How Much Does a DOD Delete Cost?

Last Updated on January 22, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A DOD delete, also known as a Displacement on Demand delete, is an increasingly popular engine modification for certain vehicles. This upgrade aims to improve performance and fuel efficiency by removing the cylinders deactivation function. But how much does this complex procedure actually cost?

This article will break down the factors that influence DOD delete pricing and provide realistic cost estimates. We’ll also look at additional expenses to consider and tips for choosing a quality mechanic to perform the work. Understanding the full investment required will help vehicle owners decide if deleting DOD is worthwhile.

Deleting Displacement on Demand offers notable performance gains but comes at a high price tag.

The vehicle, required parts, shop rates, and additional work all contribute to the total expense. However, selecting an experienced performance shop is crucial when having DOD removed.

How Much Does DOD Delete Cost?

With parts and professional installation combined, for a DOD Delete drivers can reasonably expect costs between $1,200 and $4,000.

• GM trucks and SUVs – $1,200-2,500
• Chrysler Hemis – $2,500-4,000

Shops concentrated on performance upgrades may hit the higher end of these ranges. Those prices reflect the expertise required to safely complete the delete.

DIY engine work can cut the total cost in half since you only pay for parts. But this requires advanced mechanical skill and tools.

Some sources provide prices for individual components of the DOD delete kit, such as $529.99 for the Ultimate DOD Delete Kit from LSXOnly.com and prices ranging from $19 to $796 for DOD/AFM/VVT Delete Kits from Texas Speed & Performance.

Reported prices on the G8board forum range from $1,600 to $3,700 for a full DOD kit with upgraded components and a custom cam, with the cost varying based on the specific components and the labor involved.

What is a DOD Delete?

DOD (Displacement on Demand) is a fuel-saving technology where a vehicle deactivates some of its cylinders when full power is not needed. This reduces fuel usage during light-throttle cruising.

A DOD delete involves modifying the engine so that all cylinders remain active at all times. This is done to regain lost performance and improve throttle response. However, it requires installing a bypass module or deleting engine components.

Completing a DOD delete requires technical skill as improper modifications can cause engine damage. The work typically takes between 6-10 hours for a shop to complete.

Factors Affecting DOD Delete Pricing

Several factors influence what a DOD delete may cost:

Vehicle Make and Engine – DOD delete cost can vary dramatically depending on the vehicle and engine. More complex vehicles with tighter engine bays tend to cost more.

General Motors V8 trucks and SUVs – These are the most common targets for DOD deletes. The relatively simple pushrod V8 design reduces labor time. Expect to pay $650-1500 for parts and work.

Chrysler Hemi engines – Despite their performance reputation, Hemis offer huge gains from a delete. But their more advanced design means extra complexity and cost. Plan around $1,800-3,000 for parts and skilled labor.

Labor Time and Rates – The expertise and shop rates play a major role in overall DOD delete cost. This upgrade takes 6-10 hours in most cases. At a rate of $85-125 per hour, labor alone can cost $500-1250. Performing the work yourself substantially reduces the price.

Additional Parts – Some DOD delete kits replace components like lifters and valve springs that commonly fail after the mod. Upgrading these parts adds cost but protects your investment.

Essential supporting mods like a tuner and exhaust can add $1,000 or more to the total project cost.

Other Costs to Consider

Beyond the initial DOD delete expense, owners should plan for:

Long-term maintenance – Disabling AFM can increase oil consumption and strain engine components. Budget extra for fluids changes and component replacement down the road.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a resonator delete, a muffler delete, or a car widebody.

Tuning expenses – An ECU tune optimizes power and drivability after the delete. One-time tuning cost starts around $300-500.

Reduced fuel economy – Deleting cylinder deactivation hurts MPGs, especially highways. Estimate a 10-20% drop compared to a factory DOD setup.

Choosing a DOD Delete Shop

The complexity of the DOD delete procedure means shop selection is critical. Avoid inexperienced mechanics and general repair shops attempting this job.

Instead, look for these qualifications:

• Specialization in performance upgrades like forced induction, cam swaps, etc. This indicates advanced skill with engine work.
• Strong reputation particularly with DOD delete work. Ask to see examples of their upgrades.
• Use of high-quality parts and an ECU tune as part of the service. Avoid any shop utilizing suspect components.

Though their labor rates are higher, the right performance shop helps ensure your time and money is well spent.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before moving ahead with a DOD delete, carefully consider the tradeoffs:

Benefits

• Regains up to 30 horsepower
• Improves throttle response
• Restores free-flowing exhaust sound

Downsides

• Raises long-term repair bills
• Large upfront cost
• Loss of fuel economy

On high-performance trucks, the power gains and crisp feel often outweigh the fuel economy loss. However, each driver will rank these factors differently.

Evaluating your budget, usage, and performance goals will clarify if deleting DOD makes sense. Test driving a truck before and after the delete may solidify your decision.

Does a DOD delete increase horsepower?

Yes, a properly performed DOD delete can increase horsepower significantly, typically by 15-30 hp depending on the specific engine.

By running all cylinders continuously instead of deactivating half the motor under light load, the engine can take full advantage of upgrades like freer-flowing intakes and performance camshafts.

This translates to usable power gains throughout the RPM band, not just peak horsepower. Improved throttle response is another notable benefit drivers experience after deleting DOD/AFM.

So, while the main goal is resolving DOD-related problems, the extra muscle is a highly appealing side effect!

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is a DOD delete?

Physically performing a DOD delete requires advanced mechanical skills and special tools to disassemble the engine and properly modify components. So, for most drivers, the difficulty lies in finding a performance shop they trust to take on this complex 10+ hour procedure.

The shop itself touts the job as relatively straightforward since they have certified techs and engine bays designed for easy access. But there are still risks if improperly performed.

The simplest route is purchasing a plug-and-play DOD disable module that intercepts the engine’s cylinder deactivation signals. However, these “solutions” bring their own drawbacks and don’t deliver the full performance benefits.

So, in summary – a proper DOD delete is extremely challenging for DIYers but achievable for seasoned performance shops. Finding the right shop is key.

Is it necessary to delete DOD?

No, deleting DOD or AFM is never truly necessary. The vehicle will remain reliable in most cases if you simply maintain its engine diligently. But for drivers prioritizing performance and drivability, the long-term benefits usually outweigh the upfront cost and effort.

Here are two instances where a delete could be considered necessary:

1. If the DOD system is failing repeatedly despite proper maintenance. In some vehicles, the complex valve train hardware wears quickly, causing repeat issues. A delete may be the most cost-effective long-term fix.
2. If the performance hits from cylinder deactivation are unacceptable. Trucks used for towing or hauling heavy loads sometimes struggle too much with DOD engaged. Removing it returns full function.

While access to cylinder deactivation’s fuel economy is lost, its absence is rarely life or death for an engine. But deleting DOD often pays big dividends in responsiveness, reliability, and driving enjoyment over hundreds of thousands of future miles.