Just curious, I purchased a 97 2500 2wd about 7 weeks ago. It is my first diesel and I have a lot to learn about. The truck is originally from California and has an EGR system. Does this rob any horsepower? Would there be any advantage to removing it if this is even possible?

 

I am watching this thread too - I have a 97 CA emmisions truck too. Anyone?

 

The EGR setup does limit air flow because of a restriction in the intake manifold. You can get a so called "49 state" intake or a Banks High Rise or similar intake. You can just block off the EGR tube with a plate on one or both ends. Disabling the EGR will cause CEL codes when the PCM doesn't see the expected temperature change when it orders EGR function. That too can be overcome with a fix involving resistors and a relay.

I blocked off my '98 EGR because it interfered with proper function of my exhaust brake. Didn't see much performance difference.

Dan

 

One of my concerns is also the exhaust brake. I have a US Gear exhaust brake with the EGR-1000 unit that operates the EGR valve. I'm not sure whether it closes or opens it, I'm guessing closes it. I really can't tell if the EGR-1000 is working properly. I found information about the brake on their website but nothing about the EGR-1000 other than it is required on trucks with CA emissions. I hooked the exhaust brake back up last weekend since previous owner had disconnected it. I can't tell a lot of difference using it, but will be taking my 5er over the mountain into NC next weekend and will be able to tell more about how it works. I did find instructions on using the brake and had turned o/d off when using it. I guess if I would see no performance increase, I will just leave the EGR on.

 

What I found is that the back pressure of the brake forces the EGR open. This vents the pressure and reduces the effectiveness of the brake. The EGR device from BD, and probably your EGR-1000, applies exhaust pressure to the backside of the EGR diaphram to hold the EGR closed against that pressure.

The problem I had is that when the brake pressure approached 60 psi, it blew out the rubber diaphram. After I replaced the EGR twice at $260 per, I blocked the EGR tube with plates at both ends. This allowed the brake to apply max. pressure.

A fellow TDR member came up with a method of fooling the PCM into thinking the EGR was working normally, thus no DTC lamp. I modified it slightly and it worked fine for me.

Dan