Pollution Gear on 77 Vettes ( Small Block )

[69CVET]

Has anyone removed the Pollution Gear from a 350 small block ?
Is the EGR valve and associated gear really neccesary ??

Any feedback is appreciated.

Cheers
Chris

[77CVT]

Been a long time since I had my '77 but I took every bit of anti pollution gear off it.

[69CVET]

So did you block off the EGR valve with a plate and then just remove all the hoses and canister ?
I removed the EGR valve and its choked up and looks to be original as with all the other pollution gear.

Not looking for more HP , but we are installing Hookers Headers and Side Pipes as well as changing Rocker Covers and some chrome dress ups but all this Pollution Gear is taking up room and really not sure how efficient it is now ?

Cheers

[bfit]

The car will run better with out them , when turned correctly
Bfit

[77CVT]

I put on a new exhaust and performer manifold so I basically ripped it all out. 

[Vettech]

EGR operates only when engine is at running temp, only above idle and below WOT. On ECM cars a defective or removed EGR may cause a "Engine" light, this can be overcome by re-mapping the ECM. There are several advantages, the greatest being lower NOx and pollution. As far as power, since at WOT it is inoperative, there should be no effect. When removing, the Valve port and all Vac lines must be blocked and sealed. The only downside to removal is that (from memory) cars fitted with EGR by Aust Design rules must have it - if removed cars could be defected off the road. Unleaded come in approx 85 or 86 but in the US I think it was 75-76, so some argue that it is removed to allow for early US cars to run STD leaded petrol. Since most police would be overawed by all the Chrome, they would miss the fact that it has been removed.
Any way thats what I remember, maybe someone with engineering degrees can throw more light and correct me if I'm wrong.

[69CVET]

Thanks Doug for the info