Some vehicle owners like to experiment by adding aftermarket kits or removing specific parts from their vehicles. EGR delete is a common practice in this category.
Removing a vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system can provide a couple of advantages to the engine. However, an EGR system delete does not only come with its numerous pros; the cons are also a factor to consider.
So, if you’re contemplating deleting your vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, kindly read this article first to understand what is involved. The subsequent sections define what an EGR system means, what it does, its pros and cons, and whether it is worth it.
What is EGR Delete?
The EGR delete simply means that the vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation system has been removed to make room for an aftermarket kit.
The EGR valve gets removed, so exhaust gases get re-routed from the engine. Typically, these exhaust gases would be used in the engine for further combustion.
When you do an EGR delete, you remove the EGR valve and replace it with a part that blocks the EGR passages. If you have a modern car, you will also need to reprogram the ECM software to work without the EGR system.
When considering whether to perform an EGR delete, there are several advantages that make it appealing. However, there are also plenty of disadvantages that must be considered before determining whether this is the right path.
What Does EGR Delete Do
You’ll notice three key differences once you install the EGR delete kit. Firstly, it’ll enhance the engine power. As explained earlier, the EGR system limits engine efficiency, affecting overall performance. Secondly, you’ll notice increased fuel economy.
The engine will work less hard, which means it’ll burn less gas to produce the same amount of power.
Lastly, EGR delete will increase the engine lifespan. The exhaust gas recirculation into the engine usually deposits soot on engine parts and causes accelerated wear on the engine parts.
With the EGR delete, the exhaust gas is no longer recirculating back into the engine. As a result, it’ll limit the soot deposit on engine parts.
advantages of eGR delete
A few advantages exist when doing an EGR delete, for example:
- Increased power: removing the EGR valve from your engine will help make the engine more powerful.
- A more fuel-efficient vehicle: as the engine becomes more powerful, it can also become more fuel efficient. An EGR delete helps you burn fuel and not recirculate the dirty exhaust gas back into the system. Less soot build up means the diesel particulate filter and other engine components are less likely to clog up and fail.
- An affordable option: EGR delete kits can be an affordable solution for certain engine work and modifications.
disadvantages of EGR delete
A few disadvantages exist when doing an EGR delete, including:
- They’re illegal in the United States and other countries: exhaust gas circulation deletes are illegal in all 50 states. Penalties for tweaking emissions components in engines can result in thousand-dollar (or more) fines.
- Decreased horsepower: people have often said that having an exhaust gas circulation delete kit installed has resulted in decreased horsepower.
- Increased exhaust gas temperatures: gas temperatures heat up which can spell trouble for fleet teams.
- Potential for engine knocking and engine damage: the knocking inside the vehicle is a result of the fuel in the engine’s cylinders. When this fuel ignites, the fuel can combust instead of burning as it usually does — that is, in a smooth fashion.
Symptoms of EGR Delete
#1. Improved Performance.
One of the main benefits of an EGR delete is improved performance. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation system is known to cause carbon buildup in the intake manifold and reduce airflow to the engine.
Deleting the EGR system reduces carbon buildup and improves airflow to the engine. This will result in better performance and you may experience improved throttle response, increased horsepower, and greater fuel efficiency.
#2. Increased Reliability.
Another benefit is increased reliability. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation system can be prone to malfunction and cause engine problems, including rough idling and reduced power output.
By deleting the EGR system, you can eliminate these potential issues and improve the overall reliability of your truck.
#3. Longer Engine Life.
The EGR system can also cause premature wear and tear on diesel engines. Carbon buildup can cause engine components to wear out faster than normal, reducing your engine’s lifespan.
#4. Cleaner Engine.
While the EGR system is designed to reduce emissions, it can contribute to engine deposits and increase pollution over time. Deleting the EGR system can help keep your engine running cleaner.
#5. Customization.
For diesel truck owners, an EGR delete can be a way to customize your truck and improve its performance. By removing the EGR system, you can customize the performance of your truck to meet your specific needs.
