The most important dividing line in a DOD delete kit is correct engine fitment. A mismatched application can turn a promising repair into extra work, delays, and costly repeat purchases.
This roundup of the Best Dod Delete Kits compares the main mechanical and electronic kit formats across the 2007-2013 GM truck and SUV market. The differences matter, and the comparison below gives you a clearer path through them.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm the exact engine code, displacement, and model year before ordering, since 5.3L GM engines can use different components.
- Choose a complete mechanical kit if you need replacement camshaft and lifter hardware, rather than an electronic disabler alone.
- Check the included parts list for head gaskets, head bolts, pushrods, valve springs, and any required seals.
- Treat a valley cover plate as a block-off component, not a full camshaft and lifter replacement package.
- Remember that an electronic AFM/DFM disabler changes system operation but does not repair worn or collapsed lifters.
| Complete Engine Conversion |  |
Non-AFM DOD Delete Kit 5.3L | Camshaft and lifters included | Head gasket set included | Mechanical delete approach | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bolt-Ready Delete Kit |  |
Non-AFM DOD Kit 5.3L | Camshaft and lifters included | Head gasket set included | Head bolts included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Gen IV Coverage |  |
AMS Racing Gen IV DOD Kit | Gen IV engine focus | Chevrolet and GMC coverage | Dedicated AFM/DOD purpose | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Valley Plate Specialist |  |
A-Premium LS Gen IV Valley Plate | Broad LS Gen IV fit | Replacement number listed | Multiple engine sizes covered | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Lifter Repair Bundle |  |
AFM DOD Lifter Kit 5.3L | Lifter replacement focus | Head gaskets included | Bolts included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Expanded Valvetrain Set |  |
5.3L V8 DOD Delete Kit | Camshaft and lifters included | Valve springs included | Pushrods and gasket included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Core Delete Upgrade |  |
DOD Delete Kit 5.3L V8 | Camshaft included | Lifters included | Three engine codes listed | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Electronic AFM Control |  |
AFM Disabler GM V6/V8 | V6 and V8 coverage | Broad GM application range | No valvetrain replacement required | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Gasket-Ready Lifter Set |  |
AFM DOD Lifter Kit 5.3L V8 | Lifter replacement focus | Head gaskets included | Bolts included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Broad GM Disabler |  |
AFM/DFM Disabler GM V6/V8 | V6 and V8 compatibility | Multiple engine sizes listed | Wide GM vehicle coverage | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Non-AFM DOD Delete Kit 5.3L
For a 5.3L rebuild where the heads are already coming off, this kit covers the main mechanical pieces in one package. The listed camshaft, lifters, and head-gasket set make it a practical choice for a coordinated AFM/DOD delete job.
You should still confirm engine-code compatibility before ordering, since the title does not list every supported code. It also does not identify tuning support, so plan for any required calibration separately.
- Kit Type:Non-AFM DOD delete
- Engine Size:5.3L
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs
- Included Parts:Camshaft, lifters, gaskets
- Additional Feature:Non-AFM/DOD design
- Additional Feature:Truck and SUV coverage
- Additional Feature:Coordinated valvetrain components
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Non-AFM DOD Kit 5.3L
A practical match for a 5.3L V8 conversion, this package adds head bolts to the usual camshaft, lifter, and gasket combination. That parts mix is useful if you want the core delete hardware and sealing materials together.
The title does not list valve springs or pushrods, so verify the contents against your engine’s repair plan. You will also need to confirm engine-code fitment and arrange any required tuning outside the listed kit.
- Kit Type:Non-AFM DOD delete
- Engine Size:5.3L V8
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs
- Included Parts:Camshaft, lifters, gaskets, bolts
- Additional Feature:Non-AFM/DOD configuration
- Additional Feature:Truck and SUV applications
- Additional Feature:Head fasteners listed
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AMS Racing Gen IV DOD Kit
AMS Racing’s listing is aimed at owners working on 2007-2013 Gen IV Chevrolet or GMC truck and SUV engines. Its focused application range makes it a sensible shortlist for a 5.3L AFM/DOD delete rather than a broad, mixed-generation parts search.
