EGR Delete: Pros, Cons, and Best Kits to Use?

[673LT]

I'm considering doing an EGR delete on a 2017 RAM 3500, but there’s so much conflicting information online that I’m having trouble figuring out what’s accurate and reliable. I have a few specific questions:

1. If I decide to do an EGR delete, do I need to do both a tuner delete and a physical delete?
2. Is there a better or more efficient way to go about it?
3. Will I need to modify or replace the exhaust system as part of the process?
4. What exactly needs to be done step by step?
5. Is there any solid evidence to show that this is the best approach for improving reliability and longevity?

I’m also conflicted about finding a reliable tuner. Many tuner sites seem to lack proper support or look unprofessional, which makes it hard to trust them.


If there’s a trusted source where I can find clear, accurate information or recommendations, I’d appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. I do most of my own work and want to make sure I’m doing the best thing for the long-term reliability of my truck.

 

[BossHogg]

I’m also conflicted about finding a reliable tuner. Many tuner sites seem to lack proper support or look unprofessional, which makes it hard to trust them.


If there’s a trusted source where I can find clear, accurate information or recommendations, I’d appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. I do most of my own work and want to make sure I’m doing the best thing for the long-term reliability of my truck.

I don't think you will find anyone in the States who will touch any part of deleting your emissions system. The EPA cracked down on them.

I debated with the delete issue on my 2015 and decided to wait it out; if the emission system proved to be an issue, then bye-bye. Well, it didn't and hasn't been an issue. While you may read stories of better MPG and engine reliability, remember these posts cover several model years and generations of the emission system. Starting in 2015, it looks like they got it right with the emissions system; that has been my experience.

 

[Burla]

Is there any solid evidence that this will help longevity? Watch video Dave's 4 o's, obstacle, opportunity and options, not sure what the 4th o is, lol. So you ask, the option is maintenance or delete. Maintenance is not simple either. 3.26 mark, watch him dump dried carbon, just from a scrape, that isn't after walnut blasting.

All I can say there is solid as in rock solid that every modern diesel is gunked up at 100k miles and it just goes downhill from there. Too many YouTube's to mention, do a search.

2019 6.7 Powerstroke EGR Maintenance: The Problem With Carbon Build-Up

Take a look at the carbon buildup on this Ford F350 6.7L Powerstroke, and what we did to clean and maintain it. Let’s promote a way to tackle what we need to...

youtu.be

 

[MADDOG]

The emissions system in my 2017 Ram Laramie was a total nightmare. In less than 3K miles the truck went into limp mode four times and stopped...usually out in the middle of nowhere or off the side of a busy freeway...leaving me stranded and looking for a tow truck. Three different dealers were not able to fix the problem so I took matters into my own hands.

Here is my full delete list of parts & mods made to my 2017 Cummins powered Laramie.

4TH Generation 6.7L Cummins Delete & Tune Mod List

Delete & Tune mods
• Edge CTS-2 Insight monitor with Cummins unlock
• 13 – 17 EFI Live Dodge CSP4 tune package by PPEI / Kory Willis
• 13 – 17 EFI Live Dodge transmission tuning
• Cummins tuning switch CSP4
• EGR valve and cooler removal with block off plate
• Throttle valve delete
• Edge expandable EGT probe kit
• Pillar pod mount for Edge CTS2
Transmission mods
• BD Diesel 68RFE valve body plate kit
• Mag Hytec deep transmission pan
• ATS 68RFE transmission case support brace
Exhaust Upgrade
• FloPro 4“ cat & DPF cannister delete pipe
• 4” – 6” black exhaust tip with rolled edge
• Corsa 8004002 4” muffler – placed just behind the down pipe

When I did this the whole EGR assembly under the hood was removed. The DPF and converter cans in the exhaust were removed. The tuning by PPEI eliminated any codes that would arise if the PCM was not modified.

 

[Wild one]

The emissions system in my 2017 Ram Laramie was a total nightmare. In less than 3K miles the truck went into limp mode four times and stopped...usually out in the middle of nowhere or off the side of a busy freeway...leaving me stranded and looking for a tow truck. Three different dealers were not able to fix the problem so I took matters into my own hands.

Here is my full delete list of parts & mods made to my 2017 Cummins powered Laramie.

