Though it should be well known by now that the EPA is cracking down on tuners selling emission delete devices for those who aim to get more out of their truck engines, obtaining more power without breaking the law is possible. A great example is a 2021 Ford Super Duty with a 64-millimeter turbo from Ryan’s Diesel Service and a PPEI tune. This combination has managed to increase the truck’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke to 632 horsepower and 1,230 lb-ft of torque on the dyno while retaining the EGR, DPF, and all the essential things not to make the modification illegal.
Ford Super Duty Diesel Emission Compliant Tune: Details
By comparison, the truck is rated at 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque from the factory. According to The Drive, PPEI founder Kory Willis stated that the truck actually made 448 horsepower at the tire in stock form. The Ford Super Duty took some time to reach the 632 hp power figure, adjusting ignition timing and boost parameters. Willis also stated that the truck could have an even greater output, but since the goal is to keep the Super Duty as close to the stock emissions output as possible.
This tune aims to develop a package that increases power significantly while still passing smog tests in California and other CARB states, and they’re on the right track. The power figures are improved considerably over stock, though the tune and turbo combo isn’t CARB-ready yet. It still requires a CARB Executive Order number, which requires a lot of testing on the manufacturers’ end; though, PPEI is confident it will pass these tests. It apparently keeps emissions within 10% of the OEM’s standards; on top of that, the NOx numbers have barely changed, which means that the added power doesn’t result in the consumption of more diesel exhaust fluid than stock.
This is a challenging feat. But if PPEI and Ryan’s Diesel Service can succeed with this endeavor, it will mean that Diesel performance can be done without needing to apply illegal modifications to the vehicle, and that could open the door to a lot more diesel-powered vehicles like the Ford Super Duty receiving power upgrades. At the same time, companies can avoid millions or even billions of dollars in fines.
