EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems help cut down on nitrogen oxide emissions by sending some exhaust gases back into the engine. As a result, it helps keep the engine cool and saves fuel. But what if you need to buy EGR delete kits to make your diesel engine perform better? You will need to know the EGR delete pros and cons. You can find EGR kits for diesel engines like Cummins, Power Stroke, and Duramax. However, you do not just want to delete without knowing what you are getting into or the potential benefits.
EGR Delete Pros and Cons
I will try to be as brief as possible while also covering all the information you need to make a wise decision. If you already have EGR delete, you will also learn about its advantages for your vehicle.
EGR delete is not extremely bad for its cons. It will not automatically disable your truck, but it does not mean that it can’t.
While this post is about the EGR delete pros and cons, we will begin with the pros (advantages).
EGR Delete Pros
There are some advantages to EGR delete kits that lure many into deleting their truck. One would wonder what with the EGR delete craze. Well, perhaps you would want to join the craze (if not already signed up) when you consider these pros:
1. EGR kit helps cool down your engine
When the EGR system’s coolers or valves get dirty, exhaust gases flow more, raising engine temperatures. With the EGR delete kit, you can bypass that. therefore, it can possibly reduce exhaust gas levels and keep your engine cooler while running.
2. Diesel engines usually have an EGR valve that gets dirty with soot over time
The downside is that this sooth can block the air from going into the engine. In many cases, it puts deposits back into it. When you use the software in an EGR delete kit, it goes around this valve and makes your engine more powerful. Most kits can help your diesel engine perform almost like it used to right away, which explains why EGR delete is worth considering.
3. It also works with modified diesel engines
The EGR system can get clogged in both modified and unmodified diesel engines. This kit works the same way for any engine type in your vehicle.
While it might cause some clogging problems for certain engines, most owners discover that using the EGR delete kit helps fix performance issues and boosts their gas mileage.
4. EGR delete can make your engine more fuel-efficient
When you boost your diesel engine’s power with it, you’re also making it use less fuel. With an EGR delete kit, you send exhaust gas away from the engine, making it run cleaner and work better.
According to most experts, this will help your engine last longer. It also reduces the chance of filter problems. You might even save up to 20% more fuel with EGR delete kits.
5. Some cars can get cheap kits
One of the EGR delete pros is that you can possibly get to use cheaper kits. You will usually find EGR delete kits for less than $50 for some trucks (but most are over $200).
Unfortunately, these kits might not work for larger modern diesel engines with problems. If you have a small car, it might help.
Meanwhile, instead of an EGR delete, you can consider tuning to turn off your EGR. This way, you do not have to unplug anything from your truck. The job is often simpler this way, which lowers the chance of problems. This method is known as “EGR disable”. Technically, it still does the same job.
Cons of EGR Delete
So, this comparison is an EGR delete pros and cons battle to see which outweighs the other. Above, we considered the advantages. It will not be justice not to reveal the cons of EGR delete that might discourage you from continuing with the kits.
1. EGR delete is not public road legal
You can’t use this kit on public roads in the United States because it doesn’t follow the rules for emissions set by the government.
It’s not legal for regular driving, but you could use it for off-road driving if you want to. However, be careful because it can still cause problems like clogging your EGR system with soot, just like what happens during regular driving.
2. An EGR delete kit can make your exhaust gases hotter
Diesel engines usually cool these gases and send them back into the system. But when you use an EGR delete kit, the exhaust stays hot. This can raise the exhaust gas temperature in your car, which might affect how well your engine’s cooling system works.
When the gases stay in the engine, it can make the oil dirtier. That is because there is no way to clean out the debris. For some engines, it might be better to replace the EGR valve instead of using this kit.
3. Reduced horsepower
EGR delete kit might make your older diesel engine experience increased horsepower because it can let more clean air into the combustion chamber. This should, in theory, give you more efficient power. However, modern diesel engines can’t always benefit from this, so you might end up with less horsepower instead of more when using this kit.
When you delete EGR system from a car, it gives the engine’s air and fuel mix more oxygen. This often makes the engine more powerful. If you want the most power increase, it’s best to remove the EGR system from older vehicles because they have fewer sensors and systems to control imbalances.
4. Your engine might start knocking
The engine knocking noise happens because the modification can change the engine’s temperature and make the oil wear out faster. If you do not fix this problem, it could make your engine wear out faster or stop working sooner than it should.
5. The EGR system can get stuck in the open position
When the system gets clogged, that can be a problem. If the EGR system is stuck open, your engine might have trouble starting and struggle when idling.
If your truck runs OK at high speeds or RPMs but has problems at idle, the EGR delete kit won’t help with that – unfortunately.
6. Emissions test failure
If you use an EGR delete kit to bypass your system, you’ll almost certainly fail your state’s emission tests, if they are needed. In the United States, for example, it is a federal crime to EGR delete a vehicle. If you do not go to jail, you might have to pay a fine of over $10,000, depending on your vehicle, engine, location, and how much you drive.
Even though these laws won’t prevent you from getting an EGR delete, you need to think before you act. If you go ahead with it, you might get fined if you’re caught. Passing a vehicle inspection could also be tough, depending on how strict your state is.
7. EGR delete is expensive
The EGR delete can cost you around $200, which is similar to the price of a regular EGR valve. If you have someone install it for you, it could go up to $1,000 on certain vehicles.
This cost is similar to what you’d pay for replacing the EGR valve, and it’s worth noting that you won’t have to do extra things like flushing the radiator or adding a new coolant filter if you choose the delete option.
If all you need is to fix a clogged EGR valve, you can save up to 50% by simply replacing it instead of going for the delete kit.
You can make your own EGR delete by blocking the valve. If your EGR valve is already blocked with soot, you have basically done an EGR delete without needing a kit. Some people prefer to keep the valve instead of using a delete kit because it doesn’t really improve the engine’s performance for most people, and there can be some downsides. However, since there are risks and legal issues associated with this modification, it’s suggested to use it at your own risk.
How Much Does An EGR Delete Cost?
On average, getting an EGR delete can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000. This price varies. One cost factor is the type of vehicle you have, and another is the software you plan to use.
Typically, the parts needed for an EGR delete are quite inexpensive. You usually just need a simple piece of metal to block the EGR passages when removing the EGR valve. Depending on your car model, you might even be able to do this part yourself at home with basic tools.
The expensive and tricky part happens when you need special software for your modern car after removing the EGR. You can find pre-made EGR removal software online for your car model with some basic tools, but it’s risky and could damage your car’s computer (ECM).
So, it’s usually safer to have a professional tuner create custom EGR delete software for you. This can cost between $100 to $1000, depending on where you go to get it done.
Does an EGR delete need a tune?
Yes, if you have a new car, you need to adjust the software after EGR valve delete. There’s software available for this, but it can be risky to do it yourself. It’s better to have an expert tuner remove the EGR function from your car’s software.
Final Thoughts – Should You Delete EGR?
When thinking about the EGR delete pros and cons, you should be careful and thoughtful. There might be legal issues if you do this modification on a vehicle you use on the road. If you are using your vehicle off-road and are not concerned about legal and environmental implications, and if the benefits like increased fuel efficiency and power are significant for your vehicle type, an EGR delete might be worth considering. However, if you use your vehicle on public roads, value legality and environmental friendliness, and if the costs and potential reduction in horsepower outweigh the benefits, EGR delete might not be worth it.
Ultimately, consider alternatives such as EGR disable, which involves tuning to turn off your EGR without unplugging anything, potentially reducing the chance of problems.
