To remove EGR or not

RichN · 01-25-2009, 04:51 PM

I have an 89 GW with the 360 and auto trans. I'm tired of messing with the factory carb and emissions. My plan is to replace my carb with an Edelbrock carb, intake manifold, and exhaust manifolds. I also plan on upgrading the camshaft also.

My question is this: Should I get the carb and stuff to keep the EGR valve or just dump it? Searching around here, it seems keeping the EGR helps reduce in knocking and pinging. I'm wondering if it is that a big of a problem with these engines and keeping it would be a good idea.

I will climb a lot grades and in some cases go against 40mph headwinds with this vehicle. My normal elevation is around 3200 feet but can go up to 7000.

Appreciate the input.

BigDumbBear · 01-25-2009, 08:16 PM

In general, I say leave on the EGR valve. It reduces emissions(most of us don't really care about that)... It also reduces knocking and pinging like you said and increases fuel milage by quite a bit on some vehicles. I know most jeepers don't care that much about MPG... If so, they wouldn't drive jeeps. But, if you can leave it on and keep your fuel tab down to a bearable level, it makes a weekend trip much more enjoyable. Just my thoughts on the matter.

**BJ's Off-Road** · 01-25-2009, 10:05 PM

EGR's are great, when they work. When they go bad, they can cause a lot of issues...

CutterN55 · 01-31-2009, 01:58 PM

Well I have done what you are looking into and think it's great. BUT, I now have a whole other can of worms to deal with. I have an 89 GW and pulled off the carb, manifold, canister, AIR system, EGR, and pretty much anything associated with emmissions. Replaced with 1406 E-brock carb, E-brock Performer Manifold(non-EGR), E-brock Shorty headers(non AIR), and 3" single Flowmaster w/ no Cat. My Jeep's a trail monster and I've had no problems up at 8k+ altitudes that a little carb adjustment can't cure. The issues I'm working on now is because of reduced Throttle Lever travel length and the new carb is a little further forward with the new manifold, my shifting is not quite right. I had to adjust the Throttle rod to a happy medium where I get both up-shift and kick down. My Jeep is no longer capable of hitting 70mph without fear of blowing up the motor. I can cruise at 50mph at about 2,800 no issues. As long as you don't run the freeway you'll be fine.-Good luck.