I know this has been discussed but I went to our local diesel performance "experts" and they stated that on the LLY removing the CAT showed no improvement on the Mustang Dyno. As for the EGR blocker he was concerned about long term problems that might arise. He mentioned driving though ambient air temperature changes may cause performance issues blocking the EGR. Now he was going to make money off of me because I was going to have him do all the works so I wonder why he would tell me this besides not know better. Anyone know for sure that these mods are good for the vehicle. Thanks

You make more power by adding more fuel. More power = more heat, so you have to get rid of it via a less restrictive exhaust. No kitty = less restriction = lower EGT, not more hp.

As to long term effects of blocked EGR, I can only see benefits of having a clean intake.

Thanks for the response. How much does removing the kitty lower EGT's? If I am going to use the predator in the 40-65hp range would removing the kitty be necessary?

Are there any real performance imporvements using the EGR plate and finger?

My goals to modding the truck is efficency and making it last, not making it as fast as I can. Thanks

I replaced just the front pipe alone with a catless one and I see at least a 30 degree drop. If you do the entire exhaust it will drop 200. Adding a cold air intake also lowers the EGT's a bit.

my goals are the same as yours. I want it to have a good tune, low EGT's, and longevity.

i second briano's claim. my egts was dropped anywhere from 30 - 50 degrees. without the cat, the turbo does spool up quicker, hence less back pressure. If you want significant drop in egts, lose the muffler as well. That will bring your drop to around 200 degrees less, which is my next step. Lower egts is best for the engine, especially with 40 - 65 hp tunes and towing or going up steep grades.

As for the blocker plate, look at the soot in your intake. that will change your mind. my guess on your mechanic is that he may have an issue as he is unaware of the benefits. he may be afraid that if he does the mods, that you might come back in the future with a problem and he might be obligated to do warranty work. plus, removing the cat is illegal.

these items, installing the new kittyless pipe, egr blocker plate and finger stick are simple things to do and can be done in a few hours one morning. where are you located? there may be someone around the area that might know someone or may even be able to lend a hand.

as for your mechanic goes, you could always encourage one, that has no issues with mods, to join the forum and see what everyone is experiencing. this forum could help him and his business with symptoms recognition and fixes. which in my book, cut down alot of head racking time.

Thanks for the responses. I live in Slidell, LA (New Orleans area). I would like to do the EGR/finger mod myself but not much experience in mechcanic work. I am an electronic tech and the finger mod is no problem. The local people that gave me the advice (http://www.engineperformancecenter.com) will do the work they said they don't see much benefit. I see too many peoples claims here to doubt the pros of removing the kitty.

I see too many peoples claims here to doubt the pros of removing the kitty.
Just to be clear here, the benefits of removing the Cat is a few degrees of EGT. BLOCKING the EGR is where the long term benefit to your intake manifold is believed to be gained.

If your not going to alter the OEM engine management mapping, I'm not sure I'd bother with removing the Cat. I don't know what LA's emissions testing proceedures are, but it may not pass without it, either due to pipe emission or physical inspection...

HTH

If you can do the stick you can definetly do the EGR plate check out the direction thread here it is just two bolts and slide the plate in.

Just to be clear here, the benefits of removing the Cat is a few degrees of EGT. BLOCKING the EGR is where the long term benefit to your intake manifold is believed to be gained.

If your not going to alter the OEM engine management mapping, I'm not sure I'd bother with removing the Cat. I don't know what LA's emissions testing proceedures are, but it may not pass without it, either due to pipe emission or physical inspection...

HTH
Louisiana has no emissions testing. I live in Marrero, Louisiana and I removed my CAT and blocked the EGR and am about to install a finger stick. I bought the truck from Leson, but I may have to bring it in for warranty work at Bryan chevrolet because I hear they are more of a performance oriented dealer and won't have a hissy fit on mods.

where is Bryan Chevrolet? I am in and out of the New Orleans to Baton Rouge area constantly and would like to bring my truck in some time if I have time.

where is Bryan Chevrolet? I am in and out of the New Orleans to Baton Rouge area constantly and would like to bring my truck in some time if I have time.
http://www.bryanchevy.com/

I am not quite sure on their warranty policy regarding mods, but from what I hear, they are good. I even talked to a service manager from Sewell Cadillac who knows the service manager at Bryan and he says they shouldn't have a problem with any performance mods on my truck.