Pros and Cons EGR Delete
Paying attention to the EGR delete pros and cons below will help you make the best decision concerning either removing or retaining your vehicle’s EGR system.
Pros
- Reduced engine temperature
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Enhanced throttle response
- Extended engine life
- Engine power maximization
- Limits vehicle breakdown
Cons
- Illegal in the United States
- Possibility of EGR being stuck open
- It may reduce horsepower (HP)
- The vehicle may fail an MOT test
- Engine knocking
- May trigger the Check Engine light
Is it worth doing an EGR delete?
With the pros and cons of EGR delete, it is hard to say whether it is worth it or not. The EGR delete improves fuel economy, maximizes engine power, limits vehicle, extends engine life span, etc.
Also, it can lead to engine knocking. Reduce horsepower, trigger the engine warning light, and cause you to fail emission inspection. And most importantly, it is illegal in the United States.
In light of this, EGR delete is not worth it. It is illegal in the States and can trigger the check engine light, preventing you from knowing when the car computer detects a new problem and triggers the check engine light.
Is an EGR delete kit legal in the UK?
The legality of using EGR removal or delete kits seems to be a topic of debate as it won’t always result in the automatic failure of an MOT test.
However, according to the Road vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Regulation 61a(3))1, it’s illegal “to use on a road a vehicle which has been modified in such a way that it no longer complies with the air pollutant emissions standards it was designed to meet”.
This means that it is not only illegal to remove your DPF or catalytic converter, but an EGR valve removal or ECU remapping could also have negative legal implications if the vehicle is no longer compliant with emissions regulations.
This is why it is generally advised against. It’s also important to note that on a diesel car, the diesel particulate filter could easily become blocked if the EGR valve is not in operation.
How To Delete EGR?
First of all, you should be aware of the fact that EGR removal is illegal, causes NOx emissions to increase, and voids the vehicle’s warranty.
There are two ways to disable EGR: Physical Removal and Software Removal Using ECU Remapping
Physical Removal
You can locate the EGR valve and disconnect its vacuum lines and sensors, then seal the ports on the intake and exhaust manifolds using blanking plates to prevent exhaust gases from recirculating. There are also EGR delete kits available in order to ease the process.
There are also downsides to this method like:
- The engine may experience and increase in the exhaust gas temperature (EGT).
- It can cause the car to knock.
- Stock cars are not allowed to use these KITs in most regions, and your vehicle fails the emission tests.
- It is only allowed for off-road cars.
- Error Codes and Check Engine Light.
Instead, we recommend another method which is way more efficient.
Removal Using ECU Remapping
If you have a diesel car and you have problems with its EGR system, such as low engine performance, check engine light, repair costs and etc., this issue is solved by remapping the ECU software and disabling it once and for all.
How Much Does An EGR Delete Cost?
On average, you can expect to spend $100 to $1000 for an EGR delete. Of course, this cost has several factors involved that make a big difference. Obviously, the type of vehicle you are driving matters. It also depends on which type of software you are going to use.
Usually, the parts for an EGR delete will be very cheap, as you usually only need a piece of metal to block the EGR passages when you remove the EGR valve. You can also do this part yourself at home with a few basic tools, depending on the car model.
The costly or difficult part comes when you need a software to compensate for the EGR removal if you have a modern car.
With a few basic diagnostic tools, you can download a ready-made EGR removal software online for your car model. However, this is risky, and you can burn your ECM.
Therefore, it’s often a good idea to let a professional tuner make a custom EGR delete software for you. This can cost anywhere between $100 to $1000 depending on where you decide to get the software done.
FAQs.
Q: Is an EGR delete illegal?
If you are asking, “Is EGR delete legal?” Deleting a vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is illegal in all the 50 states in the U.S. The United States has created laws that serve as a standard that all vehicles must meet to be eligible for road use.
Possessing an EGR system is one of the requirements that validate a vehicle’s eligibility for use on the United States’ roads.
The government is focused on the good health of its citizens; hence the laws have been put in place to regulate practices that may be detrimental to the citizen’s health and well-being.
