If you own a 2007 or newer diesel truck, then chances are it's equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter. Mandated for use in modern diesel vehicles to reduce particulate emissions, DPFs have earned the scorn of performance enthusiasts and ordinary truck owners alike for various reasons. Some have even gone as far as completely removing the DPF system from their vehicles.

DPF deletions are a popular alternative to maintaining troublesome DPF systems. The following offers a few advantages that DPF deletion offers for diesel truck owners.

Increased Horsepower and Performance

The earliest catalytic converters designed for automobiles were incredibly restrictive, making them the source of performance woes for many owners. DPFs aren't much even though technology has advanced since then. Even though DPFs themselves are a relatively new technology there are a lot of growing pains that come with them.

DPFs may improve with time, but in the meantime, you're stuck with something that's continuously bogging down your engine's performance.  It's no secret that an unrestricted exhaust can potentially maximize your engine's efficiency, resulting in significant horsepower and torque gains. With a DPF in the way, however, those gains simply aren't possible.

The combination of a DPF deletion and the addition of a performance tune can help unlock your diesel engine's potential. These changes alone can completely change the personality of your diesel truck, making it more rewarding to drive and own.

Improved Fuel Economy

One aspect of owning a DPF-equipped vehicle that always surprises owners is how much fuel is used during the regeneration cycle, especially with DPF systems that rely on active regeneration. In order to make exhaust temperatures hot enough to burn the accumulated soot into ash, raw diesel fuel is sprayed directly into the exhaust stream ahead of the DPF.

Even on systems with passive regeneration, the amount of fuel needed to complete a DPF regen can put a serious dent in your truck's overall fuel economy. Getting rid of the DPF with a DPF deletion kit from a place like Cantune will also get rid of a major source of poor fuel economy. With diesel prices expected to rise, you'll appreciate the increased savings over time.

Better Long-Term Reliability

DPFs are also notorious for becoming clogged with soot and ash over time, creating exhaust restrictions that not only hurt engine performance, but can also cause long-term reliability issues if left unaddressed. It's no wonder that most manufacturers recommend a complete DPF cleaning every 150,000 to 300,000 miles. While fleet owners are often diligent enough to make sure their trucks' DPFs are taken care of, there's no guarantee that the average diesel truck owner will be aware of the issue.

It's not just the DPF that clogs up over time. Significant amounts of soot can also back up into the turbocharger and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, eventually creating blockages in those areas. DPF problems can also cause certain exhaust and mechanical components to wear out faster, ultimately leading to constant repairs and poor drivability overall. Even the type of oil you use for your diesel engine can ultimately impact DPF longevity.

Removing the DPF can help diesel truck owners sidestep these issues by eliminating the source of the problem altogether. A DPF delete not only ensures long-term reliability for your truck, but it can even extend the life of your vehicle by eliminating certain wear and tear issues.

Reduced Cost

Maintaining a DPF can prove costly. Having a DPF cleaned can cost upwards to $2,500 or more, depending on where it's done and the cleaning methods used. Swapping out a dirty DPF for a clean one can be significantly cheaper but still cost hundreds of dollars. A complete DPF failure can prove most costly of all, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage and replacement parts.

A DPF delete can prove more economical in comparison, especially if you expect to own your diesel truck for many years to come. A DPF removal is a one-time expense versus the continual maintenance needed for a DPF. Even with the addition of a performance tuner and other modifications, you'll still save money in the long run.