The Pros And Cons Of A DPF And EGR Delete

Today's diesel-powered trucks come with two notable pieces of emissions equipment: a diesel particulate filter and an exhaust gas recirculation valve. Both components are tasked with reducing the level of pollutants produced by diesel engines. However, many truck owners feel that this comes at the expense of overall performance.

DPF and EGR delete kits are a popular way for truck owners to get significant performance gains from their diesel engines. Like every other vehicle modification, a DPF/EGR delete comes with its share of advantages and drawbacks.

Benefits of a DPF/EGR Delete

From the average truck owner's perspective, deleting the DPF and EGR offers plenty of benefits in terms of performance and drivability.

Increased Performance

Unrestricted intake and exhaust systems usually offer the best possible environment for generating maximum horsepower and torque gains. Adding a DPF or EGR adds an additional restriction to the exhaust or intake system. These artificial restrictions can become worse over time as soot builds up within the EGR and DPF.

Deleting the DPF and EGR removes these restrictions, freeing your diesel engine to generate more horsepower and torque.

Improved Reliability

DPF and EGR systems are designed to work as reliably as possible. Nevertheless, many truck owners have experienced a broad range of issues from malfunctioning DPFs and EGRs. These issues often include constant clogging, engine and catalyst overheating and sluggish performance. Some owners have even gone back to older trucks built without these emissions devices for better reliability.

If you're currently facing these issues, a DPF/EGR delete may help restore your truck's overall reliability by eliminating the source of emissions-related reliability issues.

Better Fuel Economy

Reduced intake air flow and regeneration cycles can cause DPF and EGR-equipped vehicles to burn more fuel throughout their lifespan. The removal of the DPF and EGR can significantly increase a diesel-powered truck's fuel economy, leading to lower fuel costs and longer traveling ranges.

Drawbacks of a DPF/EGR Delete

A DPF/EGR delete may offer plenty of attractive benefits, but there are also several downsides to consider. The following explains some of the disadvantages of DPF and EGR deletion.

Higher Particulate Emissions

Like other emissions systems, DPFs and EGRs were designed to prevent diesel particulates from entering the atmosphere. A DPF/EGR defeats the purpose of these devices, causing your diesel-powered truck to produce harmful soot and other particulates. If you live in a state that requires emissions testing for diesel-powered vehicles, a DPF/EGR delete can actually prevent your vehicle from passing those tests.

Potential State and Federal Fines

If you decide to delete your diesel truck's DPF or EGR, you could be at risk of receiving various fines and penalties for removing this equipment. The Clean Air Act mandates the use of DPFs, EGRs, and other emissions equipment on all diesel truck engines with heavy fines and penalties for dealers, repair shops, and individuals who remove this equipment.

The penalties also go beyond federal and state fines. Tampering with emissions equipment could also prevent your vehicle from being properly registered. Many dealerships will also refuse to accept diesel vehicle trade-ins that have had their DPFs and EGRs deleted.

Voided Warranties

By stripping your diesel-powered truck of its DPF and EGR, you could inadvertently strip your truck of its warranty. Most vehicle warranties feature provisions that immediately void warranty coverage if the vehicle's emissions system is altered in any way. This means that any repair normally covered under the manufacturer's warranty may turn into an out-of-pocket expense thanks to your truck's deleted emissions equipment.

Before you settle on a DPF/EGR delete, it's important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks it can have on your truck, especially if you own an entire fleet of diesel-powered vehicles. Contact a company like Cantune to learn more.