The 2020 Cummins delete kit represents a significant modification path for owners of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine found in Ford Super Duty trucks. This procedure involves removing several emissions-critical components to allow the engine to operate without restrictions, fundamentally changing the vehicle's interaction with environmental regulations. While the goal is often increased performance and simplicity, understanding the full scope of this modification is critical for any owner considering the change.
Understanding the 6.7L Cummins Delete Kit Components
A comprehensive 2020 delete kit targets the specific emissions hardware introduced with the EPA 2010+ standards. The process centers on the removal of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which traps soot, and the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system, which uses a chemical solution to break down nitrogen oxides. Alongside these, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler is typically removed to reduce internal exhaust gas temperatures and eliminate the complexity of the associated piping and cooler.
Key Elements Removed During the Process
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) - The core soot trap that requires active regeneration cycles.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system - The housing for the DEF injector and catalyst.
DEF tank and associated fill port - The external tank and plumbing for the urea solution.
EGR cooler and associated piping - The component that cools recirculated exhaust gas.
Throttle Actuator Controller (TAC) cable or electronic pedal interface - Required for emissions compliance.
Performance and Reliability Benefits
Removing the restrictive DPF and SCR systems allows for a smoother exhaust flow, which can reduce backpressure and thermal stress on the engine. This often results in noticeable improvements in throttle response and overall power delivery, particularly noticeable when towing or climbing grades. Furthermore, eliminating the DPF regeneration process means the truck no longer needs to periodically halt operations to burn off accumulated soot, leading to increased uptime for commercial applications.
Critical Considerations for 2020 Model Years
The 2020 model year trucks feature specific engineering that requires attention during the delete process. Simply removing the components is not enough; the engine control module (ECM) must be tuned to bypass the closed-loop emissions monitoring that the deleted components once satisfied. Without proper tuning, the truck will trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), illuminate the check engine light, and potentially operate in a limp mode that severely limits power and speed.
The Necessity of ECM Tuning and Wiring
A delete kit is not a standalone component but rather a collection of parts that require expert integration. Professional installation involves not just the physical removal of hardware but also the modification of the vehicle's wiring harness to remove signals from the NOx sensor and DPF sensors. The final and most crucial step is flashing a custom tune that tells the ECM to ignore the missing sensors and operate efficiently without the deleted hardware.
Legal and Practical Implications to Review
It is essential to understand that installing a delete kit on a vehicle intended for road use is illegal in the United States under the Clean Air Act. The modification disables the emissions certification, meaning the vehicle will fail state inspections and cannot be legally registered for road driving. The only legal avenues for this setup are off-road vehicles, such as those used exclusively on private property or at sanctioned events, where emissions testing is not required.
Summary of the 2020 Cummins Delete Process
Opting for a 2020 Cummins delete is a commitment to transforming the truck's operational philosophy. It shifts the focus from compliance to performance and reliability, stripping away the complexity of modern emissions systems. For the prepared owner who operates within the legal boundaries of off-road use, the result is a robust and straightforward machine that leverages the inherent strength of the 6.7L Cummins engine without the constraints of regulatory oversight.
