What Is a Delete Pipe on the 6.7 Power Stroke?

A 6.7 Power Stroke delete pipe, also called a race pipe or DPF delete pipe, is a straight-through, mandrel-bent pipe that physically replaces the factory DPF and DOC canister. Most are stainless steel and some are aluminized, so check the material on the product page.

The factory DPF is the biggest restriction in the exhaust. Swapping it for a constant-diameter pipe lowers backpressure, helps the turbo spool, and drops exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) under sustained load because there is no ceramic mass holding heat under the truck.

It also removes the need for active regeneration. During a forced regen, the PCM injects extra fuel on the exhaust stroke to push DPF inlet temperatures to roughly 1,000-1,200°F, and a cycle can run 10 to 40 minutes. That is fuel burned to heat your exhaust, not to move your truck.

Pipe diameter: Pipes come in 4-inch and 5-inch sizes. A 4-inch pipe moves enough air for most tow and work builds, while a 5-inch pipe is mostly about sound and needs more underbody clearance. See our 4-inch vs 5-inch breakdown.

What a delete pipe does NOT include

Important: A delete pipe alone is not a complete solution.

  • It does not touch the EGR system
  • It does not include a tuner or ECM programming
  • It does not disable the DEF/SCR system
  • It does not clear the fault codes caused by missing DPF hardware and sensors

The PCM watches the DPF differential pressure sensor, EGT probes, and NOx sensors at all times. Pull the DPF hardware without a matching tune and the PCM sees critical faults. You get a check engine light and limp mode with reduced power. Load the tune first, then remove hardware.

What Is a Full Delete Kit?

A full 6.7 Power Stroke delete kit bundles the hardware and the programming into one matched package. Contents vary by kit, so read the "What's in the box" list on the product page. A typical kit includes:

  • DPF delete pipe: 4-inch or 5-inch, either a DPF/DOC section or a full downpipe-back system
  • EGR delete hardware: Block-off plates, coolant reroute or bypass parts, and the hardware to remove the EGR valve and cooler from service
  • Delete tuner: An ECM programmer set up to turn off DPF regen logic, EGR actuation, DEF injection, and the codes tied to them

The tuner is what makes the package work. Without it, the PCM keeps looking for hardware that is gone.

Tuning requirements change by year

Not every 6.7 accepts a tune the same way. Trucks from 2011-2019 generally take a flash through the OBD-II port with platforms like EZ Lynk. Newer trucks can add steps. Some 2020 and newer trucks carry PCM hardware that needs an ECM unlock before a custom calibration will load, and trucks from 2023 on use the newest EZ Lynk setup.

Before you buy, read our guides on the best 6.7 Power Stroke tuner by year and on whether your truck needs an ECM unlock.

Delete Pipe Alone: Pros and Cons

The case for a pipe only: Upfront cost. A standalone pipe runs roughly $250 to $500, against $1,000 to $2,000 for a kit with a tuner. If you already own a compatible delete tuner for your year and just need a new pipe, buying the pipe alone makes sense.

Why a pipe alone usually falls short:

  • The EGR is still running. EGR sends a metered share of exhaust back into the intake. That gas carries soot, and when it mixes with oily vapor from the crankcase ventilation system, it forms carbon sludge on the intake. Over time that restricts airflow and adds heat stress. The EGR cooler is also a known weak point on the 6.7, and a leaking cooler puts coolant where it does not belong.
  • Without a tune, you are in limp mode. The PCM derates the engine and the truck drives worse than stock.

Full Delete Kit: Pros and Cons

Why many owners choose the kit:

  • One matched system. The pipe, EGR hardware, and tuner are chosen for your model year, with the right sensor locations and exhaust routing. That removes the guesswork of mixing parts from different sellers.
  • Less soot on the intake side. With the EGR out of service and the regen cycle gone, there is less carbon loading the intake and less heat cycling the exhaust.
  • No regen fuel in the oil. Post-injected regen fuel can wash past the piston rings and thin the engine oil. A tuned truck with regens turned off removes that source of fuel dilution.
  • Better drivability. Owners report quicker throttle response, especially under load.

What about power and mileage? Most of the power comes from the tune, not the pipe. The pipe improves flow, and the calibration changes fueling, timing, and boost. Gains vary widely by tune level, model year, and supporting mods, so treat any single horsepower figure with caution and ask for dyno data. Fuel economy can improve on trucks that regenerated often, but results depend on how you drive and tow.

The downside: Cost. A complete kit with a quality tuner is a real investment, and it is worth budgeting for properly.

