[Chief Orman]

Anyone have a strong point of view on the EGR race pipe? Is it worth it? Notable performance gain?

[ranthum]

It deletes the EGR. With just blanks the cooler can crack and leak coolant into the intake. Which one is up to you, but it's much better than just deactivating or blanks.

[apexit4]

It is my understanding that the flow of air is much cleaner and undisturbed with the race pipe, which may or may not have a tiny effect on power (probably unnoticeable though).

Also, removing the EGR cooler will give you more room to work with for any future repairs in the area.

[Persian Whisperjet]

The more I get to know these cars, the more I think the EGR delete is the single most important mod re CBU. Preferably get one that retains the ASV.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by apexit4

It is my understanding that the flow of air is much cleaner and undisturbed with the race pipe, which may or may not have a tiny effect on power (probably unnoticeable though)...

Considering that the air flows into the manifold WITH SWIRL FLAPS that then disturb the airflow, that's a pretty bogus understanding.

Unless you remove the swirl flaps...

[apexit4]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Considering that the air flows into the manifold WITH SWIRL FLAPS that then disturb the airflow, that's a pretty bogus understanding.

Unless you remove the swirl flaps...

Well, if you're doing the race pipe then chances are you're also doing the swirl flaps as well. Some of these mods go hand in hand so I was making the assumption the swirl flaps were already removed...

[robnitro]

Just delete the egr with a tune and block plate, no need for a race pipe unless you are going extreme with bigger turbos.
Also in some states visual inspection can pose a problem to having a race pipe.

[Chief Orman]

Originally Posted by robnitro

Just delete the egr with a tune and block plate, no need for a race pipe unless you are going extreme with bigger turbos.
Also in some states visual inspection can pose a problem to having a race pipe.

Originally Posted by robnitro

Just delete the egr with a tune and block plate, no need for a race pipe unless you are going extreme with bigger turbos.
Also in some states visual inspection can pose a problem to having a race pipe.

Agreed...I have had a block plate in for a couple of years with the JR 2.8 tune...seems like kind of an unnecessary mod.

[rbreding]

All depends on which state you live in. Delete the egr if you can.

[Chief Orman]

CA...full delete already

[rbreding]

So you already have the race pipe then......?

I think I remember the volume of the existing egr valve vs the race pipe showing a reduction of 30% or so in volumetric flow. Moar air moar better.

[BB_cuda]

Originally Posted by rbreding

So you already have the race pipe then......?

I think I remember the volume of the existing egr valve vs the race pipe showing a reduction of 30% or so in volumetric flow. Moar air moar better.

I think Chief is asking if it is even worth messing with. He has the EGR block in place but wants to know if there are advantages to going to the race pipe or its equivalant.

FWIW, Chief firstly Hi, its been a long time since we spoke. I had a boost leak from the block off. It was charge air blowing out the opposite direction from the EGR out to atmosphere. I was one of the original 10 that got the ecotune ECU tune. Only they didn't exactly turn off the EGR function. So, everytime the EGR was opening to try to let exhaust gas in, the charge air coming from cold side pipe was making a psst psst noise. I saw a little oil film stuff with dirt on it at this same area. I wrote about this about 3 years~ish ago. You may have read that. Anyway, by going over to a AAR racepipe or bimmertune from Europe, you rule out 2 things. No chance of a trace of exhaust gas getting into your intake and no chance of boost leak at the same spot. Simplicity is beautiful to me. I painted my bimmertune a flat silver to look sort of "OEMish" to not attract attention of vehicle inspection people. The engine cover blocks this anyway though.

I would say there is no performance gain to note. I just like having the EGR cooler gone. This gives more room to work on other things such as a T/S change. Good luck

[Thecastle]

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

Anyone have a strong point of view on the EGR race pipe? Is it worth it? Notable performance gain?

Yes, important stuff here.

So A lot of work on this car often involves removal of the intake and or EGR cooler. The stock EGR valve is typical BMW design in the mounting. Small impossible to get at without their custom tools or unless you have child like fingers with gorilla strength.

The Race Pipe makes removal in the future so much easier. A real pro if you work on your car.

I will say I added the race pipe after my EGR cooler cracked. There was no performance upgrade. I also don't see a swirl flap upgrade as worthwhile either (better long hanging fruit and really not necessary for most). No sound difference, more space, one less thing on these cars to break, honestly unless someone told you you would not notice its there.

The one downside is mine leaks oil through the meth port and never got it to be completely leak free, maybe an early example? They also have changed the EGR cooler coolant bypass with plugs, I have the bypass kit.

All in all an extremely minor upgrade.

[Chief Orman]

thanks guys for the thoughtful response...bb_cuda good to be back...forgot how much deep knowledge is on this site...

so I'm getting an exhaust smell and I see some dirty areas around the couplings on the EGR... So f it... I'm putting in the Rodriguez race pipe and hopefully that will get rid of the exhaust smell in my car