4TH Generation 6.7L Cummins Delete & Tune Mod List

Delete & Tune mods
• Edge CTS-2 Insight monitor with Cummins unlock
• 13 – 17 EFI Live Dodge CSP4 tune package by PPEI / Kory Willis
• 13 – 17 EFI Live Dodge transmission tuning
• Cummins tuning switch CSP4
• EGR valve and cooler removal with block off plate
• Throttle valve delete
• Edge expandable EGT probe kit
• Pillar pod mount for Edge CTS2
Transmission mods
• BD Diesel 68RFE valve body plate kit
• Mag Hytec deep transmission pan
• ATS 68RFE transmission case support brace
Exhaust Upgrade
• FloPro 4“ cat & DPF cannister delete pipe
• 4” – 6” black exhaust tip with rolled edge
• Corsa 8004002 4” muffler – placed just behind the down pipe

When I did this the whole EGR assembly under the hood was removed. The DPF and converter cans in the exhaust were removed. The tuning by PPEI eliminated any codes that would arise if the PCM was not modified.

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Damn that's a bit of a sleeper 6.7 now MD,lol.Did your milege numbers go up,as i know alot of the deleted/tuned 6.7 guys up here claim a noticable increase in milege.
Nice looking truck,i'm not a lifted 3/4 ton guy,but i gotta admit yours is one of the better looking ones and i like it.

 

[MADDOG]

Damn that's a bit of a sleeper 6.7 now MD,lol.Did your milege numbers go up,as i know alot of the deleted/tuned 6.7 guys up here claim a noticable increase in milege.
Nice looking truck,i'm not a lifted 3/4 ton guy,but i gotta admit yours is one of the better looking ones and i like it.

I like the stock look on my rigs but there's always something happening under the skin, ya know?

I did see an increase in mileage. It might have been better, but I had a hard time keeping my foot out of it.

I didn't install a lift. Rather, I leveled the front and went to 35x12.50/17 tires on some aftermarket wheels. It was a bit higher than stock but not by much.

I miss that truck as well as my 2014 Big Horn with the 6.4L HEMI.

 

[nlambert182]

I'm considering doing an EGR delete on a 2017 RAM 3500, but there’s so much conflicting information online that I’m having trouble figuring out what’s accurate and reliable. I have a few specific questions:

1. If I decide to do an EGR delete, do I need to do both a tuner delete and a physical delete?
2. Is there a better or more efficient way to go about it?
3. Will I need to modify or replace the exhaust system as part of the process?
4. What exactly needs to be done step by step?
5. Is there any solid evidence to show that this is the best approach for improving reliability and longevity?

I’m also conflicted about finding a reliable tuner. Many tuner sites seem to lack proper support or look unprofessional, which makes it hard to trust them.


If there’s a trusted source where I can find clear, accurate information or recommendations, I’d appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. I do most of my own work and want to make sure I’m doing the best thing for the long-term reliability of my truck.

You won't find many in the states who will do the work and not a lot of folks who will answer you... but...

1. You can either unplug all of the components under the hood and then tune, or do a tune and physical delete. However, a tuner is required either way.
2. Nope.
3. Yes. You would need either a DPF delete pipe, or could opt for an entire new exhaust.
4. Youtube is your best friend here. It is detailed in a few hundred videos. Way too much to answer on a forum and since this absolutely voids warranties and is heavily frowned upon by the EPA I won't detail the how for you. But YT does.
5. That depends on who you ask and is a loaded question. It does make the engine a lot more more reliable, IF you can stay on a stock HP tune. Many get antsy and turn it up since most canned tunes offer multiple power levels. At that point, it's more unreliable than stock and can not only cause problems with the engine but ALSO the transmission.

There are only a few reliable canned tune options out there and most (if not all) come from Canada. H&S Minimaxx (which I believe just shut down), RaceMe (Canada), EFILive (using someone else's custom tunes), MM3 (RaceMe and MM3 use the same hardware, diff tunes), and maybe 1-2 others.

The main things required for the most basic delete is a tuner and DPF delete pipe with everything else unplugged. The next level up adds an EGR delete and throttle valve delete. Anything beyond that isn't necessary, but optional.

