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8 July 2024 EGR Delete: Pros, Cons, and Legality
An EGR delete kit essentially disables the exhaust gas recirculation system of a vehicle by blocking or removing the EGR valve and related components, which are responsible for allowing a certain amount of gases to reenter the engine intake system. The supposed benefits of this modification include a reduction in soot buildups in the engine, reduced wear and tear, and improved engine performance.
However, are the EGR delete kit benefits really worth it? After all, the valve is important for reducing the harmful NOx emissions an ICE car emits and therefore protecting the environment and your health. It also reduces the temperatures in the combustion chambers. The engine’s control unit controls the gas recirculation process while simultaneously collecting data from the lambda sensor and adjusting the air-fuel mixture. Together, the components increase the engine’s efficiency and improve the fuel economy.
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.
VALEO EGR Module
Electric, with EGR cooler, with gaskets/seals, with EGR valve, with vacuum bypass, without clamp
Article number: 700435
£ 286,37
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 710327D
£ 97,01
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VALEO EGR Module
Electric, with EGR cooler, with gaskets/seals, with EGR valve, with vacuum bypass
Article number: 700436
£ 295,59
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
PIERBURG EGR valve
Electric, with gasket/seal
Article number: 7.09720.00.0
£ 211,28
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
PIERBURG EGR valve
Electric, Control Valve, with gasket/seal, with seal ring, Low Pressure Side
Article number: 7.04923.18.0
£ 149,07
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
EGR delete: pros and cons
Pros
- These products claim that by disabling the EGR system, less soot and carbon deposits build up in the intake system because the unclean exhaust gases are not allowed in. This could reduce certain maintenance efforts and costs. On the other hand, some experts say the PVC system is more responsible for these deposits than the EGR.
- Minimising the exhaust gases could also mean that the engine is able to draw in more fresh air for combustion.
- With less soot, the car engine components will, in theory, last longer and be less worn down.
Cons
- Removing or disabling the EGR could make your car non-compliant with local emissions regulations, potentially resulting in a hefty, unlimited fine if caught red-handed.
- It could come at a cost to the environment.
- EGR delete services can also be quite expensive as the process usually involves more than just changing the software, including physical modifications and the removal of the whole EGR system.
- You also lose the other benefits of the EGR valve, such as improved fuel efficiency through reduced throttle losses and stable combustion, and the prevention of engine knocking and overheating.
- The DPF could become ineffective.
Summary
An EGR delete kit disables a vehicle's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, reportedly reducing soot buildup, wear and tear, and improving engine performance. However, this modification can harm the environment by increasing NOx emissions, resulting in a legal offence. All in all, the process of disabling the EGR is costly and the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages for drivers in the long run.
Moreover, this system can also improve the engine’s fuel efficiency. If the EGR valve gets clogged, it may be possible to solve this by simply cleaning it out using an EGR cleaner. You can find out about the cost of a new EGR valve in online stores.
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