If you own a truck that has a diesel particulate filter and would like to improve performance, decrease fuel usage, give your unit more power and save money then a DPF delete is a great option.
Why Do People Delete Their DPFs And Is It Legal In Calgary?
After-treatment systems in diesel engines are part of the vehicle’s overall emission systems which include diesel particulate filters (DPF), diesel oxidization catalyst (DOC), exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), variable geometry turbochargers (VGT) and a urea injection system (DEF or diesel exhaust fluid. They have a reputation for being very finicky, high maintenance, and costly to repair. Avoiding these hassles is the primary reason most people often choose to delete their after-treatment systems. Deleting an after-treatment system involves removing some or most of the physical components and reprogramming the ECU to take into account the now missing sensors. Delete come in stages from DPF, DOC, DEF delete to including the physical removal of the EGR (Exhaust gas recirculation) system and the replacement of the variable turbo with a standard turbo. Deleting after-treatment systems is legal and does not violate any law or regulation in Alberta, however, deleting an after-treatment system will void the vehicle manufacturer warranty (if applicable).
How Does Deleting A DPF Increase Fuel Efficiency And How Much Fuel Can You Expect To Save?
Some fuel savings can be seen from deleting after treatment systems by removing exhaust restrictions and the new ECU calibration. The real cost-saving, however, comes from no longer having to maintain and after-treatment system including no longer having to purchase diesel exhaust fluid. Saving can also be seen in the additional engine life potential from a delete. With the addition of an after-treatment system into the exhaust of trucks, it increases exhaust backpressure and in turn engine temperatures. These increased temperatures aid in decreasing overall engine life with some reports of by 50% of those units without after-treatment.
How Much Does A DPF Delete Cost?
Prices and service times vary on the type and year of the unit and the extent of the delete but roughly range from about $3000 to $10,000. This cost is often either the same or less expensive than replacing the after-treatment systems upon failure.
What are the pros of a DPF deletes? Keep in mind the benefits listed below are also dependant on the way the overall vehicle is maintained and driven, results may vary.
- Less overall cost
- Less downtime
- Fewer hassles
- Increased engine life
- Better fuel mileage
What are the pros of a DPF deletes?
While removing after-treatment systems is currently legal in Alberta there is always the possibility this could change. Whether or not this would affect vehicles already in the market or only new vehicles is really unknown. What is known, however, is that there is no current pending legislation to change emissions regulation in Alberta nor does it appear to be on the horizon. After treatment system deletes if done correctly are also reversible in cases where someone changes their mind about it or the vehicle is being shipped or sold to a jurisdiction where it is required.