2010-2018 Ram 6.7L Cummins Tuning

Tuning on the 2010-2018 Ram 6.7L Cummins

Tuning changes what the engine computer tells the injectors to do: injection timing, injection duration and fuel delivery. That is where the gains come from on a 6.7L Cummins, and it is also where the trade-off lives, because on this platform more fuel means more soot. The engine computer on trucks with the 68RFE automatic or the G56 six-speed manual is tunable, and the aftermarket supports it heavily. The Aisin AS69RC six-speed that Ram put behind the 2013-2018 3500 High Output engine is a different story: its transmission computer uses encryption that prevents tuning.

Model year matters as much as the transmission. 2010-2012 pickups clean the exhaust with cooled EGR, a diesel oxidation catalyst, a NOx adsorber catalyst and a DPF, with no DEF. 2013-2018 pickups use SCR with diesel exhaust fluid. Tuning licenses follow that split, so a file for a 2011 is not a file for a 2015.

What goes wrong when a tune goes too far

Two problems follow tuned fourth-gen trucks. The first is soot: high-performance tunes clog the particulate filter on DPF-equipped 6.7Ls. You see it as frequent regenerations and DPF-full messages. The second is the 68RFE. Diesel World puts its factory capacity around 400 hp and 800 lb-ft, and as owners added power the transmission became the weak link. On modified trucks that shows up as clutch failure and limp mode, typically somewhere between 50,000 and 150,000 miles.

Stock calibration vs. custom tune

If your truck works hard and runs stock, the factory calibration is a known quantity, and there is nothing wrong with leaving it alone. A custom tune makes sense when you want the truck matched to how you use it. The right target on this platform is a tow or economy calibration that keeps every emissions device in service: EGR, DPF and, on 2013 and later trucks, SCR. In California and other states that follow CARB rules, an emissions-related calibration needs a CARB Executive Order number for your exact model year. A plug-in OBD-II monitor that reads EGT, boost, soot load and regen status helps you run a conservative tune and catch a loading filter early.

What we carry

Everything in this collection supports custom tuning:

• EFI Live AutoCal V3 (blank): a handheld that ships with no calibration loaded, so an EFI Live tuner can license it and load files written for your truck.
• HP Tuners MPVI4: the HP Tuners interface that connects a laptop to the truck for tuning work.
• Calibrated Power Solutions DSP Switch Bracket: a no-drill mount for the DSP switch, listed for 2006-2022 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins trucks.

For other tuning options, browse our tuners collection, or head back to the Cummins parts hub for the rest of the truck.

Fitment notes

These parts are listed for fourth-generation Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, 2010 through 2018, with the 6.7L Cummins. Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs share the engine but use different frames, filters and exhaust routing, and they got SCR with DEF from 2011, so verify chassis-cab fitment separately. Tuning is licensed by VIN and ECM, and a 3500 with the Aisin gets engine tuning only. The 2019 and newer fifth-generation trucks are not covered here. Have your VIN ready and verify by VIN before you order.

Frequently asked questions

Can I tune the transmission on my 2013-2018 Ram 3500?

It depends on which automatic you have. The 68RFE transmission computer is accessible to tuners. The Aisin AS69RC used behind the 3500 High Output engine is encrypted, so an Aisin truck gets engine tuning only.

Will a tune hurt my DPF?

An aggressive one can. High-performance tunes clog the particulate filter on these trucks, and the warning signs are frequent regens and DPF-full messages. A tow or economy calibration that keeps the emissions system active is the better match for a truck that works.

Does a tune for a 2011 work on a 2014?

No. Tuners split this platform at 2013: 2010-2012 trucks use a NOx adsorber with no DEF, and 2013-2018 trucks use SCR with DEF. Licenses are tied to the VIN and ECM, so buy for the truck you own.

How much power can the 68RFE take?

Diesel World puts the factory 68RFE at roughly 400 hp and 800 lb-ft. On modified trucks it became the weak link, with clutch failure and limp mode reported in the 50,000 to 150,000 mile range. If you add power, plan for the transmission.

Do I need a CARB EO number?

If you live in California or another state that follows CARB rules, an emissions-related calibration needs an Executive Order number that covers your model year. Ask your tuner for it before the truck is flashed. A plug-in monitor that only reads data does not need one.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.