EGR Delete vs Blocker Plate: Which Is Better?

Diesel truck owners often feel puzzled by the EGR delete vs blocker plate debate when they face issues like clogged intakes, carbon deposits, and EGR cooler failures. The EGR helps cut down NOx emissions by sending some exhaust gases back into the engine. But this process also pushes soot and carbon into the engine's intake, which over time leads to reduced airflow.

The soot and carbon will clog intake manifolds and fail coolers. The two paths are full delete to remove it all or a blocker plate as a band-aid to stop the flow while keeping most parts.

This article will explain how the EGR works, why it's become a problem in diesel trucks (by blocking airflow), and look at two possible solutions: a complete EGR delete and a blocker plate. You'll get to know the differences, risks, and which choice might work best for your truck.

What is an EGR Blocker Plate? (The Budget Fix)

EGR fixes cost too much, and you need something quick? Soot still builds up and hurts your engine. A simple blocker plate stops the flow without big changes.

An EGR blocker plate is a metal plate installed in the EGR passages to stop exhaust flow while leaving most of the EGR hardware bolted on. It is a reversible and stealthy option that is simpler for DIY owners but still for off-road use only.

1. What is an EGR Blocker Plate?

We have installed many blocker plates over the years. They work well as a first step. Let us explain more so you know the full story and decide if this fits your truck right now.

An EGR blocker plate is a metal plate that fits into the EGR system to stop exhaust fumes from going back into the intake. It doesn't take out all EGR parts - the valve, cooler, and pipes stay in place. This setup allows for a sneaky and temporary way to quickly remove the EGR system without taking off any equipment.

The EGR blocker plate is a flat piece of steel or stainless steel. It sits between the EGR valve and the intake manifold or cooler passage. You remove a few bolts, slide the plate in with a gasket, and bolt everything back.

Installing an EGR block off plate is faster than installing a full delete kit. Most owners finish the job in 30 to 60 minutes with just a socket set and ratchet. No special tools or shop lift needed in most cases.

All in all, installation is usually straightforward, making it a popular choice for DIY diesel enthusiasts. In general, people suggest using an EGR blocker plate for off-road vehicles; using it on a street diesel vehicle might break emissions rules.

An EGR blocker plate physically blocks exhaust gases from entering the intake without removing the EGR system.

2. Pros and cons of EGR Blocker Plates

Pros:

• Simple installation: You can install it with basic tools and little to no know-how about mechanics.
• Cost-effective: These parts cost less than buying a full EGR delete kit.
• Reversible: You can take out the plate if you need to go back to the original setup for any reason.
• Stealthy appearance: Keeps most hardware where it is, which can help with visual checks or working with stock parts.

EGR blank off plates are available in different thicknesses depending on engine design.

Cons:

• Limited Performance Improvements: Because existing EGR systems and restrictions remain in place, airflow and increased performance improvements would be much less than if they were completely removed.
• Potential Emissions/Legal Issues: May trigger check engine (CEL) or fail OBD/visual inspection, depending on the local emission regulations.
• A Partial Solution: Does not eliminate all EGR-related failures, so long-term maintenance issues may persist.

While an EGR blocker plate can slow carbon buildup, it does not remove all EGR-related restrictions.

We remember one Saturday when we helped a friend with his Cummins. He was done before lunch and back on the road the same day. The best part is that it is fully reversible.

If you sell the truck or need to pass a check, you just pull the plate and put the stock parts back in place. This keeps the truck looking stock from the outside, so it stays stealthy.

Cost is low, too. Good plates runfrom twenty to fifty dollars. That is way less than full kits. Many DIY owners pick this because it is fast and cheap. It stops most exhaust gas from going back, so the intake stays cleaner and you get less carbon buildup in the manifold.

But gains are mild to moderate. Hardware and some restrictions stay, so you do not get the full power or response of a complete delete. The engine runs better, but not as crisp or strong.