Cost Comparison

Component Delete Pipe Only Full Delete Kit
DPF delete pipe $250 to $500 Included
EGR delete hardware Not included Included
Delete tuner Not included Included
DEF/SCR disable Not included Included via tune
Estimated total $850 to $1,500+ if you add a tuner and EGR parts separately $1,000 to $2,000

Prices vary by year, pipe size, and tuner. The totals overlap, so the kit's real value is parts matched to your truck from one source. See all-in-one kits vs separate parts for the math by platform.

Installation Difficulty

Delete pipe: Usually one to three hours for a capable DIY mechanic. You disconnect the EGT, NOx, and pressure sensors, unbolt the factory DPF/DOC canister, and clamp the new pipe into the factory hangers. The canister is heavy, so support it before the last bolt comes out.

Full kit with EGR: Plan for more. A shop typically needs about four to six hours, and a driveway job can take eight to ten, so plan on a weekend. Access is tight under the intake piping, and coolant lines and gaskets must seat correctly or they will leak.

Safety: Use jack stands or a lift, let the exhaust cool fully, and wear eye and hand protection. Professional installation is the smarter call if coolant work is new to you. More in install difficulty by platform.

Which Should You Choose?

Buy just a delete pipe if:

  • You already own a compatible delete tuner for your specific year
  • You are replacing a damaged pipe on a truck that is already fully set up

Buy a full delete kit if:

  • This is your first build and you are starting from scratch
  • You want the parts and tune to work together out of the box
  • You do not want to chase compatibility problems between parts from different sellers

For most first-time buyers, the kit is the safer buy. Pick the kit for your year range, 2011-2019 or 2020-2024.

Check Before You Buy

  • Match your exact truck. Year, cab, bed, trim, and whether it is a pickup or a Cab & Chassis.
  • Diagnose first. If your complaint is rapid, repeated regens, check the small pressure tube feeding the DPF differential pressure sensor. Soot can clog it and send a false high reading, which triggers regens on a healthy filter. A P2002 code points to filter efficiency rather than a simple clog, and our P2002 guide walks through the checks.

Compliance and Warranty: What to Know First

Be clear on the rules before you spend money.

  • Federal law. The Clean Air Act prohibits removing or disabling emissions controls on vehicles certified for road use, and it prohibits selling defeat devices.
  • The 2026 DOJ announcement. In January 2026, the Department of Justice said it would no longer pursue criminal charges for certain Clean Air Act tampering cases involving onboard diagnostics. That is not legalization. EPA civil enforcement and state rules still apply.
  • "Off-road use" labels. A label on a part does not by itself change how federal law treats a truck certified for highway use. You are responsible for confirming that your use is permitted.
  • State inspections. Some states test OBD readiness or inspect for tampering, and a modified truck can fail.
  • Warranty. A tune leaves a record the dealer can detect. A manufacturer must tie a failure to the modification to deny a claim, but a tune that changes fueling and boost makes that link easier to show on related parts.

If you need to keep the emissions system intact and pass inspection, a delete kit is not the right path for your truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a delete pipe without a tune on my 6.7 Power Stroke? No. Removing the DPF removes sensors the PCM monitors, and the truck will set codes and enter limp mode almost right away. Flash the tune before you remove hardware.

Does a delete pipe change the sound? Yes. Most produce a deeper, louder note than stock. If you want less volume, see delete pipe with muffler vs without.

Does an EGR delete still help if I already have a pipe? Yes. The EGR is a separate source of soot and a separate failure point. See the 6.7 Power Stroke EGR problems guide.

Do I need a CCV reroute too? It is a smart add-on for high-mileage or tuned trucks, since the factory system sends oil vapor back into the intake. See the 6.7 Power Stroke CCV reroute guide.

How do I pick the right kit for my year? Start with the 2011-2019 buyer's guide for fitment and tuner pairing. Running a newer truck? Use the 2020-2024 buyer's guide instead.

How fast does it ship, and what is the return policy? Free shipping applies to orders shipped within the continental United States. Most orders are processed the same or next business day, excluding Sundays, and most packages arrive within 3 to 5 business days after leaving the warehouse. Authorized returns are accepted within 45 calendar days from receipt. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unmodified, and in original condition. Tuner products and bundles that include a tuner may have stricter return limits.

Get the Right Kit the First Time

Whether you need a pipe for a truck that is already set up or a complete matched kit, the goal is the same: parts specified for your exact year and configuration. Choose your year and configuration at EngineGo, or send your truck's year, engine, cab, bed, and current exhaust setup to EngineGo support for a fitment check before you order.