the emissions system fault codes and adjusts fuel and timing parameters. This software is what allows the engine to run without the systems in place. Without it, the truck will not start or will run poorly.
The cost varies widely. A basic DPF delete with tuning typically runs $1,500 to $3,000. A full delete (DPF, SCR, and EGR) with comprehensive tuning can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the shop and the tuning software used. Some shops offer mail-in tuning options that are cheaper but require you to remove the DPF yourself or have a local mechanic do it.
Alternatives if you want better fuel economy or lower maintenance
If you want to improve fuel economy and reduce maintenance without deleting emissions systems, several legal options exist. Aftermarket tuning software that works within the factory emissions systems can provide modest gains — typically 1 to 2 miles per gallon and slightly more power — without removing any hardware. Companies like Smarty, EFI Live, and H&S Performance offer tuning that is legal for off-road use and does not trigger emissions system faults.
Maintenance-focused upgrades can reduce the cost of owning the truck without modifying emissions. A high-quality diesel fuel filter and water separator reduces the risk of DPF clogs by keeping fuel cleaner. Regular oil changes with quality diesel oil extend engine life. Some owners upgrade to a larger DEF tank to reduce refill frequency, though this does not eliminate the cost.
If towing capacity is the concern, the 2020 Ram 2500 with the factory 6.7-liter Cummins is rated to tow up to 19,000 pounds with the proper configuration. That is sufficient for most trailers. If you regularly exceed that, a heavier-duty truck or a different vehicle class may be more appropriate than modifying the one you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete just the DPF and leave the SCR and EGR systems in place?
Yes, some shops offer partial deletes. A DPF-only delete is cheaper and slightly less risky than a full delete, but the truck will still fail emissions testing because the SCR and EGR systems will show as present but the DPF will be missing. The legal and registration problems remain the same.
What happens if I get caught with a deleted truck?
If you are caught during an emissions inspection, the truck will fail and you cannot register it. If you are caught selling a deleted truck without disclosing it, you may face civil liability from the buyer. The EPA rarely pursues individual owners, but enforcement against shops and manufacturers is active and ongoing.
Can I reinstall the emissions systems after deleting them?
Technically yes, but it is expensive and often difficult. The DPF and SCR components are not always available separately, and the engine tuning must be reversed. Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 or more to fully restore a deleted truck to factory spec, and some shops will not do the work. It is easier to avoid deletion than to undo it.
Will a deleted truck pass a visual inspection if it looks stock?
No. The emissions testing in most states reads the truck's computer, not the physical components. A deleted truck will show fault codes regardless of how it looks. Some states also conduct physical inspections of the exhaust system, and a delete pipe is visibly different from a factory DPF.
Is deleting legal for off-road use only?
The EPA's rules explore to all vehicles, including those used only off-road. However, enforcement is focused on road-registered trucks. If you own a deleted truck used only on private land and never register it for road use, the legal risk is lower — but the truck still cannot be registered or sold to someone who needs to register it.