Legal concerns are the same as delete. It is off-road use only and may fail visual or OBD checks in many areas. Sensors can still throw codes without a tune.

In our experience, a blocker helps daily drivers who want quick relief. One high-mileage truck we worked on stayed cleaner for eight months, but the old cooler still showed minor wear later.

So it reduces soot but does not remove every risk. We always pair it with a tune for the best results. Overall, it is a solid budget entry but not the complete fix for heavy use or long-term peace of mind.

What is a Full EGR Delete? (The Performance Solution)

EGR parts keep failing, and you want it gone for good? Soot and heat ruin performance over time. A full delete kit can solve the root problem once and for all.

A full EGR delete uses a kit to remove or bypass major EGR components so that exhaust gas no longer recirculates. Kits often replace the intake bridge and up-pipes. It needs tuning and is for off-road or race use only.

1. What is an EGR delete?

We have done full deletes on all kinds of diesels. The difference is night and day. Here we dive deeper so you understand every step and benefit before you start.

A complete EGR delete involves removing or bypassing the main parts of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation System. This stops exhaust gases from going back into the engine. The full EGR delete kit replaces (or redirects) all EGR system parts. <Learn what is an EGR delete>

These include the EGR valve, cooler, pipes, and sometimes the intake bridge and up-pipes. Taking out the EGR system allows more air to flow into the engine. It also gives a cleaner air supply to the intake.

To disable EGR-related codes in the engine control unit or computer, full EGR deletes often need expert tuning. Many people modify their trucks with a full EGR delete for off-road driving or racing.

A full EGR delete removes the valve, cooler, and related lines. You install block-off plates, new up-pipes, and a clean intake bridge. Exhaust now flows straight out instead of looping back.

The job takes more time, usually a full day or weekend. You may need a lift and basic mechanic tools, but many owners still do it themselves with good instructions.

2. Pros and Cons of EGR delete

Pros:

• Cooler engine operation: Hot gases are no longer recirculated, therefore reducing the intake temperature.
• Improved performance: Increase in power, torque, and better throttle response from denser, cleaner intake air.
• Lower long-term maintenance: Eliminates parts prone to clogging, which reduces EGR-related failure and carbon deposits.

Cons:

• Legal and emissions issues: In many regions, it is illegal to do a full delete on a vehicle that will be driven on the street. Additional inspections or roadside checks could fail.
• Higher upfront costs: A full delete kit and professional tuning will have a higher upfront cost.
• Possible warranty concerns: A full delete can potentially void the warranty of a vehicle.

Performance jumps. Hot exhaust no longer mixes with intake air, so the charge stays cooler and denser. This means more power, better torque, and sharper throttle response. We have seen trucks feel much stronger on hills and during towing.

Reliability improves a lot because you eliminate the parts that clog and fail. No more failed coolers leaking coolant into the exhaust. No more intake manifolds full of carbon that need cleaning every year. Long-term maintenance drops big time.

Cost is higher. A quality kit plus tuning runs five hundred to one thousand dollars or more. Warranty can be voided, and it is not legal for road use in most places. But for off-road or performance trucks, it is the way to go.

We installed a full delete on our own test Cummins last year. The engine bay looked clean, EGTs stayed lower, and power felt solid right away. The truck pulled trailers more easily and used a bit less fuel on long runs.

We also noticed fewer random codes and smoother daily driving. Of course, you must plan the job and get a good tune. Cheap kits can leak or fit incorrectly, so we always suggest proven brands.

Overall, a full delete gives the biggest gains and the cleanest engine, but it takes more work upfront.

EGR Delete vs EGR Block-off Plate: Side-by-side

Many owners compare EGR block off plate vs egr delete when deciding between a low-cost temporary fix and a permanent solution. Options sound similar, but results differ a lot.

One gives more power while the other saves money. We put the facts side by side so you see the real differences fast.

