If you're sick of your truck constantly going into regen mode, picking up a 2020 6.7 powerstroke delete kit might be exactly what you need to get things back on track. Let's be honest, the Ford Super Duty is an absolute beast from the factory, but those emissions systems can really start to feel like a leash after a few thousand miles. Between the DEF fluid, the EGR soot, and that massive DPF filter clogging up your exhaust, it's no wonder people start looking for a way to let the engine actually breathe.
Why people are deleting their 2020 Powerstrokes
Most guys aren't doing this just because they want to blow smoke or make a bunch of noise. Usually, it comes down to reliability. The 6.7 Powerstroke is a fantastic engine, but the 2020 models and up have some pretty complex emissions setups. When you're hauling a heavy trailer up a grade and your truck decides it needs to clean the filter, your EGTs (exhaust gas temperatures) skyrocket, and your fuel economy takes a nose dive.
It's pretty frustrating to spend seventy or eighty thousand dollars on a truck only to have it sit in the shop because a $50 sensor in the exhaust pipe decided to quit. A 2020 6.7 powerstroke delete kit basically removes those failure points. You're getting rid of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, which means you're no longer pumping hot, dirty soot back into your intake manifold.
What actually comes in a delete kit?
If you're new to the world of "weight loss" for your truck, you might be wondering what you're actually buying. It's not just one single part; it's usually a combination of hardware and software.
First, you've got the tuner. This is the brain of the whole operation. Without a tuner, you can't just cut off the exhaust and expect the truck to run. The computer will immediately go into "limp mode," thinking the world is ending because it can't find its sensors. The tuner flashes the ECU to tell it, "Hey, don't worry about those emissions parts anymore."
Next, you have the exhaust pipe. This replaces the massive, heavy DPF and SCR assembly. You can get a full 4-inch or 5-inch exhaust system, or just a "race pipe" that swaps out the specific section you're deleting.
Finally, there's the EGR delete. This involves some plates and plugs to block off the recirculating exhaust gases. Some guys leave the EGR cooler on for a "stealth" look, while others rip the whole thing out to clean up the engine bay.
The performance gains you'll actually notice
Let's talk about the fun part. Once you install a 2020 6.7 powerstroke delete kit, the truck feels like it's finally woken up. The throttle response is much snappier. Since the engine isn't fighting against a literal cork in the exhaust, the turbo can spool up a lot faster.
Most people see a decent jump in fuel economy too. It's not uncommon to gain 2 to 4 miles per gallon once the regen cycles stop. If you drive a lot of miles, that extra MPG adds up to a lot of saved cash at the pump over a year. Plus, you're not buying DEF fluid anymore, which is one less thing to worry about when you're out in the middle of nowhere.
Is it hard to install?
If you're handy with a wrench, you can probably handle most of this in your driveway over a weekend. That being said, the 2020 models are a bit tighter than the older 6.4 or early 6.7 versions. Removing the factory exhaust is probably the most physical part—those things are heavy and usually stubborn.
The EGR side of things can be a bit of a pain because you're working in tight spaces near the back of the engine. But honestly, as long as you have a good set of sockets and maybe a buddy to help you manhandle the old exhaust out, it's a straightforward process. Just make sure you follow the tuning instructions exactly. You always want to flash the tune before you start ripping parts off, just to make sure the software is ready to go.
A quick word on the tuner
For the 2020+ trucks, the tuning process is a bit more involved than it used to be. You usually need a specialized device like an EZ LYNK or a Mini Maxx V2. These aren't just "plug and play" like a cheap code reader; they are high-end pieces of tech that manage the complex timing and fuel maps of your 6.7. Don't cheap out here. A bad tune can cause more problems than the emissions system ever did.
The legal side of things
I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't mention the elephant in the room. Deleting your truck is technically for "off-road use only." The EPA has been cracking down hard on emissions tampering lately. If you live in an area with strict smog testing or visual inspections, you might have a hard time getting your registration renewed.
Also, keep in mind that Ford isn't going to be happy about it. If you have a major engine failure and you've deleted the truck, your warranty is basically toast. Most guys wait until their warranty is up before they dive into a 2020 6.7 powerstroke delete kit, but some do it on day one because they value the reliability over the dealer's promise. It's a risk you have to weigh for yourself.
Common misconceptions
One thing I hear a lot is that deleting your truck will make it extremely loud and obnoxious. That's not really true unless you want it to be. If you keep a muffler in your new exhaust setup, the truck will sound a bit deeper and you'll hear the turbo whistle more, but it's not going to wake up the whole neighborhood every time you start it.
Another myth is that it'll make the truck unreliable. In reality, it's usually the opposite. By removing the systems that clog up the engine with carbon and soot, you're often extending the life of your oil and your internal engine components.
Picking the right kit for your needs
When you're shopping for a 2020 6.7 powerstroke delete kit, don't just go for the absolute cheapest option you find on some random website. You want quality stainless steel for the exhaust if you live in a place where they salt the roads. You also want a tuner that offers support and updates.
- Stainless Steel vs. Aluminized: Stainless costs more but won't rust out in three years.
- Full Exhaust vs. Pipe Only: A full exhaust sounds better, but a pipe only is cheaper and easier.
- EGR Full Delete vs. Block-off: Full deletes look cleaner but take longer to install.
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, installing a 2020 6.7 powerstroke delete kit is about taking control of your truck. It's about making sure that when you turn the key, the truck is going to run right without throwing a "reduced power" message on the dash. It makes the truck more efficient, more powerful, and a lot more fun to drive. Just do your homework, understand the risks regarding your warranty and local laws, and enjoy having a truck that's finally running the way it was designed to.