Benefits of an EGR delete and post-delete tuning requirements

capthook

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2010
Location
calgary alberta
TDI
2000 jetta, 2004 jetta wgn
Hello All...

I'm replacing the turbo on my 2004 Jetta, and I am contemplating deleting the EGR as well... I've heard many of the pros and cons, but I wanted to ask the Forum members what the real (versus imaginary) benefits of an EGR delete are. Also, I understand that after deleting the EGR I will need to "tune" the car - what does that entail and if I get it done commercially, what does that typically cost?

Thanks in advance...
 

ducatipaso

Airhead Butcher
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Location
norcal
TDI
2002 Jetta TDI
so deleting your EGR will also delete your ASV which some people feel is bad. In California, you cannot delete the EGR physically because you will fail the visual inspection for emissions testing.

you can work with @burpod and he can tune your ECU so your EGR is disabled, but your ASV will remain present. I went one step further and installed a solid gasket (no hole) that I fabricated out of copper between the EGR and the pipe that it hooks up to. Between those two changes, I have zero EGR function, but everything looks stock.
 

capthook

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2010
Location
calgary alberta
TDI
2000 jetta, 2004 jetta wgn
so deleting your EGR will also delete your ASV which some people feel is bad. In California, you cannot delete the EGR physically because you will fail the visual inspection for emissions testing.

you can work with @burpod and he can tune your ECU so your EGR is disabled, but your ASV will remain present. I went one step further and installed a solid gasket (no hole) that I fabricated out of copper between the EGR and the pipe that it hooks up to. Between those two changes, I have zero EGR function, but everything looks stock.
Thanks for that ducatipaso... I'm in Alberta where there are no rules around deleting the EGR...
 

Vince Waldon

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 25, 2009
Location
Edmonton AB Canada
TDI
2001 ALH Jetta, 2003 ALH Wagon, 2005 BEW Wagon
Just one datapoint: during a typical Calgary winter your car will be noticeably slower to warm up without the EGR. If your car is a manual the coolant plug system (if working) will help, but it will still be noticeable, particularly if you do short commutes.

Also note that an ECU tune is required to remove the permanent Check Engine light.
 
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The Cream Dolphin

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2021
Location
Fernie, B.C. originally Dwight, ON
TDI
02 VW Golf TDI ALH 245k
You can also use vcds adaptations to reduce the flow of exhaust recirc, but it is far from eliminating it. That is what I have done to mine because In Fernie we get some cold, and my commute is not long. As Vince mentioned, the coolant glowplugs work wonders, and I have a coolant heater to help with the short commute.
 

burpod

teh stallionz!!1
Joined
Nov 27, 2004
Location
cape cod, ma
TDI
82 rabbit vnt ahu, 98 jetta vnt ahu, 05 parts car, 88 scirocco.. :/
imo, with a combination of things, egr delete will not have any measurably longer warmup time

1) good tune (different timing/boost maps than stock for the colder coolant temps)
2) working coolant glow plugs (which tune can increase the time for)
3) 5minute radiator block

you can make a stealth total radiator block very easily with scraps you might have around. pop out the lower center grill and upper grill. use some sort of material to sneak down in there - i use 3 sections - a left, right, and one for the lower; i've used 1/4 foamboard or some sort of metal/plastic flashing material. even some cheap placemat material from walmart would work well. totally stealth, <5 min to install/remove, and re-usable. install in early nov and take out end of april, or whatever you think is appropriate
 

burpod

teh stallionz!!1
Joined
Nov 27, 2004
Location
cape cod, ma
TDI
82 rabbit vnt ahu, 98 jetta vnt ahu, 05 parts car, 88 scirocco.. :/
and forgot of course an easy add-on coolant heater. if you have a predictable commute, it's so easy to get a timer and plug it in during the evening, have it set for 1.5-2hrs before leaving, and get that instant big bump in temps. i haven't used mine in a while, but i used to have an outlet by the driveway that i put a basic $20 timer on - it is on from 5am to 5pm. so anytime after 5 i can plug the car in (outlet is off then). during the day, if i happen to need that outlet for somethign (working in the driveway), i can use it then too :)
 
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