The 6.7L Cummins engine in the new 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks is celebrated for its durability, torque, and towing capabilities. However, similar to any modern diesel engine, it includes modern emissions systems such as the EGR, DPF, and SCR. The latter, often being a thorn in the side of diesel owners, reduces performance, promotes increased maintenance efforts, and increases operation costs.
Delete kits became a go-to solution for many owners of delete kits for 2017 6.7 Cummins trucks. These kits remove the emissions systems and increase engine performance, reliability, and life. This article will delve into delete kits, including how they work and what their benefits and considerations are for EGR deletion.
What Are Delete Kits?
Delete kits are aftermarket solutions made to disable or remove emissions control systems. For the 6.7L Cummins, these include:
EGR: recirculates exhaust gasses into the engine’s intake in order to minimize the amount of NOx that leave the vehicle.
DPF: traps soot and particulate matter from the exhaust stream.
SCR: utilizes diesel exhaust fluid called DEF to neutralize NOx emissions.
A total delete kit should usually come with hardware to eliminate these systems and software (using ECU tuning) to ensure that the engine runs smoothly without causing fault codes or a check engine light.
Benefits of 6.7 Cummins EGR Delete Kit Improvement in Engine Performance
The EGR system allows for the diversion of hot exhaust gasses back into the intake manifold, which reduces the available supply of fresh, oxygen-rich air to combust. Removing the EGR increases the fresh air to the engine’s combustion chamber, thereby improving power, torque, and throttle response.
Less Carbon Deposit
There is soot and carbon introduced into the intake system because of EGR that can collect over time to clog in the intake manifold, valves, and more. An EGR delete removes this source of buildup so the engine stays cleaner and runs more efficiently.
Lower Engine Temperatures
Exhaust gasses recirculated through the EGR system are hot and can raise overall engine operating temperatures. Deleting the EGR helps the engine run cooler, reducing stress on critical components and extending their lifespan.
Increased Fuel Efficiency
Improved airflow and combustion efficiency result in many owners enjoying increased fuel economy after installing an EGR delete kit, especially when towing heavily.
Increased Reliability
The EGR system, with its cooler and valve, is one of the areas that tend to fail easily, particularly in trucks that have high miles. When you remove it, you get rid of the failure areas, thus curtailing downtime and repair costs.
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Delete Kit
Emissions Requirements
Removal of the EGR system is, in many areas, illegal for street use since it leads to increased NOx emissions. Although delete kits are technically marketed for off-road or competition use, they can earn penalties and fail inspections if applied to public roads.
ECU Tuning
Deleting the EGR requires ECU reprogramming to prevent fault codes and optimize engine performance. Many delete kits include tuning software to recalibrate the engine’s parameters, ensuring smooth operation without the emissions systems.
Warranty Concerns
Installing a delete kit may void your vehicle’s warranty. Ensure you understand the potential implications before proceeding with this modification.
Environmental Impact
While deleting the EGR system improves performance, it increases emissions, particularly NOx levels, which contribute to air pollution.
Choosing the Right Delete Kit
When selecting a delete kit for your 2017 6.7 Cummins EGR, it’s essential to choose a reputable brand and ensure compatibility with your vehicle. High-quality kits are designed for easy installation and reliable performance. Brands like H&S Performance, Sinister Diesel, and Flo~Pro are popular choices among Cummins owners.
Final Thoughts
An EGR delete kit provides quite a number of performance and reliability gains, reduced maintenance for the 2017 6.7 Cummins owner, but it calls for weighing the potential benefits against legal, environmental, and warranty concerns. If you do go for an EGR delete, make sure the kit is installed professionally and paired with proper ECU tuning. While designed for off-road and competition use, an EGR delete kit can help unlock the true potential of your 6.7 Cummins diesel engine.
