6.7 Power Stroke Delete Tuning- Does it Really Work?

The 6.7 Power Stroke engine is a really popular diesel unit in the US. The Ford engine has a lot of rumours around it, so we need to tell you some important things about deleting certain parts for making this engine 'better'.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2011-2016
• Average lifespan of 6.7 Power Stroke:240,000-270,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Common Rail
• Power range:330-475 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:turbo problems, cooling system issues, weak sensors, CP4 pump problems.

What is a 6.7 Power Stroke?

A 6.7 Power Stroke is a diesel engine produced by Ford. It was actually the first medium-duty engine designed by the company and it performs excellently. For instance, the 6.7 Power Stroke features great performance and competitive fuel economy, and its sturdy build ensures it has great longevity and reliability.

The 6.7 Power Stroke engine is unique for one main reason- its exhaust manifold and turbocharger are mounted within the engine's valley. This has led the company to nickname the engine 'scorpion'.

What is Delete Tuning?

There are two kinds of delete tuning, these being DPF and EGR delete. Let's take a look at each type in a little more detail.

1. DPF Delete

DPF is shorthand for 'Diesel Particulate Filter'. This is a filter located in the exhaust system to filter out harmful particles from the engine's exhaust. All of these particles are stored within the exhaust system, and a process known as the 'regeneration cycle' burns fuel to burn up these particles.

A DPF, therefore, places several limits on your vehicle. For instance, when the regeneration cycle starts, your fuel economy, and overall performance, will dip significantly. Furthermore, faults with the regeneration cycle can cause expensive damage to your engine. Lastly, all DPFs will require a deep clean at some point or another. This can set you back thousands, and you won't even notice a change in your vehicle.

Getting rid of a car's DPF is therefore at the top of many enthusiasts' priorities, not only to save money but also to ensure a vehicle's performance is consistent. A DPF delete kit allows you to do this, by removing the physical DPF, as well as configuring the car's computer to bypass the function. A DPF delete kit is made of an exhaust component, which will physically dismantle the filter, and a tuner, to change the vehicle's computer.

2. EGR Delete

EGR is shorthand for exhaust gas reduction. Essentially, this refers to a technique used in a car's exhaust system to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. To do this, the emissions are recirculated through the engine's cylinders. The purpose of an EGR is to reduce a vehicle's emissions and make it more environmentally friendly.

However, EGRs also significantly reduce a car's performance, by clogging the intake systems, and will reduce the engine's efficiency, causing it to burn more fuel for the same performance.

Many drivers believe that an EGR is actually bad for a vehicle, and thus want it removed- this is where an EGR delete comes in. An EGR delete kit will remove the EGR valve, preventing emissions from re-entering the engine's cylinders, essentially mitigating its effects entirely.

Benefits of a DPF Delete

Here are the main benefits of a DPF delete:

• Increased Fuel Efficiency:Deleting the DPF system will mean that a car will be able to drive the same distance for incredibly less fuel. This can save a driver a lot of money in the long run.
• Increased Performance:By removing a DPF, you allow an engine to reach its full potential. As such, you can expect greatly enhanced performance after a DPF delete.
• Increased Service Life:Removing a vehicle's DPF will also increase its service life, as wear and tear will be greatly reduced. This is another great money saver in the long run.
• Less Can go Wrong:Removing a vehicle part means that there's less chance of something going wrong, giving your vehicle greater reliability.

Drawbacks of a DPF Delete

Here are the potential weaknesses of a DPF delete:

• Initial Cost:Whilst a DPF delete will, in the long run, save you some serious money, the initial cost for the kit and labor can be very expensive. This is certainly something to consider if you're looking for a DPF delete kit.
• Legal Difficulty:Depending on your jurisdiction, removing a vehicle's DPF can be illegal, due to environmental regulations. As such, it's best to check your area's laws before committing to anything.

