Pros and Cons of EGR Delete and DPF Delete
- Author: SPELAB Mechanical Engineer (focusing on car modification for 10 years）
EGR and EGR Delete kit
Exhaust Gas Recirculation is referred to as EGR. The meaning of an EGR on a vehicle is implicit in the name. EGR, was developed by scientists to reduce hazardous emissions as the state of the environment is one of the top most concern. By recirculating some of the exhaust gases back into the engine intake manifold, we reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.
Just looking at the term, one can understand what EGR delete is. An EGR delete kit is used to disable or remove the EGR system from a vehicle's engine. It is an aftermarket component with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of EGR deletion.
Pros of EGR Delete kit
- Enhanced engine performance
An EGR delete kit enhances engine performance by allowing our engine to breathe-in clean and fresh air. Also, the eradication of the exhaust gases from the intake provides for better mixing of air fuel mixture. This results in good combustion and better engine performance. We also get a better throttle response, more horsepower, and more torque as the burning is made more efficient.
- Increased fuel economy
Our combustion process suffers when exhaust gases are mixed with the fresh air in the combustion chamber, and subsequently the engine suffers as well. So, with the EGR delete kit, the engine only receives fresh air. We can achieve better combustion and ultimately better fuel economy with clean, fresh air as the fuel is totally burned.
- Lower maintenance costs
Although having an EGR has numerous benefits, if it is not maintained, it could lead to serious issues. The circulation of unclean exhaust gases, containing soot particles, may occasionally cause blockages in various engine components, that could eventually have an impact on engine performance and even cause the engine to stall. If such a problem arises, the cost of fixing it could be very expensive. As a result, when the EGR system is removed or bypassed, your car won't have any issues caused by the exhaust gases being circulated again, making car maintenance simpler for you.
Cons of EGR delete kit
- Illegal
The wellbeing of living things, which is ultimately what matters most, is greatly influenced by the environment. Hence, in order to protect the environment, some states have made the EGR mandatory; as a result, deleting an EGR is unlawful in some jurisdictions. Also, when EGR is removed, the car cannot pass an emission test, which can cause issues when trying to sell it.
- Contributing to air pollution
Bypassing an EGR system will definitely give rise to increase in environment harming nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Engine losses/ malfunctioning
ECU being the brain of the vehicle is responsible for running the engine and therefore, plays a main role in adjusting different parameters. If the vehicle is not tuned properly after installing the delete kit, it will malfunction and you can have serious problems like overheating, knocking and loss of power.
DPF and DPF Delete kit
Diesel particulate filter is also designed to limit harmful emissions. It traps and stores soot and other particulate matter generated by a diesel engine during the combustion process. This stored matter is burnt in the process of regeneration. The clogging of DPF is harmful to the extent that it can cause an engine failure and is a very costly component.
DPF delete however, is a kit which removes the vehicle’s DPF and let your vehicle function normally without a DPF. DPF has its own advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of DPF Delete Kit
- Improved engine performance
Without a DPF, the vehicle's exhaust flow is less constrained, which eventually results in less constrained injection of the air-fuel mixture into the engine. Hence, improved vehicle breathing results from steady airflow. And it goes without saying that performance improves when breathing is better.
- Better fuel economy
The exhaust flow is smoother with a DPF delete kit, and a smoother exhaust flow results in a better intake stroke. The efficiency of the fuel is improved by correct mixing and smoother flow, because the fuel gets burnt efficiently.
- Lower maintenance costs
The accumulation of the soot and other particulate material in DPF can drastically bring down the engine performance as it directly effects the breathing of the engine and is even capable of stopping the engine. A DPF delete takes us away from all such problems and makes maintenance simpler for us.
Disadvantages of DPF Delete Kit
- Illegal
The wellbeing of living things, which is ultimately what matters most, is greatly influenced by the environment. Hence, in order to protect the environment, some states have made the DPF mandatory; as a result, deleting an DPF is unlawful in some jurisdictions. Also, when DPF is removed, the car will not pass an emission test, which can cause issues when trying to sell it.
- Contributing to air pollution
Bypassing an DPF system will definitely give rise to increase in environment harming nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Engine losses/ malfunctioning
ECU being the brain of the vehicle is responsible for running the engine and therefore, plays a main role in adjusting different parameters. If the vehicle is not tuned properly after installing the delete kit, it will malfunction and you can have serious problems like overheating, knocking and loss of power.
Conclusion
Its worth noting that an EGR & DPF delete can also impact a vehicle’s warranty, as it involves modifying engine’s emission control system. It may also be difficult to resell or trade in the vehicle. Also, the legality and potential environmental impact of an EGR and DPF delete should be considered carefully before any modifications.