The main drawback is limited parts detail in the product title, which does not identify the camshaft, lifters, gaskets, or fasteners included. Confirm the package contents and engine-code compatibility before treating it as a complete conversion kit.
- Brand:AMS Racing
- Kit Type:AFM/DOD delete kit
- Engine Size:5.3L
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:Chevrolet/GMC truck engines
- Additional Feature:Gen IV application focus
- Additional Feature:Truck and SUV coverage
- Additional Feature:Delete-oriented design
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A-Premium LS Gen IV Valley Plate
Some repairs call for a specific valley-cover solution, not a full camshaft and lifter package. This A-Premium plate kit suits builders covering the AFM/DOD valley opening across several LS Gen IV engine sizes.
Its listed replacement number, 12598832, helps with parts cross-checking, while the broad 4.8L through 6.2L range adds flexibility. The limitation is clear: this is not a complete delete kit, so you may still need compatible valvetrain parts, gaskets, and tuning.
- Brand:A-Premium
- Kit Type:Valley cover block-off
- Engine Size:4.8L-6.2L
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:Chevy/GMC/Cadillac vehicles
- Included Parts:Valley cover plate kit
- Additional Feature:Replaces 12598832
- Additional Feature:LS2, LS3, LS7 coverage
- Additional Feature:Non-AFM/DOD block-off design
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AFM DOD Lifter Kit 5.3L
Choose this package if your repair centers on lifter replacement and you also need the sealing hardware for a 5.3L truck or SUV engine. The combination of lifters, head gaskets, and bolts can reduce the need to source those basic service parts separately.
The title does not list a camshaft, valve springs, or pushrods, so it may be better suited to a focused repair than a full delete build. Its AFM/DOD wording is somewhat ambiguous, so confirm whether the lifters are intended for stock-style replacement or a non-AFM conversion.
- Kit Type:Lifter replacement kit
- Engine Size:5.3L
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs
- Included Parts:Lifters, gaskets, bolts
- Additional Feature:Head gasket set
- Additional Feature:Replacement fasteners listed
- Additional Feature:Full-size GM applications
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5.3L V8 DOD Delete Kit
For a fuller 5.3L V8 valvetrain rebuild, this is one of the most extensively listed packages in the roundup. Along with the camshaft and lifters, it includes valve springs, pushrods, a head gasket, and named replacement references.
The LY2, LY5, L20, and LMG engine codes give you useful fitment checkpoints, but you should still verify engine-code compatibility against your vehicle. The title does not identify tuning or fastener coverage, so those requirements may fall outside the kit.
- Kit Type:AFM/DOD delete kit
- Engine Size:5.3L V8
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:GM/Chevy truck engines
- Included Parts:Camshaft, lifters, gasket, springs, pushrods
- Additional Feature:Replaces 12564012
- Additional Feature:Replaces 12589226
- Additional Feature:LY2/LY5/L20/LMG fitment
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DOD Delete Kit 5.3L V8
If you want the main valvetrain components without selecting a wider parts bundle, this kit keeps its listed contents focused on a camshaft and lifters. It targets popular 2007-2013 Chevy and GMC truck and SUV applications, including the LY5, LMG, and LC9 engines.
The narrower package can be useful for a repair plan that already covers gaskets and supporting hardware. However, the title does not list head gaskets or bolts, and it provides no information about tuning support, so budget time for those checks.
- Kit Type:AFM/DOD delete kit
- Engine Size:5.3L V8
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs
- Included Parts:Camshaft and lifters
- Additional Feature:LY5/LMG/LC9 coverage
- Additional Feature:Truck and SUV applications
- Additional Feature:Mechanical delete hardware
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AFM Disabler GM V6/V8
Electronic control makes this device a better fit if you want to disable AFM operation without replacing the camshaft or lifters. Its broad listing covers GM V6 and V8 engines from 4.3L through 6.2L, spanning Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and other GM-related applications.