 

[BigBootyJudy]

Just had the check engine light come on. P208a error. Doing research shows DEF tank pump. 21 3500 with 75400 miles and it is not covered under the emissions warranty. looks to be 900 if the pump is not integrated in the tank 2200 if it is. I’m putting any $ onto a lame system holding down or choking my 6.7. Now to figure who to go with. I know it will come out of Canada and that’s fine. Just who has the most reliable tune as that is the most important component or the delete.

 

[Jeff Bottemiller]

It's definitely a mixed bag when it comes to deletes. Our own EPA landscape appears to be changing back to a more common sense approach to emissions so deletes may soon be OK...we'll see.

That said, when I bought this truck it was already deleted due to a failed DPF during Covid and a lack of available parts. The owner at than time could either not drive his truck or delete it. Hence the delete.

I've worked with The Diesel Dudes in Canada. They review well and provide very good communication. Their tunes seem to be well written.

 

[nlambert182]

This was precisely why I deleted my 2016 3500. I couldn't get the parts to fix it for 6 months. Tuner Depot makes some good kits.

 

[kawaiiitakko]

EGR deleting a 2017 RAM 3500 isn’t as simple as most forums make it sound. Yes, you generally need both a tuner delete (to turn off the EGR logic) and a physical delete (block-off plates or full kit). Doing only one creates drivability issues. Most owners also replace or modify the exhaust because once emissions systems are disabled, the stock DPF setup can cause backpressure problems.

The steps usually include: tuner flash → remove EGR cooler/valve → install block-off hardware → adjust exhaust setup. But keep in mind there’s no solid evidence that deleting guarantees longer engine life, many issues come from tuning quality, not the EGR system itself.

If you do go this route, look for well-reviewed delete kits as Suncent’s DPF delete kit are commonly mentioned for reliability.

 

[nlambert182]

In all my years in this world and specific to Cummins, I have never heard of Suncent so I did some digging. Suncent Auto is actually Shenzhen Suncent Auto Parts Technol and their manufacturing facility is in Shenzhen, China. The only thing that isn't Chinese about them is their storefront in CA that they use for their online sales. I wouldn't install Chinese delete parts on my truck, but that's just me. There are many other companies both in the US and CA that sell quality kits who actually back their products after the sale.

The biggest thing is the tuner and the tune. Find one that is reputable and has a solid history, and go with them if you're going to do it. With a quality tune (essentially bringing everything back to as close to stock functionality as possible) there's tons of evidence that the engines will last much longer and be much happier (if you keep your foot out of it).

 

[mtnrider]

In all my years in this world and specific to Cummins, I have never heard of Suncent so I did some digging. Suncent Auto is actually Shenzhen Suncent Auto Parts Technol and their manufacturing facility is in Shenzhen, China. The only thing that isn't Chinese about them is their storefront in CA that they use for their online sales. I wouldn't install Chinese delete parts on my truck, but that's just me. There are many other companies both in the US and CA that sell quality kits who actually back their products after the sale.

The biggest thing is the tuner and the tune. Find one that is reputable and has a solid history, and go with them if you're going to do it. With a quality tune (essentially bringing everything back to as close to stock functionality as possible) there's tons of evidence that the engines will last much longer and be much happier (if you keep your foot out of it).

Great minds think alike!

I was very suspect of that guys post as well, almost ssems like it is ai the way it is worded? Had to look up that "well reviewed" company since I had never heard of them either and I am pretty in tune with all the tuning/delete companies out there. Wasn't impressed.

I suspect that guy the wrote that is tied to that company....


.


.

 

[kalasg123]

The conflicting information exists because EGR deletes involve mechanical changes, ECU calibration, and emissions regulations, which often get mixed together online. On a 2017 RAM 3500, a physical EGR delete requires matching ECM tuning; doing one without the other will cause fault codes, derate, or drivability issues. A tuner-only solution leaves the EGR hardware as a potential failure point, while a physical-only delete will not function correctly without calibration. There is no “better” shortcut reliability gains come from removing heat and soot loading, not from power increases. An EGR-only delete typically does not require exhaust modification, unless DPF or SCR systems are altered. Step-by-step, the process involves isolating EGR flow, maintaining proper coolant routing, updating ECM airflow and temperature models, and validating engine operation. Evidence for improved reliability is largely mechanical and anecdotal, based on reduced EGR cooler and valve failures. Results depend heavily on tune quality and driving conditions. Poor tuning causes more problems than the delete itself. Trusted information usually comes from Cummins-focused technical forums and experienced diesel shops rather than marketing sites.


you can go for SuncentAuto EGR delete kits because they focus on proper fitment and coolant routing, but regardless of brand, correct installation and quality tuning matter far more than the kit name.

