Welcome to our delete guide for the 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke.
In this article, we will cover the available delete kit options for your Super Duty and what they can do to improve your engine’s reliability, while also increasing your MPG and HP.
The 6.4L responds excellently to a good tune and a couple deletes, by running it on the stock ECU alone you are missing out on a huge increase in the driveability experience that your powerstroke is just waiting to give you.
Why Delete?
If you’re wondering why you would want to remove any factory systems from your truck and what the benefits are – hopefully this will help to answer those questions.
Benefits of DPF removal:
- Drastically slows down the bad oil dilution problem that 6.4s have, which decreases wear and extends engine life.
- Improves exhaust flow, turbo spool rate and lowers your exhaust gas temps, mainly because the restriction is no longer slowing the exhaust gases after the turbo.
- More efficient as far as MPG and HP without the restrictions or regen cycles.
EGR delete benefits:
- Better MPG by eliminating hot exhaust gasses from entering the intake.
- Extends the life of the EGR cooler because there is no more 1200 degree exhaust gasses passing through, which can cause the coolers to crack and fail.
- Removes the risk of premature engine damage from EGR system failure.
So now that you can see the benefits of deleting your EGR and DPF systems, you might be asking what could possibly be the downside?
Technically these modifications are not road legal if you drive your truck on public highways in the US. That being said, if you race your truck or live somewhere without enforcement of emissions, it would be a disservice to the life of your truck if you don’t do the deletes.
Because of the restrictions in the US, you sometimes have to go out of your way to find parts for your race truck that can actually delete the EGR and DPF systems. To make it easier for those looking to find the right parts to pull this off, below I’ve listed what you will need for each type of delete and where to find them.
Note: this guide is only for the ’08-2010 Powerstroke F-250, F-350, F-450, or F-550 Super Duty, if you have the newer 6.7L click here.
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Best Delete Tuner for the 6.4L
- LiveWire TS+ with custom tunes
Hands down the best option for a 6.4 programmer, this preloaded SCT Livewire TS+ has tunes designed specifically for the 6.4L Powerstroke, ranging from a mild +40HP increase, all the way up to +250HP, for trucks with really built powertrains. There are also towing mode tunes that help greatly when you are trying to have the power and efficiency for pulling heavy loads.
The Livewire tuners are flexible and highly customizable, but the most important feature; with the TS+ you have all the preloaded tunes that retain emissions, and the ones that allow you to delete the EGR and DPF individually or both together.
The 6.4L tends to run best as a daily driver at the +135 HP tune with EGR and DPF deletes installed. It will feel like a whole new truck, just keep the boost below 40 psi if you’re still on stock head gaskets and bolts.
If you’re feeling a little froggy (and have the supporting mods) you could try the +185 or +250 tunes, they really open the truck up. like crazy. Just beware of the touchier throttle on the higher tunes, it takes some getting used to. Also axle wrap becomes more of a concern at that HP too, take a look at some traction bars to solve the jerkiness.
SCT Livewire EGR DPF Delete Tune for 2008 - 2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke | 3 Tunes
ebay.com
Technical support
Custom delete tunes
Choose between Power Levels (If 3 are not chosen, we will choose for you)
+35hp
+80hp
+135hp
+185hp
+250hp
increases power
Increase MPG
Uses
DPF and EGR Delete
Increase in MPG
Increase in HP and TQ
Can be calibrated for larger tires
Cheapest Delete Tuner for the 6.4L
- H&S Mini Maxx Race Version
Another really good tuner for the 6.4 is this one from the now-defunct H&S. The Mini Maxx Race is the hot version that allows for the DPF and EGR to be removed.
Right out of the box it has preloaded tunes for the 6.4L which let you delete the EGR and DPF and unleash your truck. It doesn’t have as many tunes, or the amount of customizability for the 6.4 that the nGage comes with, but it will allow you to add a lot more power and delete the emissions systems – for about half the cost.
It’s the cheapest way to get the ability to delete the emissions systems, and it also serves as a good live engine monitor at the same time, with diagnostics built in. A solid 6.4L programmer choice, the MiniMaxx will work great for 90% of what daily drivers need.
H&S Mini Maxx DPF Delete Race Tuner Ford, Chevy & Dodge
Best Exhaust Kit for Removing the DPF and DOC
- MVP Stainless Steel 4″ Turbo Back Exhaust Kit
A race exhaust with a straight pipe to remove the DPF filter and DOC (catalytic converter) is required if you are running a tuner that deletes the DPF from the computer.
Otherwise the filters will get clogged with soot because the regen will be turned off. This is terrible for backpressure, and has the potential to build up so much that it can pop your head gaskets if the restriction isn’t removed.
This replacement exhaust takes care of the section of factory exhaust that normally houses the DPF and cat/DOC, eliminating those huge restrictions and replacing them with a straight through pipe. Not only does it replace the filter section, it replaces the entire exhaust from downpipe out to the back of the truck.
Turbo whistle will be a lot more evident with this type of exhaust, so if you want to quiet that down for some reason, you’ll want to pick one of the aFe exhausts that include a muffler. You could also always add your own or just reuse the factory muffler.
aFe 49-03004NM ATLAS Aluminized Steel DP-Back Exhaust System for Ford Diesel Trucks V8-6.4L
amazon.com
Features
- Installation is a snap: all systems use factory mounting locations providing stability and hassle-free installation
- Leak-free seal
- Aluminized construction
- Flow and performance: ATLAS exhaust are constructed of mandrel bent 4 inch aluminized steel tubing for maximum flow; smooth transition bends allow for low turbulence, increasing horsepower, torque and lowering EGT's
- Note: this is a "Race Only" product used solely for competition; it's use is limited to closed-course and open-course racing that is formally sanctioned by a recognized racing organization
Product Description
The new ATLAS exhaust is engineered to perform in the most extreme environments. This system is constructed from mandrel bent 4 inch aluminized steel tubing for maximum flow, increased horsepower, increased torque and lower EGT's. The 2-piece tailpipe and bayonet style hangers provide a hassle-free installation. To provide a leak-free seal, OE style band clamps are used that offer a 360 degree sealing area. Systems are available in 4 inch turbo back or 4 inch down-pipe back without muffler. ATLAS exhaust systems are the perfect combination of performance, fit and value.