If you are contemplating deleting your vehicle’s EGR system, kindly think twice because it is illegal in the U.S.
Q: Does EGR delete add horsepower?
When you delete a vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, it automatically boosts oxygen density in the engine’s air/fuel mixture. This will further result in increased horsepower.
However, the horsepower increase may not be easily noticed because the boost may not exceed 1%. In addition, the EGR delete also helps to prevent a vehicle’s inlet manifold from being dirty over time.
So, if you desire to increase your vehicle’s horsepower, removing the EGR system may help you achieve this goal. However, it may not be ideal because of the position of the law pertaining to EGR system removal.
Q: What happens if you delete EGR valve?
If you are asking, “What does EGR delete do?” EGR system delete will affect a vehicle’s engine efficiency and pose a threat to the safety of the environment.
The adverse effect of the EGR system delete can be detrimental to other drivers on the road as well as pedestrians or other road users.
On the other hand, deleting a vehicle’s EGR system could put you in trouble with the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA). This is because removing the component from a vehicle will result in an emission problem.
It would be best to consider all the factors surrounding an EGR system delete before opting for it. Considering the consequence of an action is a vital part of decision-making.
Q: Will EGR delete cause black smoke?
An EGR system delete will not cause black smoke because it doesn’t involve incomplete combustion. A vehicle will release black smoke due to excess fuel running into the engine, thereby leading to incomplete combustion.
Incomplete combustion results in unburned gas blowing from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe. When this happens, one of the primary signs is the release of black smoke. In other words, deleting your vehicle’s EGR system will not result in the release of black smoke.
Also, note that if you’re already experiencing the release of black smoke from your car’s exhaust pipe, EGR system delete will not correct it. Also, note that EGR delete in gas engines attracts similar effects as diesel EGR delete.
Q: Does EGR delete make louder?
Of course, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system delete will eventually make your vehicle sound louder.
This is because the EGR system helps to minimize the level of noise coming from a vehicle’s engine. In that case, removing the component is like unlocking the suppressed sound.
The loud noise may be fun for the car owner because it distinguishes the car. However, it could also be an offensive noise to other road users and people in the neighborhood.
While thinking about deleting your vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, don’t forget to consider other road users and the people in your neighborhood.
Q: Can I drive without EGR?
Sure, driving without the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in your car is possible. The component doesn’t have anything to do with the functioning of the engine or the four wheels.
However, it is not ideal for you to drive a car without the EGR system. Besides the government sanction that applies to the illegal removal of an EGR system, noise is a factor.
Too much noise is bad; hence, vehicle manufacturers figured out a way to minimize the noise from an engine. However, if you like the distinctive sound that an EGR system delete produces, you might as well prepare for the consequence of noise pollution.
Q: Does EGR make sound?
Yes, a vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system can make the engine produce a knocking sound. This occurs when the EGR system is permanently closed.
So if you’re experiencing knocking or rattling noise from your car’s engine, it is most likely you have a defective EGR system.
The noise is usually minimal or completely silent when the vehicle idles; meanwhile, it increases once you begin to accelerate. If you are facing this challenge at the moment, consider contacting an expert auto mechanic to check out the problem and fix it.
Q: Can you roll coal with an EGR?
Rolling coal requires using aftermarket kits to bypass a vehicle’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. In other words, you can’t roll coal with an EGR system. Meanwhile, it is vital to note that rolling coal is against the extant law of the Clean Air Act of the United States.
The EPA – Environmental Protection Agency is charged with the responsibility to enforce absolute compliance by vehicle manufacturers.
In that case, violating the Clean Air Act by engaging in coal rolling can lead to a severe fine in tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Final words
Irrespective of the several benefits of EGR delete in a car, it is vital to pay attention to the cons as well. The illegality of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is enough reason to deter from the practice.
There are other ways of enjoying some of the EGR delete benefits, such as increased horsepower without removing your vehicle’s EGR system. It would be best to figure out alternative ways of enjoying those benefits while keeping a positive stand with the law.
Otherwise, a simple EGR system delete can put you in big trouble with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).