EGR delete removes most components for larger gains, while the blocker plate blocks flow but keeps hardware. Deleting costs more and is harder, but delivers better performance and reliability long term.

To help you decide between an EGR delete vs blocker plate, here's a clear comparison of the main factors.

Let us walk through it and add real details, so you know what matters for your truck.

Factor	EGR Delete (Kit)	Blocker Plate
What it does	Removes or bypasses most EGR components entirely	Blocks exhaust flow while leaving most EGR hardware installed
Performance impact	Larger gains in power, torque, throttle response, and cooler intake temperatures	Mild–moderate gains; less improvement than a full delete
Reliability	Reduces EGR clogging and related long-term failures	Reduces soot flow but retains components that may still fail
Cost	Higher parts and tuning costs	Lower initial cost
Installation difficulty	More complex; may require advanced tools and professional tuning	Simpler bolt-on for most engines; DIY friendly
Reversibility	Harder to return fully to stock	Easy to reverse; remove the plate
Legal / emissions	Commonly not road-legal; may fail inspections	Typically off-road only; may still trigger emissions issues

This table shows that a full EGR delete is the performance and reliability winner, while a blocker plate is a budget-friendly, temporary solution suitable for DIY owners or off-road use.

The real difference in the EGR block off plate vs EGR delete choice is long-term reliability versus short-term savings.

On performance, delete wins because the intake stays completely clean and cool. Trucks feel stronger and respond quicker. Blocker gives some help, but leftover parts limit the gains.

Reliability is another big one. Delete takes out the failure points, so the engine runs longer without surprises. Blocker cuts soot, but the cooler and sensors can still cause trouble later.

Cost matters for many owners. Blocker wins here because it is cheap and quick. Delete needs more money but pays back in fewer repairs.

Installation is easier with a blocker, so weekend warriors like it. Delete takes more skill, but we have seen plenty of first-timers finish it fine.

Reversibility favors the blocker. Pull the plate, and you are stocked again. Delete needs parts and time to reverse. The legal side is the same for both. Both are off-road only and can fail checks.

We compared both on similar trucks last summer. The delete truck had better fuel numbers and pulled harder. The blocker truck was fine for light use, but needed more attention later. Use this table and your own goals to pick.

EGR delete vs EGR Blanking Plate: Which Option Is Better?

Still not sure which one fits your truck? Daily driving or off-road changes everything. We break it down by real use cases so you can match the right choice to your needs.

Blocker plate works well for daily street trucks and tight budgets. Full EGR delete shines for high-mileage engines, off-road builds, and anyone who wants max performance and longevity.

Choosing between an EGR delete vs blocker plate depends on your vehicle type, usage, and budget. Here's a breakdown:

We help owners every week with this exact question. Here we look at four common situations and explain why one option beats the other in each case.

Daily-driven street vehicles

Most of the time, using blocker plates for trucks driven on the street is a much safer choice if you are looking to only make a temporary fix. If you use a complete deletion kit, then you might face emission failure, which will make you illegal to drive or operate your vehicle.

The 6.7 powerstroke EGR block off plate vs delete choice often comes down to budget versus long-term reliability.

We had a customer with a daily Ford who chose the blocker. His commute improved, and he saved hundreds upfront. He still got milder power gains but stayed under the radar.

High Mileage Trucks

An EGR delete will help decrease or eliminate your engine's chances of clogging up your intake and producing excessive amounts of soot, allowing for greater long term validity and lower costs associated with repairs.

We worked on a 220,000-mile Cummins that had constant codes. After delete the owner reported no more problems and smoother power. Blocker helps in the short term, but the remaining parts can still break and cost money later.

Off-road or performance builds

Full deletes are ideal for off-road trucks or race setups. They can lead to more power, throttle response, and longer service life of the vehicle engine (if administration and laws do not apply).

Our own off-road truck with delete pulls trailers up steep grades with ease and stays cool even in hot weather. Performance feels night and day better.

