Thinking about picking up a 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit is one of those things every Powerstroke owner eventually considers once the factory warranty is a distant memory. If you're driving a 2016 Super Duty, you already know it's a workhorse, but you also probably know that the emissions equipment hanging off the bottom of the truck can be a real pain in the neck. Between the DEF warnings, the constant regeneration cycles, and the looming threat of a clogged DPF, these trucks sometimes feel like they're fighting against themselves.
The 6.7 Powerstroke is actually a fantastic engine, arguably one of the best Ford has ever put in a truck. However, the stuff it has to do to meet federal emissions standards really holds it back. When people talk about "deleting" a truck, they're really talking about letting the engine breathe. It's about removing the restrictions that keep the engine from running at its full potential.
What's Actually in the Kit?
When you go looking for a 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit, you're not just buying one single part. It's usually a combination of hardware and software that works together to transform the truck. You can't just unbolt the exhaust and call it a day, because the truck's computer—the ECM—will absolutely lose its mind if it doesn't see the sensors it expects.
Most kits are going to include a few specific things. First, you've got the DPF delete pipe. This replaces that massive, heavy filter assembly under the truck. Some guys go with a full four-inch or five-inch turbo-back exhaust, while others just swap out the middle section. Then there's the EGR delete, which usually involves some block-off plates to stop the exhaust gases from being recirculated back into your intake. Finally, and most importantly, you need a tuner. The tuner is the "brain" that tells the truck it's okay that the emissions gear is gone so you don't end up in limp mode.
Fixing the Reliability Headache
The biggest reason guys jump on the 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit bandwagon isn't actually for the power—it's for the reliability. The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system is notorious for causing issues over time. It takes hot, dirty exhaust and shoves it back into the intake manifold to be burned again. Imagine if you were forced to run a marathon while breathing through a straw that was occasionally puffing smoke into your mouth. That's basically what your engine is doing.
Over time, that soot builds up and creates a nasty carbon sludge in the intake. It can stick valves, clog sensors, and eventually lead to some pretty expensive repair bills. By removing that system, you're ensuring that only clean, cold air enters the engine. It keeps the oil cleaner for longer and generally extends the life of the motor. For anyone planning to keep their 2016 F350 for another hundred thousand miles, this is a huge selling point.
Better Fuel Economy is a Nice Perk
Let's be honest, nobody buys a one-ton dually because they're worried about saving the planet's fuel supply, but nobody likes throwing money away at the pump either. A 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit almost always results in a noticeable jump in MPG.
The reason is pretty simple: the "Regen" cycle. In a stock truck, when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) gets full of soot, the engine injects extra diesel on the exhaust stroke to literally burn the soot out of the filter. You're essentially using fuel just to clean a filter rather than to move the truck down the road. Once you remove that restriction and the need for regen cycles, most drivers see an increase of 2 to 4 miles per gallon. Over a year of driving, especially if you're towing or doing long hauls, that adds up to a lot of cash staying in your pocket.
The Power and the Sound
We can't talk about a 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit without mentioning how the truck actually feels to drive. Stock 6.7s are powerful, don't get me wrong, but they can feel a bit "held back" or laggy off the line. Once you clear out the plumbing and throw a decent tune on it, the throttle response becomes crisp. It feels like the truck finally woke up.
And then there's the sound. If you like the way a diesel is supposed to sound, you're going to love a deleted truck. The 2016 6.7 has a very distinct turbo whistle that is completely muffled by the factory exhaust. With a delete pipe, you get that deep, throaty growl and a turbo whistle that sounds like a jet taking off. It's not necessarily about being the loudest guy on the block, but it definitely gives the truck a more commanding presence.
Thinking About the Software Side
The tuner is really the heart of the whole operation. You've probably seen names like EZ LYNK or SCT floating around. These devices are what make the 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit work. When you install the delete hardware, the tuner "flashes" the truck's computer with a new set of instructions.
Most of these tuners come with different power levels. You might have a "Street" tune for daily driving, a "Tow" tune that keeps things safe while pulling a heavy trailer, and maybe a "Race" tune for when you're feeling a bit rowdy. The cool thing about the newer tuners is that they often let you monitor everything on your phone or a dedicated screen. You can keep an eye on your Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs), boost levels, and transmission temps in real-time.
The "Off-Road Use" Elephant in the Room
Now, we have to keep it real here. There's a reason people talk about these kits in hushed tones sometimes. These modifications are technically for "competition or off-road use only." The EPA has been cracking down hard on emissions tampering over the last few years.
If you live in an area with strict emissions testing or visual inspections, a 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit might cause you some headaches come registration time. You've got to weigh the benefits of reliability and fuel economy against the potential hassle of your local laws. Most guys who do it are willing to take that risk for the sake of their engine's longevity, but it's definitely something to keep in the back of your mind before you start turning wrenches.
What About Resale Value?
This is a bit of a toss-up. In some circles, a deleted 2016 F350 is worth more because the buyer knows the engine hasn't been "choking" on its own exhaust for years. Truck guys know that a deleted 6.7 is generally a more reliable 6.7.
However, if you try to trade that truck into a big dealership, they might give you a hard time. Many dealerships can't legally sell a truck that's had its emissions equipment removed, so they'll either lowball you or ask you to put the stock stuff back on. If you do go through with a 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit, my best advice is to hang onto your factory parts. Throw them in a corner of the garage or up in the rafters. You never know when you might need them to pass an inspection or trade the truck in.
Installation: DIY or Shop?
If you're pretty handy with a wrench, installing a 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit isn't the hardest thing in the world, but it's not a thirty-minute job either. The exhaust part is mostly just unbolting heavy stuff—though you'll probably need a second set of hands because that stock DPF assembly weighs a ton.
The EGR delete is a bit more involved. It's tight back there against the firewall, and you'll be dealing with coolant lines, so things can get messy. If you aren't comfortable working in tight spaces or dealing with your truck's cooling system, it might be worth paying a shop to do it. Just make sure you find a shop that's comfortable working on "performance" diesel setups.
Making the Final Call
At the end of the day, deciding to put a 2016 f350 6.7 delete kit on your truck comes down to how you use it and what you want out of it. If you're tired of the "exhaust filter full" messages and you want a truck that runs cooler, lasts longer, and sounds like a real diesel, it's hard to argue against it.
The 2016 F350 is a legendary platform, and removing those factory restrictions is like giving it a second lease on life. Just do your homework, pick a quality tuner, and maybe keep those stock parts tucked away just in case. Once you feel that extra torque and hear that turbo spool up for the first time, you probably won't ever want to go back to stock.