In the Power Stroke community, one of the most common debates revolves around the fuel system: Is a regulated return kit really necessary? In a recent video, Matt from Blessed Performance tackled this question head-on, breaking down the purpose of the popular Driven Diesel Regulated Return kit for 6.0-liter and 7.3-liter engines and explaining why it’s one of his shop’s most recommended upgrades.
Unboxing the Driven Diesel Regulated Return
Matt began by showing the different Driven Diesel kits, which are available for a wide range of Power Stroke trucks from 1994 to 2007. The most popular version includes a fuel bowl delete that cleans up the engine bay, and an optional fast install kit bundles all the necessary fittings to connect to an aftermarket lift pump.
The kit itself is a complete system, featuring high-quality anodized and laser-engraved components, pre-bent hard lines, and modern QR code instructions that link directly to the latest installation guide.
The Problem and the Solution
Matt also gave a straightforward answer to the big question. “Do you need one? The honest answer is no. Will you benefit from having one? Yes, from stock to wild, you can benefit.” He explained that factory Power Stroke fuel systems are dead-headed, meaning fuel doesn’t circulate through the heads evenly.
This can cause some injectors to run low on fuel pressure, which leads to damage. The Driven Diesel Regulated Return solves this by creating a looped system that constantly circulates fuel, ensuring all injectors see consistent pressure and have the fuel they need for proper cooling and lubrication.
Protecting Your Investment
The primary reason for the upgrade isn’t about making more power; it’s about reliability. “That’s going to help with longevity of injectors, that’s the number one reason that you want a regular return,” Matt stated. He pointed out the financial logic, asking, “If you’re going to invest $2,500 into a set of injectors, why wouldn’t you invest $700 bucks to protect it?”
He also issued a critical warning: injector companies will not warranty an injector that fails due to a lack of fuel pressure, making a regulated return a key part of protecting your investment.
The Driven Diesel Difference
In the end, the message is clear. While a truck can run without this upgrade, the Driven Diesel Regulated Return system is a direct solution to a known factory weak point. It’s an engineered kit designed to provide consistent fuel pressure, which is critical for keeping expensive injectors alive.