Best DOD Delete Kits for Diesel Trucks - Power and Reliability Gains

Introduction to DOD Delete Kits

DOD delete kits have become increasingly popular among truck enthusiasts who want to remove or disable emission control systems in diesel trucks. DOD stands for the Department of Defense, and delete kits refer to kits that contain the parts needed to block, bypass, or remove specific emissions components in heavy diesel vehicles.

Reasons for Using DOD Delete Kits

There are several motivations for using DOD delete kits on diesel trucks and other heavy vehicles:

• Increase horsepower and torque output
• Improve fuel economy
• Reduce maintenance and repair costs
• Eliminate problematic emissions components
• Simplify the overall diesel engine system

By deleting or disabling emissions equipment like the diesel particulate filter (DPF), catalytic converter, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, the engine can reach higher levels of performance.

Downsides of DOD Delete Kits

While delete kits provide certain benefits, there are some important downsides to consider as well:

• Violate federal and state emission laws
• Increase exhaust pollutants
• Reduce engine reliability
• Void manufacturer warranty coverage

It's illegal to use delete kits on street-driven vehicles in many regions due to the negative environmental impact. Heavy fines can be incurred if caught driving on public roads with non-compliant emissions.

Reviews of the Best DOD Delete Kits

If you decide to pursue a delete kit, choose a high-quality option designed specifically for your diesel truck. Here are reviews of three top-rated DOD delete kits on the market:

Sinister Diesel Delete Kit

Sinister Diesel is widely considered the industry leader in diesel delete kits. Their kits are application-specific and include all necessary components to remove troublesome emissions equipment. Hardware is made from durable billet aluminum while blocking plates use reliable flat gasket sealers.

Sinister provides exceptional customer service and tech support too. Their kits simplify the delete process without cutting corners. With universal praise for power gains and quality construction, Sinister Diesel should be on anyone's shortlist.

Edge Diesel Evolution DPF Delete Kit

For GM Duramax and Dodge Cummins diesel engines, Edge Diesel should be in the conversation. Their Evolution kits target multiple emissions components like the DPF, EGR, and DEF. Top-grade stainless steel and aluminum parts stand up to high temperatures and pressures.

Edge Diesel has an industry-leading insulated gasket to block exhaust flow through deleted components. Custom tuning loaded onto the included programmer maximizes horsepower, torque, and fuel mileage after install. Exceptional power delivery starts right off idle. Overall an excellent do-it-all delete kit.

HK Motorsports Delete Kit

For Ford Powerstroke diesel applications, HK Motorsports has earned a strong reputation. Their DPF and EGR delete kits include durable blocking plates to divert exhaust flow plus all hoses, clamps, and hardware for install. HK uses advanced CAD modeling and CNC machining for a precise OEM fit.

Backed by a 1-year warranty, these kits offer outstanding performance per dollar spent. Removing two key emissions components net big power gains while simplifying the engine. HK also provides exceptional customer support. A quality kit at very reasonable cost.

Important Delete Kit Features

To maximize performance and reliability from a delete kit, there are some key features to evaluate:

• Vehicle-Specific Design - Delete components should bolt up perfectly to emission systems with no looseness or gaps.
• High-Quality Materials - Durable billet aluminum, stainless steel, and insulated gaskets stand up to pressure and heat.
• Included Hardware - All new fasteners, clamps, and hoses streamline installation. No trips to the hardware store.
• Custom Tuning - Proprietary programming optimizes power gains and engine efficiency post-delete.
• Tech Support - Reputable companies have experts available to answer install questions.

Focusing on these key areas helps ensure deleting emissions equipment goes smoothly while netting maximum benefits.

Is Deleting Your Diesel Worth It?

Installing a delete kit often demands carefully weighing pros and cons. While power, fuel mileage, and simplicity increases - strict emissions laws with harsh penalties give reason for pause. Ultimately you must decide if the rewards outweigh the risks.

Many feel improved reliability and lower repair costs combined with performance gains make delete kits a smart choice despite legal concerns. Strictly for off-road use, delete kits enable diesel engines to operate as originally intended. Just be aware of your state laws and the potential consequences of illegally modifying emissions controls.

An emissions compliant truck may be the smarter choice for street use. But an ever-growing delete kit market indicates more diesel enthusiasts prefer the outlaw approach.

FAQs

What is a DOD delete kit?

A DOD (Department of Defense) delete kit refers to components used to disable, remove, or bypass emission control equipment in heavy diesel trucks. Typical kits target the DPF (diesel particulate filter), catalytic converters, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems, and DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) injection.

Why do people install delete kits?

Diesel owners and truck enthusiasts install delete kits mainly for 3 reasons: increase horsepower & torque output, improve MPGs and fuel efficiency, and eliminate problematic emissions components prone to failure.

What are the risks of using a delete kit?

Delete kits violate emissions compliance laws, leading to fines and penalties if caught driving on public roads. They also increase exhaust pollutants which leads to worse air quality.

Do you need tuning with a delete kit?

Yes, custom tuning helps optimize power gains, fuel efficiency, and engine reliability after removing emissions equipment. Reputable delete kit sellers include tuning loaded onto a programmer as part of the overall package.