That broad range is convenient, but it also makes connector verification and vehicle-year checking especially important. An electronic disabler will not repair worn lifters or camshaft damage, so it is preventative control rather than a mechanical delete.
- Kit Type:Electronic AFM/DFM disabler
- Engine Size:4.3L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L
- Vehicle Fit:GM V6/V8 vehicles
- Included Parts:AFM/DFM disabler device
- Additional Feature:Chevrolet and GMC applications
- Additional Feature:Cadillac compatibility listed
- Additional Feature:AFM/DFM control focus
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AFM DOD Lifter Kit 5.3L V8
This listing fits a straightforward lifter-focused repair on a 5.3L V8 Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra, or Yukon. With head gaskets and bolts named alongside the lifters, it covers several common service items for an engine teardown.
It is not presented as a full camshaft conversion, so verify whether your build also needs camshaft or pushrod components. The extensive vehicle list helps, but you should still match the kit to your specific engine code before ordering.
- Kit Type:AFM/DOD lifter kit
- Engine Size:5.3L V8
- Model Years:2007-2013
- Vehicle Fit:Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs
- Included Parts:Lifters, gaskets, bolts
- Additional Feature:Silverado and Sierra fit
- Additional Feature:Suburban and Tahoe coverage
- Additional Feature:Yukon application listed
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AFM/DFM Disabler GM V6/V8
For broad GM coverage, this electronic device targets V6 and V8 motors across 4.3L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L applications. The named Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, and Escalade fitments make it appealing if your priority is AFM control without engine disassembly.
The title does not provide model years or connector details, so compatibility requires careful vehicle matching. Like other electronic disablers, it will not correct existing lifter or camshaft wear, making it a control device rather than a repair kit.
- Kit Type:Electronic AFM/DFM disabler
- Engine Size:4.3L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L
- Vehicle Fit:GM V6/V8 vehicles
- Included Parts:AFM/DFM disabler
- Additional Feature:Silverado and Sierra applications
- Additional Feature:Yukon and Escalade coverage
- Additional Feature:AFM/DFM disable function
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a DOD delete kit do?
A DOD delete kit replaces the factory collapsible AFM lifters with conventional lifters and related hardware. Depending on the package, it may also replace the camshaft, valley cover, oil-control components, and gaskets. The conversion prevents cylinder deactivation from operating, but it does not automatically repair a damaged camshaft, worn rocker arms, or contaminated oil passages. Inspect those parts while the engine is apart.
How do I know which DOD delete kit fits my engine?
Match the kit to the engine’s RPO code, model year, and VVT configuration, not just the vehicle name or displacement. A 5.3-liter engine can use different lifter trays, camshafts, and timing hardware depending on its generation and application. Use the manufacturer’s compatibility chart and compare it with your VIN or service records. If the engine has been swapped or modified, verify the actual block and cylinder-head specifications before ordering.
Do I need a tune after installing a DOD delete kit?
In most cases, yes. The calibration should disable AFM/DOD commands and prevent related diagnostic codes, while a camshaft change may require adjustments to fueling, ignition timing, idle control, and VVT operation. A mechanical delete without the correct engine calibration can produce warning lights and drivability problems. Use a tuner who knows your engine, transmission, camshaft, and intended fuel.
How difficult and expensive is installation?
The job usually requires removing the cylinder heads to access the lifters, along with the intake, valve covers, and other components. Professional labor often takes roughly 12 to 20 billed hours, although rust, broken bolts, prior modifications, or engine damage can add time. Expect labor to cost about $1,500 to $3,500 or more, separate from the kit. Get a written estimate that lists gaskets, head bolts, fluids, tuning, and any camshaft or valvetrain work.
Is a DOD delete legal for street use, and will it add power?
Legality depends on your location and vehicle requirements. Because DOD can support emissions compliance, disabling it may violate emissions regulations or fail an inspection, so check state and local rules before modifying a street-driven vehicle. The delete alone usually adds little power and may slightly reduce fuel economy because cylinder deactivation no longer operates. Its main appeal is removing a known failure point, while meaningful performance gains come from a properly matched camshaft, supporting parts, and tune.
