Explorer 5.0 - what does EGR OFF do in the SCT Tuner

[MuscleJunkie]

Noticed in the SCT X4 tuner menu an entry for EGR OFF. What does this do for the 5.0 Explorer and why would one want to/not want to activate this?

 

[CDW6212R]

It's mainly for an altered intake system where the EGR parts don't exist, like a blower setup or a non stock intake which doesn't have the EGR boss. I may leave it off for my blower project too, to skip having to create the EGR boss in the custom upper intake.

 

[MuscleJunkie]

So if I have the original EGR parts still installed with my OBX headers and I select "Off" for this function in my SCT - will it do anything good or bad?

Also, been getting an intermittent P0401 code since the headers have been installed. Just replaced the two rubber tubes since they were melting.

 

[CDW6212R]

I'm not sure but I think it will shut down the EGR functions, plus ignore any EGR codes. People hardly ever discuss what the EGR does, lowering combustion temps at certain cruise conditions etc. I think the tune(A/F and timing) can be adjusted easily to compensate for any effects of not having an EGR. I've just not heard enough of the positives of an EGR to decide it's worth keeping in some vehicles.

 

[Turdle]

You might have a restriction in the cats, this is what usually causes the DPFE hoses to blow out, but time will also. Keep an eye on them.
IMO EGR does more good than harm on a street vehicle. I feel it makes the rings last longer,but that is my opinion. You might research exactly what EGR does inside your combustion chamber.

It is illegal to delete it, and, if you are subject to inspections you will fail.

For a race only engine EGR has no place to fit in.

That being said, the 401 code combined with blown hoses might indicate a failed cat. Deleting the EGR function will definitely get rid of the 401 code, but you might be masking over a more important issue.

 

[boominXplorer]

Both my dpfe and solonoid plug for my EGR are zip tied up out the way. I select EGR off in my tuner and get no CEL. If I detune it the CEL comes on immediately.

 

[MuscleJunkie]

I was getting a DPFE code and had a noise at the passenger side which led to finding the old original two hoses kinda melted on inside. Replaced them and DPFE code has went away.

The P0401 code is intermittent and only usually appears after some prolonged agressive driving.

Just curious of any good or bad effects of using the EGR off on the SCT canned tune in the meantime until I can get a proper tune, new high flow cats, new mufflers and mandrel bent exhaust (possible true dual). Btw, I have to use the 91octane tune because with the 93 tune I see pinging even with 93 octane gas.

Overall the OBX headers have been a huge improvement especially felt in the 2000 - 4000 rpm range. During track test runs the truck seems to love cruising 4th around 2800 - 3200 rpm range and seems it can more easily push past that 120 mark.

Thanks

 

[MAS Tequila]

It just keeps the ECM from throwing a CEL if it's not there.

It basically bypasses the circuit in the ECM that verifies that the EGR is functioning correctly.

There is no gain using this function with the EGR still installed.

It's the same with turning off the rear 2 02 sensors, it keeps it from throwing codes if you remove them when modding the exhaust.

MT

 

[MuscleJunkie]

Correction! I had not tested the 93 octane tune since I replace the two hoses from the DPFE error. Uploaded the 93 tune today and the pinging seems to be gone. Will test it out tomorrow on a long-distance drive and see if this holds true.......

 

[98 MERC]

Thanks for the OBX update !

 

[MuscleJunkie]

Ok, did some long distance testing today and no pinging with the 93 Octane canned tune from SCT. I am assuming I've had the 2 hose issue for some time and replacing those hoses corrected whatever was causing the pinging with that particular tune even though I was running 93 octane gas.

On another note, I turned EGR OFF in the SCT and the P0401 code did not return after today's test. When I was doing some yesterday with it "ON" the code would return. What I observed is some intermittent - very slight lugging or skipping feel (again very slight) when running very slow/very very low rpms. When I felt this, that is close to when the code would return. When I turned EGR OFF in the SCT - this lugging/skipping was not felt under the same conditions and no code returned in over 150 miles of normal and aggressive driving.

I've also (for some time) noticed another issue with what I think might be related to a timing issue with increase and lack of power under certain conditions. This was also before the headers so it is not related to the headers I think. I am wondering if it might be related to opening the air box up or throttle cable mod. I am going to start a separate thread for this to see what you all might think.

 

[358R]

Overall the OBX headers have been a huge improvement especially felt in the 2000 - 4000 rpm range. During track test runs the truck seems to love cruising 4th around 2800 - 3200 rpm range and seems it can more easily push past that 120 mark.

