The L5P Duramax Delete Kit Guide: Pros, Cons and Recommendations

So you’re thinking of deleting the emissions equipment on your L5P Duramax diesel. Maybe the DEF fluid is annoying you with the refills, or the DPF filter keeps clogging up. Either way, deleting the emissions system is definitely tempting. But before you go chopping off parts, you need to understand what’s really involved in an L5P delete kit. There are a lot of pros to increasing performance and reliability, but also some significant downsides like voiding your warranty or impacting resale value. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about L5P Duramax delete kits so you can make the best choice for your truck. We’ll look at the components that are deleted, review some of the top kits on the market, discuss the pros and cons in detail, and provide some recommendations based on how you use your truck. So keep reading to learn everything about L5P Duramax delete kits!

What Is an L5P Duramax Delete Kit?

A delete kit removes the emissions components on your L5P Duramax diesel engine, like the diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. Installing a delete kit will:

• Increase horsepower and torque. Without the restrictions of the emissions systems, your engine can reach its full performance potential. You’ll notice an increase of 50-100 horsepower.
• Improve fuel economy. The emissions components require extra fuel to operate. By removing them, you can gain 1-2 miles per gallon.
• Reduce maintenance costs. The DPF and SCR systems need frequent regeneration and DEF refills to work properly. A delete kit eliminates these additional maintenance requirements and costs.

However, deleting your emissions systems is illegal for on-road use and will void your factory warranty. It can also reduce the lifespan of your engine. For these reasons, a delete kit should only be used for off-road or competition purposes.

If you do choose to install a delete kit, go with a reputable brand that provides OBD-compliant tuning. This will ensure the engine computer is reprogrammed properly after the components are removed. A delete kit typically includes high-flow mufflers or downpipes, a tuner or programmer, and all necessary installation hardware to safely remove the DPF, SCR, and EGR from your L5P Duramax.

With the significant pros of added power and lower costs as well as the cons of illegality and reduced engine life, you’ll need to weigh your priorities and how you use your truck to determine if deleting your emissions systems is right for you. But when done properly and for the right reasons, an L5P Duramax delete kit can be extremely rewarding.

Pros and Cons of Deleting Your L5P Duramax

Deleting your L5P Duramax has some significant pros and cons to consider before you dive in.

Pros

• Increased performance. Removing the emissions equipment frees up your engine to make more power. You can gain 50-100 horsepower, especially if you tune the ECU.
• Improved fuel economy. Less equipment means less drag on your engine, so your miles per gallon may go up slightly.
• Reduced maintenance. No more diesel particulate filter to replace and less sensors and equipment to service.
• Lower operating temperatures. Deleting the emissions system allows your engine to run cooler since the exhaust flows more freely.

Cons

• It’s illegal for on-road use. Deleting emissions components violates federal law, so your truck won’t pass inspection and can’t be registered for street driving.
• Reduced longevity. Although your engine may run cooler initially, over time the increased exhaust temperatures can reduce the lifespan of engine and turbo components.
• Higher exhaust temperatures. Speaking of exhaust, removing the emissions equipment significantly increases exhaust gas temperatures which can be a fire hazard if you’re not careful.
• Stronger odor. The emissions system scrubs a lot of the smell from diesel exhaust. Without it, your truck will produce the characteristic diesel smell that many people dislike.

As you can see, deleting your Duramax solves some problems but also introduces new ones. For many owners, the pros outweigh the cons, especially if you rarely drive on public roads. But make sure you go into a delete kit with your eyes open to all the potential impacts, good and bad. The choice is ultimately up to you and how you use your truck.

Top L5P Delete Kit Recommendations and Reviews

When it comes to the best L5P delete kits, you have a few solid options to consider. Here are our top recommendations:

Flo-Pro 4” Aluminized Steel Turbo Back Exhaust System

This kit from Flo-Pro is a popular, cost-effective choice for L5P owners looking to improve performance and sound. It includes 4-inch aluminized steel piping, a muffler, and a dual walled stainless steel exhaust tip. Installation is straightforward for those with some mechanical skills. The kit improves throttle response, boosts low end torque, and gives your L5P a deep, throaty exhaust note. For the price, it’s a great starter kit.

Diamond Eye 4″ Stainless Steel L5P Exhaust

For those wanting maximum performance and sound, Diamond Eye’s 4-inch stainless steel kit is a top contender. Stainless steel construction means it’s extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. This kit eliminates the muffler for maximum flow, resulting in huge gains in horsepower and an aggressive exhaust roar. The polished stainless tips give it a custom look. It is more expensive, but for serious performance enthusiasts, the investment will be worth it.

Sinister Diesel Performance Exhaust Kit

Known for high-quality components, Sinister Diesel’s exhaust kit for the L5P is another great choice. It includes 4-inch aluminized piping, a barrel-style muffler for a moderate sound, and dual wall stainless tips. Performance and engine responsiveness see solid improvements with this kit. The muffler keeps things relatively quiet for a delete kit but still louder and deeper than stock. The fit, finish and instructions are top-notch. For a balance of increased power and moderate sound, Sinister Diesel delivers.

In the end, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each system against your needs and budget. Any of these would be an excellent choice for transforming your L5P into a powerhouse. Focus on factors like sound level, performance gains, price and quality to choose the best L5P delete kit for your needs.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the L5P Duramax delete kit. Now that you understand the pros, cons and options out there, you can make an informed decision on whether deleting your L5P Duramax is right for you. At the end of the day, you have to weigh the performance benefits versus the legal concerns in your area. But if you’re looking to unleash the full potential of your L5P Duramax engine, a delete kit may just be the way to go. Happy dieseling and good luck getting the most out of your truck!