Advantages and Disadvantages of an EGR Delete

If you are looking to improve the performance of your diesel engine, you may have come across the idea of getting an EGR Delete kit. In this article, we’re going to walk you through some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with getting this kit installed in your diesel vehicle to help you better understand what the right choice will be for your particular situation. Let’s start with the basics. 

What is an EGR Delete?

To explain the pros and cons of an EGR Delete we must first understand what an EGR is, the role it plays in the engine, and the drawbacks that are associated with this valve. EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation and that is precisely what it does. An EGR valve recirculates an exact amount of exhaust gas into the engine intake system to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. 

Sounds good, right? So why would you want to get an EGR delete? 

Recirculating the exhaust gas in a diesel engine also means that soot is also recirculated and this can result in a clogged intake system and actually works against the intended goal of improving engine efficiency and require costly repairs.  

An EGR delete kit removes the EGR valve and allows the engine to perform without recirculating exhaust. If you do decide to have an EGR delete kit installed, you are going to notice some big differences in your vehicle right away. So what do those differences look and feel like? 

Advantages of EGR Delete 

More Power

• Removing the EGR valve is going to improve the efficiency and performance of your vehicle and it is going to be a lot more powerful. The EGR valve, while a well-intentioned design feature is impractical in the sense that it sacrifices the performance of the engine in order to ultimately work against its own goal.  

Increased Fuel Efficiency

• With fully restored power levels come increased fuel efficiency. This is because you are burning cleaner fuel by not recirculating the dirty exhaust gas back into the system. You also reduce the risk of having a diesel particulate filter failure and will likely see up to a 20% increase in fuel efficiency.  

Affordable Kit

• An EGR delete kit is one of the more affordable mods that you can buy for your vehicle and usually goes hand in hand with a DPF delete kit. These mods won’t run you more than a few hundred dollars, max.  

Disadvantages of EGR Delete 

While there are often many benefits to bypassing a flawed system, they may not be right for every vehicle. Some diesel vehicles can experience adverse effects like reduced horsepower, increased exhaust gas temperature and engine knocking. In some cases, it can be more beneficial to have an EGR valve replaced, rather than bypassed.  

If an EGR valve is blocked, it essentially is acting as an EGR delete and a kit isn’t always necessary. The best thing to do is to have a trusted mechanic examine your engine to determine the best course of action. 

The Verdict

EGR valves are more often than not a very beneficial mod that can improve performance, fuel efficiency and the lifespan of your engine and are definitely worth considering. Of course, one size never fits all, so if you still aren’t sure if it is right for you, be sure to consult an expert for your specific situation.