Thanks

How are the OBX's treating you with regards to gas mileage? Did it get better/worse with the tune(s)?

 

[MuscleJunkie]

Well not 100% sure but if you drive it easy seems a slight improvement but dropped about 3 to 4MPG when getting into it.

This might be related to the tune.. But I am going to do a 300 mile test and try running the 87 octane tune and see how it is with easy driving.

 

[358R]

Well not 100% sure but if you drive it easy seems a slight improvement but dropped about 3 to 4MPG when getting into it.

This might be related to the tune.. But I am going to do a 300 mile test and try running the 87 octane tune and see how it is with easy driving.

Look forward to the results.

 

[MuscleJunkie]

Ok so I am halfway through with the 300 mile test. I ran the tank to empty then filled with 87 (Shell). Installed the 87 tune on the SCT X4 and the only other changes are a +6% WOT Richer fuel, +7mph on the 3-4 shift and EGR Off. My overall average has been 18.5 MPG with mixed highway/city driving. On only highway at mixed 55mph - 70mph using cruise control I am seeing between 21 to 23mpg. Will see how it is on the 2nd half when I return later this week. I'm thinking that with highway only I can get over 20mpg which would mean that I should see close to or + 500 miles per tank of gas (25 gallons)

Driving style for this test has been nice and easy and using cruise control for any non immediate stop and go driving. AC has been running as well as burning headlights/fogs.

This is an improvement over what I was observing prior to installation of the OBX headers.

 

[MuscleJunkie]

So the final result for this tank of gas (mixed highway/city driving) I used 24.3 gallons (per the message center) and went 453.7 miles. Comes out to about 18.7 mpg out of the 5.0 V8 with AWD. Again I think with highway only driving I probably can get close to or more than 500 miles per tank.

 

[358R]

So the final result for this tank of gas (mixed highway/city driving) I used 24.3 gallons (per the message center) and went 453.7 miles. Comes out to about 18.7 mpg out of the 5.0 V8 with AWD. Again I think with highway only driving I probably can get close to or more than 500 miles per tank.

Still awesome numbers. That's easily over 150 miles more per tank than I am currently getting. And is your blower already installed or is this without?

 

[MuscleJunkie]

Still awesome numbers. That's easily over 150 miles more per tank than I am currently getting. And is your blower already installed or is this without?

I haven't yet installed the supercharger. Only changes (so far) are OBX Headers, swiss cheese airbox mod, k&n filter, throttle cable mod, lowered 2 inches (Saleen lowering blocks, torsion twist + camber adjusters), Saleen Rear sway bar, Saleen XP8 Rear Wing, Saleen XP8 Composite Carbon Fiber Hood, Bilstein Front Shocks/ Rear 3rd shock, Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus tires in the 255/55-18 109V size on Saleen Speedline Magnesium 18" Rims with 10" Offset, Powerstop front/rear drilled/slotted rotors/pads and SCT X4 canned tune (for this test 87 flavor with previously mentioned changes - I normally run the 93 tune for more spirited driving) Everything else (with the exception of the radio, fog lights, a couple moog ball joints and napa plug wires) is factory stock 2000 Explorer Limited 5.0 V8 AWD.

 

[358R]

I haven't yet installed the supercharger. Only changes (so far) are OBX Headers, swiss cheese airbox mod, k&n filter, throttle cable mod, lowered 2 inches (Saleen lowering blocks, torsion twist + camber adjusters), Saleen Rear sway bar, Saleen XP8 Rear Wing, Saleen XP8 Composite Carbon Fiber Hood, Bilstein Front Shocks/ Rear 3rd shock, Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus tires in the 255/55-18 109V size on Saleen Speedline Magnesium 18" Rims with 10" Offset, Powerstop front/rear drilled/slotted rotors/pads and SCT X4 canned tune (for this test 87 flavor with previously mentioned changes - I normally run the 93 tune for more spirited driving) Everything else (with the exception of the radio, fog lights, a couple moog ball joints and napa plug wires) is factory stock 2000 Explorer Limited 5.0 V8 AWD.

MPGs still holding where they were at your previous post? Still trying to find someone who can, or better yet I should, say will install mine.

 

[MuscleJunkie]

MPGs still holding where they were at your previous post? Still trying to find someone who can, or better yet I should, say will install mine.

Yes they are.