How Much Does It Cost to Delete a 6.7 Cummins? A Truck Owner’s Guide

Hey, Ram truck fans! If you’re wondering how much it costs to delete a 6.7 Cummins, you’re likely chasing that extra power and better fuel economy that comes with ditching the emissions gear. As a diesel enthusiast who’s spent countless hours under the hood, I get why you’re curious but this isn’t a decision to make lightly. Deleting the emissions systems on your Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500’s 6.7L Cummins engine can cost anywhere from a few hundred bucks to several thousand, and it comes with legal and practical considerations. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs, what’s involved, and answer the questions burning in every truck owner’s mind. Let’s roll!

What Does Deleting a 6.7 Cummins Involve?

Before we talk dollars, let’s clarify what “deleting” means. The 6.7 Cummins, a beast of a diesel engine in Ram trucks since 2007, comes with emissions control systems to meet environmental regulations. Deleting involves removing or bypassing these systems to boost performance. Here’s what’s typically targeted:

• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): Recycles exhaust back into the engine to cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions but can clog and reduce efficiency.
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): Traps soot from exhaust, requiring periodic regeneration that can sap fuel economy.
• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to reduce NOx, adding maintenance costs.

A “delete” can range from a simple EGR removal to a full overhaul, stripping all emissions components. This often requires a tuner to reprogram the engine’s computer (ECM) to avoid error codes. Important note: Deleting is illegal for on-road use in many regions, including most U.S. states, and can void your warranty. Always check local laws before pulling the trigger.

Breaking Down the Costs

The cost to delete a 6.7 Cummins depends on what you’re removing, the quality of parts, and whether you’re wrenching yourself or paying a shop. Let’s dive into the numbers.

Parts Costs

• EGR Delete Kits: These are the most affordable option, ranging from $100 to $500. For example, SPELAB offers EGR delete kits for 2013-2018 Ram 6.7L Cummins models priced between $137.77 and $436.00 SPELAB EGR Delete Kits.
• Full Delete Kits: Removing EGR, DPF, and SCR systems ups the ante. The Diesel Dudes’ full delete bundle for 2022-2024 Ram Cummins 6.7L costs $6,099, including a new ECM, tuner with preloaded delete tunes, a rust-resistant delete exhaust, and an EGR delete kit The Diesel Dudes Full Delete.
• Tuners: A tuner is a must to keep the ECM happy and avoid check-engine lights. Options like the H&S Mini Maxx or Bully Dog GT run $500 to $1,000.
• Exhaust Upgrades: Many owners add a performance exhaust like a 5-inch turbo-back system for better flow and that deep growl, costing $1,000 to $2,000.

Labor Costs

• DIY: If you’ve got the tools and skills, doing it yourself saves cash. A full delete might take 6-10 hours think jack stands, a socket set, and a scan tool for tuning.
• Professional Installation: Shop rates vary, but expect $500 to $1,500 total. One Ohio shop quoted $250 for exhaust install, $350 for EGR delete, $250 for tuning, and $150 for a pyrometer kit, hitting around $1,000 in labor Cummins Forum Labor Costs. Another full delete estimate, parts and labor, landed at $4,000.

Real-World Example

A buddy with a 2014 Ram 3500 did a full delete for under $2,500, including tuner and tune, by wrenching it himself. He figured a shop would’ve bumped it to $3,000 iGotACummins Delete Cost. Compare that to a dealer’s $10,000 quote to fix a clogged emissions system, and you see the appeal.

Why Delete a 6.7 Cummins? Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• More Power: Ditching emissions gear can unlock 50-100 horsepower and gobs of torque, especially with a good tune.
• Better Fuel Economy: Owners report 2-5 MPG gains without DPF regen cycles or DEF refills.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Emissions repairs can hit $3,000-$7,000 for a new DPF or SCR MotorTrend Emissions Costs. Deleting skips those bills.
• Smoother Ride: Many say their trucks feel livelier without the emissions chokehold.

Drawbacks

• Legal Trouble: The EPA and most states ban deletes for street use. Fines can climb into the thousands, and your truck might get sidelined.
• Warranty Void: Modifying the engine kills your factory warranty future repairs are all on you.
• Environmental Hit: More NOx and soot in the air isn’t great for the planet.
• Risk of Damage: Bad tuning or cheap parts can lead to soot buildup, overheating, or turbo woes.

Common Questions Truck Owners Ask

Here’s what I hear from the diesel crowd and the straight-up answers.

• “Will my truck pass emissions tests after a delete?”
  No chance. Without the gear, it’s a fail in any emissions-checked area. Keep it stock if you’re in a strict state.
  
• “Can I tackle the delete myself?”
  If you’re handy with a wrench, absolutely. It’s not a quick oil change, though expect a full day and a tuner to dodge error codes. Not confident? Let a shop handle it.
  
• “Does deleting extend engine life?”
  Some swear it reduces wear by cutting exhaust backpressure, but a sloppy tune can clog things up or overheat your rig. Maintenance matters more than the delete itself.
  
• “Is it worth the cash?”
  If you’re off-roading or in a no-emissions zone, the power and savings might tip the scales. For daily drivers under warranty? The risks might not pay off.
  
• “What about error codes post-delete?”
  You’ll need a tuner to reprogram the ECM otherwise, it’s dashboard light city. Most kits pair with tuners for this reason Tuner Depot Delete Kits.
  

Tips for a Successful Delete

Ready to commit? Here’s how to nail it:

• Know Your Laws: Dig into state regs some places are chill, others will slap you with fines faster than you can say “DPF.”
• Buy Quality: Skip the sketchy eBay specials. Brands like SPELAB or The Diesel Dudes deliver parts that last.
• Tune It Right: A pro tune (think $300-$1,000) keeps your engine humming and avoids damage 6.7 Cummins Delete Cost.
• Explore Options: If deleting feels dicey, a cold air intake or cat-back exhaust can boost performance without the legal baggage.
• Stay on Maintenance: Oil changes, fuel filters, and turbo checks keep your Cummins purring, deleted or not.

Final Thoughts: Weighing the Cost and Consequences

So, how much does it cost to delete a 6.7 Cummins? A basic EGR delete runs $500 to $2,000, while a full delete with all the bells and whistles hits $2,000 to $6,000+, plus $500 to $1,500 if a shop’s involved. The payoff more grunt, better mileage, and fewer repair hassles can be sweet, but the legal heat, warranty loss, and eco impact are real buzzkills. Before you dive in, weigh your needs, scope out local rules, and chat with a diesel pro to get it done right.

Got a delete tale or question? Drop it below let’s keep the diesel brotherhood strong!