Budget-conscious owners

Blockers are a temporary solution to either waiting for the purchase of a full delete kit or as an interim step until you determine what best suits your needs.

A Cummins EGR block off plate is popular among DIY Cummins owners looking for a low-cost option.

Many owners we know did exactly that. They tested the waters, liked the cleaner intake, and moved to full delete after six months. This step-by-step approach keeps costs low while you learn what your truck really needs.

The decision comes down again to performance goals, legality, and budget. We always ask about your main use first. Match the option to your life, and you will be happy with the results.

The "Tuning" Factor: Why You Can't Just Bolt It On

You bolt the part on and expect it to run? Most times, the truck throws codes and goes into limp mode. Tuning fixes that and makes everything work right.

Both the EGR delete and the blocker plate will trigger a check engine light and limp mode on most trucks. You need tuning with EFI Live, EZ LYNK, H&S Mini Maxx, or similar to shut off the EGR sensors in the ECU.

Your truck won't run perfectly immediately after installing a blocker plate or completing a full EGR delete. In most cases, either method will trigger a Check Engine Light (CEL), and newer vehicles will often go into "Limp Mode" to protect the engine in these situations.

This happens because the ECU still recognizes the EGR system as being functional, but either the hardware has been blocked or removed. Using a cummins egr block off plate still requires tuning to avoid warning lights.

We learned this the hard way early on. Tuning is not optional. Let us explain why it matters and how it works so you avoid trouble.

The truck computer watches the EGR system all the time. When you block or remove parts, the sensors send wrong data. The ECU turns on the check engine light and cuts power to protect the engine. This limp mode makes driving unsafe and slow.

A good tune reprograms the computer. It disables the EGR monitors and deletes the codes. The truck runs normally again, and you often get extra power or better fuel use as a bonus.

You must have specialized tuning software in order to properly run your truck with no EGR hardware installed on it. Some of the more common choices for tuning include:

• EFI Live
• EZ LYNK
• H&S Mini Maxx

The use of these tools will allow you to disable EGR sensors from the ECU, keep the Check Engine Light (CEL) off, and provide a safe operating environment for your engine under the new configuration.

We never skip the tune. One time, we installed a blocker without it and the truck went into limp on the highway. We had to pull over and fix it roadside. Never again. Now we flash the tune right after the install and test drive to clear everything.

If the vehicle has not been tuned, performance and reliability will suffer, and your truck's performance will be erratic.

Tuning costs extra, but it is worth every dollar. It makes the mod safe and effective. Without it, both options fail to deliver. We recommend a trusted tuner who knows your exact engine model. Good files keep the truck reliable and can even improve economy by one or two miles per gallon.

For blocker plates, the tune is just as important because sensors still see no flow. Same for full delete. We always tell owners to budget for tuning when they plan the job.

It is the key that unlocks the full benefit and keeps your truck running strong every day.

Legality and Emissions Compliance (The Disclaimer)

You want the performance, but worry about laws? These changes break emissions rules in most areas and can bring real trouble.

Both the EGR delete and the blocker plate are for off-road use only. They increase emissions and will usually fail visual or sniffer tests in many states and provinces.

What you should know is that an EGR delete and a blocker plate are emissions modifications, generally termed "off-road use only," therefore making them illegal to use on any street-legal vehicle in most areas.

We talk about this with every customer. The rules are strict, so let us give you the straight facts and what to watch for.

The Reality

Bypassing emissions equipment (i.e., an EGR delete or blocker plate) may result in a failed inspection and violation of federal and state environmental laws.

The Risk

The EPA has implemented EPA regulations across many states and provinces. In some places, these modifications can cause a truck to fail both a visual check and a "sniffer" (emissions) test and an OBD inspection.

In addition, a truck that is driven on the street could be subjected to fines, forced back to factory stock vehicles to pass emissions compliance. Fines start at a few hundred dollars and can go much higher, plus you may need to fix it back to stock.

