The roar of modified diesel engines, once a familiar rumble on our roads, is gradually fading into a quieter hum. With increasingly stringent federal emissions regulations, truck enthusiasts are left to ponder: is the era of custom diesel tuning over?

In a recent podcast interview by The Diesel Podcast, they were joined by Jacob. He has been a brand manager for diesel performance specialist Edge Products for five years.

During the interview, he offered some of his thoughts regarding the shift in what customers are seeking nowadays. “Ten years ago the number one request was my truck needs a little more power,” Jacob said.

The diesel industry is witnessing a move away from a singular focus on raw power towards everyday drivability. Truck owners now prioritize improved throttle response and features that enhance their towing experience rather than just maximum horsepower.

While the demand has shifted, custom tuning retains its relevance in a specific segment: heavily modified vehicles. Trucks with upgraded turbochargers and fuel systems often require certain calibrations to function optimally. As Jacob explained, “There’s absolutely something to be said to custom tuning.”

Edge Products, a company once synonymous with pure performance, made a shift in 2011 towards emissions-compliant tuning. “Everything that comes out these doors is going to be emissions compliant,” Jacob stated. The company employs an in-house emissions testing cell, similar to those used by regulatory agencies, to ensure compliance.

For owners of stock or lightly modified trucks, Edge Products believes its pre-loaded tunes are competitive with, and sometimes even outperform custom options. As Jacob pointed out, “Some of our calibrations will actually put down more power or offer better drivability than that custom tune.”

Financial considerations also play a role. The expense associated with custom tuning can be a barrier for many. Recognizing this, Edge Products plans to introduce a more accessible option in 2025.

The CTS3 monitor will be compatible with third-party custom tunes, effectively lowering the entry cost for consumers. “By reducing the cost to entry for a consumer… maybe that’s one guy that will enter the market that wouldn’t have,” Jacob added.

Because of local rules and regulations and some innovations as well, diesel tuning faces unstoppable change. While fewer owners seek custom tuning, it remains important for those with heavily modified trucks.

Thankfully, companies like Edge Products are still responding to new customer needs, offering both emissions-friendly pre-loaded tunes and a path to custom options. Custom tuning isn’t a thing of the past. Its role in diesel performance is simply more defined in today’s world.