Benefits of an EGR delete

Here are the strongest benefits of an EGR delete:

• Increased Fuel Efficiency:Installing an EGR delete will greatly increase your fuel economy, as your engine will be able to run more smoothly. This, like the DPF delete, will save you a great deal of money over a long period.
• Affordability:Unlike a DPF delete, EGR kits are very affordable. This can make them a much more appealing choice for anyone looking to increase their vehicle's performance without breaking the bank.
• Easy Installation:EGR kits are pretty easy to install onto virtually any engine. If you've got good experience with car modification, you might even feel confident enough to install it yourself, saving you some labor costs.

Drawbacks of an EGR delete

EGR deletes aren't perfect. Here are their biggest flaws:

• Increased Exhaust Gas Temperature:By installing an EGR delete, you run the risk of your exhaust gas temperature overheating and causing your oil to go foul. An increase in gas temperature can also decrease the overall efficiency of your vehicle. This is only a problem for select engines and vehicles, however.
• Legal Issues:Just like a DPF kit, EGR kits have their legal issues. You may find that certain jurisdictions simply don't allow cars with an EGR delete kit, and you could face heavy fines for driving without one. Furthermore, you're almost guaranteed to fail your emission tests, which can result in a fine.

Does DFT delete work for a 6.7 Power Stroke?

You can certainly use a DFT delete on a 6.7 Power Stroke engine. The physical installation will delete the portion of the exhaust between the downpipe and the muffler and is pretty cheap too. You'll also need a tuner- this is where the prices start to go up. Most tuners will work with a 6.7 Power Stroke engine, but they can cost over $1,000.

Installing a DFT delete kit will give your 6.7 Power Stroke engine up to 100 extra horsepower. You can also expect anywhere from a 2-5 mpg increase in fuel efficiency. The turbo will be more efficient too, and you can benefit from lower maintenance costs all around.

However, a DFT kit for a 6.7 Power Stroke is incredibly expensive. To add to this, you'll also decrease the resale value of your car with a kit installed, losing you even more money. Finally, you could find that licensed garages will refuse to work on your vehicle if they find you have a DFT kit installed. Make sure you're aware of these risks before you commit to a delete kit.

Does an EGR delete work for a 6.7 Power Stroke?

Just like a DFT delete, an EGR delete is perfectly compatible with a 6.7 Power Stroke engine. Although, the kit is more complicated to install, and installation will take considerably longer, especially if you're fitting it yourself. But the kits themselves only cost around $50, making them a better budget choice than a DFT delete.

An EGR kit will delete the EGR valve and cooler from your engine, allowing clean air to circulate through the cylinders. However, this is easier said than done. When EGR deleting a 6.7 Power Stroke, be aware that you'll have to replace some of the hoses, which can rack up the costs, and time spent on the vehicle.

Once it's complete though, an EGR delete will bring some serious benefits to your 6.7 Power Stroke engine.

For instance, you'll be able to notice an increase in fuel efficiency, nearly matching that of a DFT delete. Furthermore, your engine will have increased longevity, saving you big maintenance costs down the line.

However, an EGR delete comes with some serious problems specific to the 6.7 Power Stroke. For instance, an EGR delete may actually reduce your engine's horsepower. This is because, whilst the EGR kit will help to mix clean air with fuel, modern systems mean that there won't be enough space in the engine chamber for it to be able to reap the benefits.

In addition, the EGR can change the temperature within the engine, leading to a knocking noise. This can be incredibly loud and annoying. Finally, you're almost guaranteed to fail any emissions tests, which could land you with a big fine.  

Concluding thoughts

Ultimately, delete tuning has its time and place, and you should only delete tune your 6.7 Power Stroke if you absolutely have to. Delete tuning can bring great benefits. For instance, if your DFT is broken, a DFT delete kit can save you around $5,000 in repairs. Furthermore, both delete kits can seriously increase your fuel efficiency, and even help the engine to generate more power.

However, for most people, the negatives will outweigh the benefits. Delete tuning will seriously decrease the resale value of your vehicle and can make repairs very difficult, as many garages will turn you away if they see that your car has a delete kit installed. Finally, delete tuning is illegal in most areas, and driving without a DFT or EGR could land you in serious trouble.