Always check local laws before making these changes, and treat them strictly as off-road or race-only modifications. California and some other states are very strict.

Rural areas or states like Texas are more relaxed, but rules can change. Blocker plates may pass a quick look better than a full delete because the hardware stays on. But both can still fail if they dig deeper.

We know an owner who got pulled over after a delete. The fine and retest cost more than the kit. Now he uses his truck off-road only and stays safe. We tell everyone to treat these mods as off-road or track use.

Do not risk your license or wallet on public roads. Stay legal where you drive and enjoy the benefits where allowed.

FAQs

Is an EGR delete reversible?

No, a full EGR delete is difficult to reverse because major components like the valve, cooler, and up-pipes are removed. A blocker plate, however, is easily reversible.

Do I need a tune for an EGR blocker plate?

Yes. Without tuning, the ECU may trigger a Check Engine Light (CEL) or put the truck into Limp Mode.

Does an EGR delete improve fuel economy?

It can slightly improve fuel economy due to better airflow and cooler intake, but gains vary by truck and driving conditions.

Will an EGR delete improve engine performance?

Yes. A full delete provides more power, torque, and crisper throttle response thanks to cleaner intake airflow.

Does a blocker plate prevent EGR cooler failure?

It can reduce soot buildup, but the cooler and related hardware remain, so failure is still possible.

Will a blocker plate cause a check engine light?

Often, yes. Tuning is required to prevent CELs.

What are the risks of deleting my EGR system?

Risks include legal issues, emissions violations, warranty voids, and potential ECU or sensor problems if not tuned properly.

Is an EGR delete worth it for high-mileage trucks?

Yes, it can improve reliability, reduce carbon buildup, and lower long-term maintenance for older engines.

Can an EGR blocker plate cause the uppipe to crack?

Yes. Pressure buildup from blocking exhaust flow can damage the stock uppipe, especially on older or high-mileage engines.

Which is easier to install, an EGR delete kit or a blocker plate?

A blocker plate is simpler and more DIY-friendly. A full delete kit requires advanced tools and professional tuning.

Final Verdict: Which is Right for Your Diesel?

All the facts are on the table, but you need one clear answer? We sum it up so you know exactly what to do next.

Choose the blocker plate if you test the waters or save for a full kit. Choose full delete for a one-and-done fix that maximizes longevity. We believe the EGR Performance full delete is the best overall choice.

Deciding whether to use an EGR delete or a blocker plate for your truck ultimately comes down to your objectives, budget, and how you'll be using the vehicle.

We have helped hundreds of owners make this choice. Here is our straight verdict based on everything we covered.

Go with the Blocker Plate when you are:

• Testing the waters or still in the early stages of deciding to go with a full delete
• Looking for something budget-friendly and just need a temporary solution
• Planning on going back to stock, or planning to have an option for going back to stock later down the road

Go with the Full EGR Delete when:

• You want a "one and done" fix that removes all clogging components.
• You want to increase engine lifespan, performance, and throttle response.
• You are ready for higher costs, tuning, and off-road usage only.

A blocker plate is a quick, affordable fix, but a full delete is better for committed diesel owners in the long run.

But after all our installs and tests, we say EGR Performance is the best choice to solve the problem. Their full delete kits use strong parts that fit right and last. Instructions are clear so even first-timers finish clean. Support is fast if you need help.

We installed their kits on our own trucks and customer rigs. Everyone runs cooler, pulls stronger, and stays clean inside. No more soot clogs or surprise repairs. Power feels solid, and fuel use improved. For most diesel owners, this is the one-and-done answer.

If your budget is tight, their blocker plate is also excellent to start. But when you are ready, upgrade to their full delete. It removes every EGR headache and gives the performance and reliability you want.

We recommend EGR Performance because it simply works best and gives real results. Your truck will thank you. Choose smart and enjoy the difference.

More Reading

• The basics of EGRs
• Exhaust gas recirculation
• How EGR works in a Diesel Engine