Melling has stepped up to address one of the biggest frustrations in late-model GM performance with the release of its MDK700 AFM Delete Kit. Active Fuel Management was originally designed to improve fuel economy by shutting down four cylinders during light driving, but over time, it has become a notorious weak point in GM’s 6.2-liter LT engines. From lifter failures to tuning limitations, AFM often creates more problems than benefits. By installing the MDK700 kit, owners can permanently remove AFM from their engines, unlocking better reliability and giving builders more freedom to pursue performance upgrades.

What The Kit Includes

Melling’s MDK700 AFM Delete Kit is designed as a complete package to handle every critical component that needs to be addressed during the conversion. The kit provides a new camshaft that eliminates the AFM-specific design, a full set of sixteen standard non-AFM lifters, four lifter guides made for non-AFM applications, a replacement camshaft thrust plate, and a variable valve timing oil control valve to ensure proper operation. By supplying all of these parts together, the MDK700 kit makes the process straightforward and reliable, leaving no guesswork about whether you have the right combination of parts.

Installation Notes

Converting a Gen V LT engine to a non-AFM setup requires more than just swapping lifters, and the MDK700 covers the details that can be easily overlooked. The AFM lifters must be replaced with non-AFM lifters, and the lifter guides are different between the two systems, making it necessary to use the guides provided. The valley cover also needs to be swapped for a non-AFM version to ensure proper oil control. Pushrod length should always be checked during assembly, as geometry can vary, and using the wrong pushrods can create problems. Just as important, the engine control module must be reprogrammed to disable AFM in the software. Without an updated tune, the system will not operate correctly. It is worth noting that this software update may not be CARB-compliant, so legality will depend on where the vehicle is registered.

Applications

The MDK700 is not intended for LS-series engines, despite what the original promotional flyer suggested. Its correct application is for GM’s Gen V 6.2-liter platforms, including the L86, L87, and LT1. These engines are found in vehicles such as the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. All of these models from 2014 and newer are candidates for this kit, making it a valuable solution for both truck and performance car owners who want to eliminate AFM.

Final Thoughts

Melling’s MDK700 AFM Delete Kit provides a complete and reliable path for removing AFM from modern GM 6.2-liter LT engines. By packaging all of the required parts together, it eliminates the confusion and risk of mixing incompatible components. While AFM may have served a purpose in terms of fuel economy, it comes at the cost of performance and longevity. For those building power, chasing reliability, or simply tired of lifter issues, the MDK700 kit is an effective and well-engineered upgrade.