I blanked the EGR, removed the pipe to intake and fitted the new connector from intercooler to intake. My car pulls better uphill with the van on the back as it holds top gear longer. My only problem is that I now tend to use kickdown more often as it is now more fun. This does not do the mpg much good! The mod does not appear to work so well on the later TD5s.
First of all we need to be realistic about what gains we expect - this mod will not turn a TD5 into a Ferrari, but it will improve it in a number of ways:
1. The best reason of all for doing this mod on any diesel is to stop dirty tar-laden air being put back into the engine; If you don't believe me look in the inlet manifold of a non-modded TDi 300 like I did a couple of weeks ago. The inlet was 50% blocked with what looked like a combination of tar and marmite - not good for any engine.
2. The engine will be breathing only pure filtered and cooled air
3. On TDi 300's that I've de-EGR'd they had all improved their low down power and mpg, without question. On TD5's that I've done they run smoother and quieter.
4. On later TD5's (post 2002 EU3 cars) the EGR valve contains a large butterfly valve which appears to impede airflow into the engine so I would say they will benefit more by having this removed as part of this mod, not less.
The differences are subtle, but there.
Now De-catting LR diesels. This mod gives improvements that are not at all subtle, they are immediately noticeable and appreciated - better engine response, better mpg.
As far as I can tell there are no downsides to either of these mods, no negative mot effects, so why folks keep asking the same questions time after time I just don't.
Just do the mods and enjoy.