EGR on a 500

[dkoch]

Is it really necessary to hook up the EGR on an modified engine? I will have a aftermarket carb and spacer on the original ported intake. It will also have headers and a mild cam. I can't see it making a difference. I was reading the shop manual and it said that the EGR on the 500 was not used at idle or full throttle and that it was controlled by a series of solenoids that I do not have.

[pageboy]

In a word, no. Unless you need it to pass inspection or something. In that case, slip a sheet metal shim underneath the valve, like a gasket, to block it off.

[Rem]

The EGR can be pretty beneficial and personally, I would have it operative. The EGR lowers combustion chamber temps and prevents pinging. It also allows you to run a touch more advance in the timing by preventing detonation.
The solenoids are not required as these are in place to control vacuum to the EGR. The EGR is usually not operative when the engine is cold, so that is the reason for vacuum solenoids and thermoswitches; the EGR vac. hose can be run right to ported vacuum on the carburetor. JMHO