EGR valve, what good is it?

[ScottH]

I have a 76 C10 w/454 that a PO removed air pump and lines.
I was thinking of eliminating the EGR valve and was wondering if at this point it was actually doing anything.

Can anyone tell me if this is still performing anything of value?
It is currently connected to the vacume line which goes to a vacume temp switch which connects to the carb.

Ultimately I would like to replace the intake with a GM aluminum and lose the EGR valve and vacume temp. switch it connects.

Any info or opinions are appreciated.

Thanks.

[jimfulco]

Ditching the EGR valve can make the engine run leaner than before at part-throttle, and that can cause detonation. It wont affect full-throttle power, because EGR only operates at part-throttle. Recalibrating the carb will fix it. Pull the vacuum line from the EGR valve & plug it. Drive around with the engine at operating temperature & see if it pings under light acceleration.

[ScottH]

Jim, thanks for the info, I'll give it a try.

[BALDMIKE]

I un-did my EGR line as when I had it connected it just bogs the motor down ?

[SSC's76]

Most EGR systems are so full of carbon they dont work. If you ever swaped out your intake gaskets you would have noticed a section of pure black carbon. Thats the passage that the exh gas recirculates in.

Now will it hurt removing a properly functioning EGR system? Power, no, drivability, no, as long as the timing has been adjusted properly. A functioning EGR system will however increase fuel economy durring cruise by burning the unburnt fuel in the exh. This is the one and only smog device that works and doesent hurt power. The downside is the EGR does dirty up the internals of the engine.