Best 6.4L EGR Delete Kit
- 6.4L Powerstroke EGR Delete Kit
Technically, after installing a tuner that deletes the EGR on your 6.4, it will no longer function and will be disabled. However, simply deleting the EGR codes in the computer and doing nothing else to remove the system is not the recommended way to do it.
Leaving the EGR installed can still allow exhaust gasses to flow into the system, causing soot build-up that makes the valve stick open. It’s just best to remove the system entirely with an EGR delete kit that has replacement coolant lines to remove the EGR coolers and the block off plates for the exhaust side, as doing it this way will eliminate any possibility of unreliability in the future.
The EGR coolers have a terrible way of cracking and failing on these trucks, and when that happens it can spell disaster for your engine – the way the system is designed the failure can allow coolant to enter the cylinders, causing some very serious damage if not noticed. It’s even possible to hydro-lock the motor, which very quickly turns the engine into a write-off.
Sinister Diesel EGR Delete Kit for 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Models
This competition tested Sinister EGR Cooler Delete Kit is a great replacement for your entire stock Powerstroke EGR system. This kit gives your Ford Powerstroke's engine quicker turbo spool, lower EGT's and lower coolant temperatures. High Quality Construction in an EGR Delete Kit Sinister Diesel has manufactured this EGR Delete Kit out of more durable materials than your factory EGR. The housing of this kit is made from 304 stainless steel and tough CNC Machined billet aluminum. This product is available for a 2008, 2009, or 2010 Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350 with Powerstroke 6.4L. WARNING, this EGR Delete Kit can never be installed on any vehicle registered for use on highways or public streets. Race Tuning Required
Best Air Intake for the 6.4L
-
S&B Filters 75-5054
This kit from S&B actually does what most air intake kits only claim to do. By enclosing the filter in a sealed box, S&B has figured out how to keep the air filter from heatsoaking in the hot engine bay air, while still allowing for easy access and a way to visually check the condition of your filter.
It uses a oil-type filter, which can be washed and reused multiple times over. This is a big advantage in my opinion, saves a ton not having to buy new filters every tune-up, simply wash the filter and let it air dry before re-oiling and re-installing.
Features
- Airflow Rating: Flows 23.3% Better than the Stock Intake
- Efficiency Rating: 99.51% Efficient @ 593 CFM (ISO Course Dust)
- Comes with an S&B high performance cleanable 8-ply filter with 1" pleats for great power and mileage. NOTE: S&B's cleanable filters only allow for the use of the Precision II Cleaning and Oiling Kit to clean and oil your filter
- IMPORTANT: In an effort to improve on our product, S&B has released several intakes over the years for your vehicle. Please make sure you are selecting the correct filter to avoid fitment issues
Product Description
Redefining Performance.Our new intake kit for the 6.4L demonstrates a 23.3% increase in airflow over the stock intake while still maintaining a 99.51% efficiency level with an oiled filter. The dry filter produces a 21.5% increase in airflow and is 99.59% efficient when tested at 593 CFM. ISO 5011 Filtration Testing.A mountain of dust and our 1/2 million dollar lab is how far we've gone to make sure your engine is protected. Fits better than stock.Easy to install with a fitment that rivals the OE intake. Securely mounts to the stock location. Generally, installs take 30 minutes or less. Get better.We test our kits to the same ISO 5011 Test Standard used by the automakers. See the test results tab above to see how we stack up against the competition. Want even more air?When its cool out, remove the included plug from the secondary box opening and engulf an insane amount of air. With the secondary port open, air flow is increased by 6.9% with a cleanable filter and 4.9% with a dry filter. Perfect for cold weather.We provided you with a port in the air box to install the heat tube for those driving in extreme cold weather conditions. A mounting port is provided for those who don't need to use the heating tube. S&B Cold Air Intakes are easy to install providing you with an OE fit and aftermarket performance. Filtration is what S&B prides its self on and is able to provide exceptional airflow characteristics without sacrificing efficiency, allowing for more air in, and more power out. S&B Filters tests and post findings to ISO 5011 standards.
DEF Delete
On the more modern Powerstrokes, another benefit to deleting the DPF systems is that you no longer have to buy urea to fill up the aux tank for the DEF system to run on.
With the 6.4L, it does not actually use a DEF type system so there is no need to worry about that in the first place, once you eliminate the DPF from the exhaust and flash the tune, you are essentially done.
Conclusion
Hopefully you now have a good idea of what it takes to remove these systems from your truck, and have a feel for what parts are the best for doing so.
As always, we would love to hear any questions or comments that our readers might have, so feel free to drop us a line in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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Man, Thank you so much for this information! I am not mechanical but I’m learning what to do with my first diesel and this article was SUPER helpful! Thank you!
So glad we could help Brian! Feedback like yours makes our day, thank you!
Great info… So im wondering can you do this in stages? for instance can you istall the the egr delete hardware then later and the exhaust? Also if you install the hardware do you still have to have a tuner or simply adding the hardware all you have to do?
Thanks
Bo
Hey Bo, it is best to do at least the tune and exhaust first. If you try to remove the EGR while still having the DPF it will only clog up the filter even faster. The best way to go would to be doing everything all at once.