Anyone done this? I am thinking of removing egr from the equation but not sure if it will effect performance.

 

It might. But not on the plus side. No magic bullet with EGR removal, unless it's so bad that it's leaking, causing a vacuum leak, or blocking something.

 

EGR stands for EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION.

It introduces a small quantity of burned exhaust gas into the incoming fuel / air mixture. It is used to control the formation of harmful oxides of nitrogen by slowing the rate of burn. Oxides of nitrogen are formed under high temperatures and high pressures. The EGR gas slows burn rate and lowers peak combustion chamber temperatures, thereby reducing the formation of NOx gasses.
Important points to consider:
There are basically four modes of engine operation - IDLE, PART THROTTLE, DECEL, AND WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. EGR is not active during IDLE, DECEL, OR WOT. EGR is functioning under part throttle cruise and part throttle accel conditions only. Therefore deleting EGR will not improve idle quality or performance at WOT because it is not functioning then.
Additionally, the spark and fuel schedule is tailored to factor in the effects of EGR. So deleting it will generally cause the engine to have too much spark advance. EGR also has the effect of running a leaner mixture. It also reduces the chances of detonation.


Having said that, sometimes the EGR system will cause surging and hesitation, especially if the calibrators did not do their job well. It is possible to fine tune the EGR delivery rate by several means (vacuum line restrictors, spark delay valves, metering plates, etc.).
That is what I would do. Fine tune the EGR system for your vehicle.

If you decide to eliminate the EGR plan on fiddling with the fuel enrichment systems on your carb and also playing with the spark advance until all the "pinging" you will hear is gone.