 

[nlambert182]

This is definitely an AI bot based on all the misinformation........

But you are correct, information should come from Cummins-focused technical forums and experienced shops, neither of which ever mention Chinese branded SuncentAuto. Alternatively, most (if not all) forums and shops would suggest you steer clear of Chinese knockoffs like Spelab (and now Suncent) and find a reputable source.

You are incorrect with the statement that exhaust mods are not required. You CAN leave the EGR and EGR cooler in place and unplug them. But...If you DON'T remove the DPF when you remove the EGR it will absolutely fail. Do you understand how all of the components work together?

The EGR reduces soot that goes to the DPF. The EGR cooler cools down combustion temps. When you take it off, but leave the DPF, soot accumulates much faster and requires more frequent regens. The excess heat in the DPF causes thermal stress on the system instead of only requiring the added heat during a regen. The combination of the two clogs the DPF even faster.

So in short... NO... you don't do one without the other, and all quality tuners that I've seen turns off both systems at the same time. Turning off regens while increasing the soot and heat in the DPF without the ability to regen would kill it. Common sense.

 

[2016 2500]

This is definitely an AI bot based on all the misinformation........

But you are correct, information should come from Cummins-focused technical forums and experienced shops, neither of which ever mention Chinese branded SuncentAuto. Alternatively, most (if not all) forums and shops would suggest you steer clear of Chinese knockoffs like Spelab (and now Suncent) and find a reputable source.

You are incorrect with the statement that exhaust mods are not required. You CAN leave the EGR and EGR cooler in place and unplug them. But...If you DON'T remove the DPF when you remove the EGR it will absolutely fail. Do you understand how all of the components work together?

The EGR reduces soot that goes to the DPF. The EGR cooler cools down combustion temps. When you take it off, but leave the DPF, soot accumulates much faster and requires more frequent regens. The excess heat in the DPF causes thermal stress on the system instead of only requiring the added heat during a regen. The combination of the two clogs the DPF even faster.

So in short... NO... you don't do one without the other, and all quality tuners that I've seen turns off both systems at the same time. Turning off regens while increasing the soot and heat in the DPF without the ability to regen would kill it. Common sense.

That is common sense, what ever "trap" is in that dpf it hinders exhaust flow, so yes the reduction of egr helps mileage but removing the dpf reduces backpressure and personally I prefer my 5 inch turbo back exhaust pipe, though I did go with the flow through muffler to reduce drone.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

The conflicting information exists because EGR deletes involve mechanical changes, ECU calibration, and emissions regulations, which often get mixed together online. On a 2017 RAM 3500, a physical EGR delete requires matching ECM tuning; doing one without the other will cause fault codes, derate, or drivability issues. A tuner-only solution leaves the EGR hardware as a potential failure point, while a physical-only delete will not function correctly without calibration. There is no “better” shortcut reliability gains come from removing heat and soot loading, not from power increases. An EGR-only delete typically does not require exhaust modification, unless DPF or SCR systems are altered. Step-by-step, the process involves isolating EGR flow, maintaining proper coolant routing, updating ECM airflow and temperature models, and validating engine operation. Evidence for improved reliability is largely mechanical and anecdotal, based on reduced EGR cooler and valve failures. Results depend heavily on tune quality and driving conditions. Poor tuning causes more problems than the delete itself. Trusted information usually comes from Cummins-focused technical forums and experienced diesel shops rather than marketing sites.


you can go for SuncentAuto EGR delete kits because they focus on proper fitment and coolant routing, but regardless of brand, correct installation and quality tuning matter far more than the kit name.

You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

The OP sounds like the EPA fishing to me.

 

[Wild one]

The OP sounds like the EPA fishing to me.

If they are,they're not very good,as they haven't been here in over 9 months

 

[nlambert182]

It sounds like an AI marketing bot... and one with a very poorly written script.