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esfd243's avatar
esfd243
Explorer
Jul 16, 2018

2012 Duramax delete

We have a constant check engine light for out 2012 D/A for exhaust sensors and the DEF system. The DEF tank, heater and pump have been replaced 2 times under warranty in 2013 and 2014. We had 2 exhaust sensors replaced under the emissions warranty in 2014 and 2015. In September 2017 I had to spend $680 on an exhaust sensor that Chevy replaced in 2015 but would not cover again. Now the check engine light has been on again for over 3000 miles, showing codes for 2 more sensors with Chevy estimating a cost over $1200.

So how about the delete party everyone talks about? Sinister Diesel wants $2600 for EGR and DEF delete that includes a new stainless exhaust, 5 step tuner and a display screen.

A local company where I live offers an $1100 package that includes new stainless exhaust with just a "flash" program to delete the EGR and DEF with no tuner or display. Truck runs stock.

I guess I dont fully understand the difference.

29 Replies

  • Yes keep the removed parts.
    Some of the exhaust components can bring a pretty penny from scrap metal recyclers.
    Stainless steel exhaust is a waste in my opinion, I have it on my Duramax and wish I would have opted for aluminized pipe and saved some money.
    I would delete and not go with an after market programmer, keep it simple.
    Adding more power will tempt your right foot and that could result in broken parts.
    There are many good diesel shops around, Kory Willis at PPEI, Duramax tuner, Rob at ATP, do your research because a bad shop will cost you.
    FYI, ATP does not do efi live anymore, epa has put the clamps on them as they probably will do for many aftermarket diesel programmers.
  • Guess that is why my 97, 7.3 Ford 4x4 diesel keeps increasing in value and why everyone want to buy it. No emissions junk to fail. I get offers every time I have it out. Guy offered my 24K cash the other day. I laughed and left in a cloud of black smoke...lol
  • Me Again wrote:
    BIL tried to register his deleted 2008 RAM in Arizona and was told to remove it from the testing station, when they looked under it with a mirror, and opened the hood to see blocked off ERG connection points. I told him to keep the items removed that the seller gave him when he bought it. When he sold his house in Ohio he dumped the stuff.


    Bingo keep all the parts! If I owned a newer diesel that's what I would do, have a delete done if it's giving me problems and I would keep the old parts around if I had to restore it back to factory condition. Just my thoughts.
  • BIL tried to register his deleted 2008 RAM in Arizona and was told to remove it from the testing station, when they looked under it with a mirror, and opened the hood to see blocked off ERG connection points. I told him to keep the items removed that the seller gave him when he bought it. When he sold his house in Ohio he dumped the stuff.
  • Resale can be a problem. Dealers are not allowed to sell a vehicle with modified emissions equipment. If you intend to trade the truck at any point you might have a hard time finding a dealer that will take it.
  • esfd243 wrote:

    So how about the delete party everyone talks about? Sinister Diesel wants $2600 for EGR and DEF delete that includes a new stainless exhaust, 5 step tuner and a display screen.

    A local company where I live offers an $1100 package that includes new stainless exhaust with just a "flash" program to delete the EGR and DEF with no tuner or display. Truck runs stock.

    I guess I dont fully understand the difference.


    That $2600 is pretty expensive for a delete. You don't really need to delete the EGR system, which is located in the engine bay, but you will have to delete the entire exhaust which includes the DPF filter and SCR/DEF components. You don't have to delete the DEF tank.

    The difference between these two packages is one is a single tune at stock power levels(which does not need a monitor) and the other has five different power level that can be switched on the fly with a rotary DSP switch. You will need a monitor for this package since it adds power and you will need to know when to back down if your EGT's or other temps get too hot. Although I would recommend a CTS2 monitor even on stock trucks due to all the stuff you can keep track of.

    I would shop around with different tuners and ask questions. Go to Duramax forums and ask questions about the tunes you are thinking about purchasing. While they will all have similar power levels, they will be different in their shift strategies and TC control. Some good companies for Duramax's are PPEI, Calibrated Power Solutions, and Anarchy diesel. There are more, but those are just off the top of my head.

    I would recommend you install a pre-trubo EGT pyro(thermocouple) for your CTS2 if you are going to increase power levels. Also, buy a plug kit for all of the connectors you are disconnecting or at the very least wrap them up pretty good. The road salt up there will wreak havoc on an open connector in no time and may cause electrical issues.
  • The sniff test is what will get you (if you have one in your locale). If you don't, go for it. Your motor will be much happier.
  • Are you going to be able to pass inspections once deleted, that would be my biggest concern. How it will affect trade in or resell value? I thought about doing this to our 08 Duramax but my questions keep me from.doing it.