We get it. You’ve got a 6.7L Cummins under the hood, and the last thing you want is for your truck to choke on its own emissions system. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems don’t exactly scream "performance," especially if your truck spends a lot of time idling or driving short distances.

But here’s the truth: pulling all that stuff out isn’t the silver bullet some forums claim it is—and in many cases, it causes more problems than it solves.

Let’s talk about why keeping your 2013-2018 Ram 2500/3500's emissions gear intact can be the better long-term play, and how to keep those systems in top shape without surrendering the soul of your diesel.

The Delete Dilemma: Not As Smart As It Sounds

Deleting your emissions system—removing the DPF, EGR, and SCR and tuning out the check engine lights—might sound like a clean fix. No more regens, no more DEF, no more codes. But that move comes with serious consequences.

1. It’s Federally Illegal: Let’s get this one out of the way. The Clean Air Act prohibits removing emissions components on any vehicle intended for public roads. Yes, even if you live in a state without inspections. The fines can be five figures per vehicle, and they don’t just hit big shops—they hit individuals too. Even worse? If you’re using your truck in your company, they can hit your company, too.
2. It’s a Can of Worms, Tuned or Not: Even if you don’t “tune” the truck, physically removing emissions gear often leads to reduced reliability. The ECM expects data from these systems. If it's missing or faked, you may be looking at transmission confusion, de-rated performance, fuel mapping issues, or constant CELs. Yes, the first generation of DPF’s were easier to fool, but now, it’s way harder.
3. You May Lose Resale Value: Believe it or not, more buyers today are looking for unmodified trucks—especially ones still operating with emissions systems intact. If your truck’s been deleted and tuned, many dealerships won’t touch it, and even private buyers can get skittish – there’s no guarantee on how “good” the work was, and for the kind of money these trucks are worth, buyers want the truth AND mods that are clearly documented.

So if you want a truck that runs strong, stays legal, and holds its value, deletion isn’t your best friend. But there’s another way.

DPF & EGR Maintenance: What Ram and Cummins Actually Recommend

You don’t have to baby your truck to keep the emissions system happy—you just need to give it what it was designed for. That means heat, movement, and clean fluid.

According to Ram and Cummins service schedules and technician guidelines:

• Drive for At Least 20–30 Minutes Weekly at Highway Speeds: This allows the DPF to reach regen temperatures (usually 600°F+) and perform passive or active regeneration. A truck that’s only used for short trips or jobsite idling will clog that DPF faster than you can say “limp mode.”
• Avoid Extended Idling: It’s tempting to let the truck run at the worksite or in cold weather, but it causes soot to build up without ever reaching the temps needed to burn it off. If you must idle, consider periodic revs or a high-idle setting to encourage airflow and heat.
• Top Off with Quality DEF: The SCR system relies on Diesel Exhaust Fluid to reduce NOx emissions. Always use DEF that meets ISO 22241 specs. Store it out of sunlight, don’t overfill the tank, and avoid using old or “clearance rack” fluid.
• Clean the EGR System Every 60–100K Miles: The EGR valve and cooler collect soot and carbon over time. Routine inspection and cleaning can prevent restricted flow, sticky valves, and check engine lights.
• Use the Right Oil: Low-ash oil is essential to prevent ash accumulation in the DPF. Check your owner's manual and don’t cheap out.

Embrace the “Italian Tune-Up”

Here’s where an old “car guy” joke comes back around.

The “Italian Tune-Up” was a tongue-in-cheek term for taking your car out and redlining it through the gears to blow carbon out of the engine. For diesels with a DPF? There’s some real wisdom in it.

Give your Cummins some hard acceleration, hold gears longer on an uphill grade, or tow something heavy every now and then. These trucks are meant to work—and driving them like they’re a Prius is a one-way ticket to regen problems.

Upgrading Your Exhaust the Smart Way

Now, just because you’re keeping your emissions gear doesn’t mean you can’t improve performance and airflow. Alligator Performance stocks a massive collection of emissions-friendly exhaust upgrades that are fully compatible with 2013–2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 Cummins trucks, and don’t think that adding a tuner with an intact emissions system is a bad idea – you’ll STILL get a lot more power, just without the drama. If you’re chasing that last 10 horsepower or 15 ft.-lbs or torque? Deleting the DPF isn’t the smart way.

Popular mods include:

• DPF-back exhaust kits for better tone and airflow
• High-flow Exhaust Manifolds that keep your truck legal but add a lot more airflow and thus power to the turbo than headers can ever provide
• Stainless steel systems that won’t rot out after a couple winters

You can shop the full lineup here: Alligator’s 2013–2018 Cummins Exhaust Kits

Final Thoughts: Be Smarter Than the Problem

Deleting your emissions system might feel like taking control—but it usually creates more headaches than it solves. A smarter strategy is to drive your truck like it was meant to be driven, keep the maintenance up, and upgrade the parts that improve performance without putting you in legal hot water.

Modern diesel emissions systems are here to stay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your Cummins clean, strong, and fun to drive.

If you’re not sure what mods are safe, or you just want to talk shop with someone who knows these trucks inside and out—give us a call. The team at Alligator Performance is here to help.