How Much Does It Cost to Delete L5P?

The L5P Duramax engine introduced in 2017 is known for its durability power and advanced emissions systems. While these emissions systems help reduce environmental impact they can also reduce performance fuel efficiency and reliability over time. That’s why many diesel truck owners consider deleting their emissions components using an L5P delete kit. But how much does it cost to delete an L5P?

Let’s break down expenses including parts labor and hidden costs to help you make an informed decision.

What Does It Mean to Delete an L5P?

When you “delete” an L5P Duramax engine you’re removing or bypassing emissions control systems like the:

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system
• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

Deleting these components requires both hardware changes and software tuning. This is commonly done using an L5P delete kit which includes all necessary parts and tools.

Average Cost to Delete L5P

The total cost to delete Duramax engine can vary significantly depending on quality of parts and whether you install kit yourself or hire a professional. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. L5P Delete Kit Price

A complete L5P Duramax delete kit generally includes a DPF delete pipe EGR delete kit DEF delete module and a tuner. Prices vary depending on brand and completeness of the kit.

• Basic DPF Delete Pipe: $250 – $600
• EGR Delete Kit: $150 – $400
• DEF Delete Components: $100 – $300
• Tuner with Delete Tune: $800 – $1,500
• Full Delete Kit Bundle: $1200 – $2500

Premium brands or kits that include stainless steel parts and more advanced tuners may push price up to $3000.

2. Installation Costs

If you’re not mechanically inclined hiring a professional mechanic or diesel performance shop is your best bet. Labor costs depend on complexity of  installation and your location.

• Professional Installation: $500 – $1500
• DIY Installation: Free (if you have tools and knowledge)

If you’re doing it yourself, remember that it can take several hours and may require specialty tools or additional fittings.

3. Optional Upgrades

Some truck owners choose to upgrade other systems during the delete process:

• Exhaust System: $500 – $1200
• Cold Air Intake: $300 – $600
• Turbo or Intercooler Upgrades: $1,000+

These are not mandatory but can significantly enhance performance.

Total Estimated Cost

Let’s summarize the total cost:

Legal Considerations

Before you rush into deleting your truck be aware of legal risks. In United States deleting emissions systems is illegal for street-legal vehicles under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. It is considered a federal offense and can result in:

• Fines up to $45,000 for shops performing deletes
• State inspections failures
• Voided warranties
• Resale issues

These modifications are intended for off-road or competition-only use. If you’re caught using a deleted truck on public roads it could lead to serious consequences.

Pros and Cons of Deleting L5P

✅ Pros:

• Increased horsepower and torque
• Better fuel economy (2-5 MPG gain)
• Lower maintenance costs (no DEF refills, fewer clogging issues)
• Enhanced throttle response and performance

❌ Cons:

• Illegal for on-road use
• Potentially high initial investment
• Voids factory warranty
• Risk of fines and compliance issues

Conclusion

How much does it cost to delete L5P? If you’re going DIY route expect to spend $1,200 to $3,000 for a complete delete kit and necessary parts. If you choose professional installation and optional upgrades price can rise to $4,500 or more.

Before proceeding consider whether the performance benefits outweigh legal and financial risks. While deleting it may improve power and reliability it could cost more in long run if used improperly on public roads.

If you’re certain that your truck will be used off-road or in competitions only make sure to purchase a high-quality L5P Duramax delete kit from a trusted supplier and if needed work with a reputable diesel performance shop for installation.