I've had my 2017 Chevy Colorado with the 2.8L Duramax for about three years now. When I bought it, I was looking for a midsize truck that could tow my small boat, get decent fuel economy, and not feel completely gutless on the highway. The Colorado checked all those boxes. It's been a solid truck—no major issues, decent power for its size, and the diesel fuel economy is hard to beat.
But like anyone who owns a modern diesel, I've spent time on forums reading about these engines. The 2.8L is a different animal from the big Duramax trucks. It's smaller, more efficient, and designed to fit in a midsize platform. But it still has emissions equipment, and that equipment comes with the same compromises as every other modern diesel.
The EGR system on these trucks has been a topic of discussion among owners. Some people ignore it. Some clean their EGR valves periodically. Others go further. I started looking into options and ended up comparing two EGR delete kits for the 2015-2019 trucks. Here's what I learned.
The basics: Exhaust Gas Recirculation takes a portion of exhaust gas, cools it, and routes it back into the intake manifold. This dilutes the incoming air, lowering combustion temperatures and reducing NOx formation. On paper, it works. In practice, it introduces trade-offs.
How it works on the 2.8L: The system uses an EGR cooler and an electronically controlled valve. The cooler reduces exhaust temperature before the gas re-enters the intake. The valve regulates flow based on engine operating conditions.
What that means for you: Every mile you drive, some portion of your exhaust is being routed back through your engine. That exhaust carries soot, and that soot has to go somewhere. Over time, it builds up in the intake manifold, on the EGR valve, and in the cooler.
The maintenance reality: EGR valves need cleaning eventually. EGR coolers can fail eventually. Neither is a huge job on its own, but they're things to think about as miles add up.
Soot buildup: If you've ever pulled your intake apart, you've seen it. That black, crusty deposit on the EGR valve and in the intake tract. It's normal for a diesel with EGR, but it's also not doing your engine any favors.
Occasional rough idle: Some owners report that after enough miles, the truck might idle a little rougher than it used to. Sometimes cleaning the EGR valve helps. Sometimes it's other things.
The cooler question: EGR coolers can fail. When they do, coolant can end up where it shouldn't be. It's not a common failure on these trucks, but it's possible.
The heat factor: The EGR cooler dumps exhaust heat into your coolant. That's heat your cooling system has to manage. Remove the cooler, and that heat stays in the exhaust instead of soaking into your engine.
What's included: Both kits come with everything needed to remove the EGR valve and cooler. Plates to block off the openings, hardware to secure everything, and gaskets to ensure leak-free sealing. All aluminum construction, precision machined for a perfect fit.
What they replace: These kits completely remove the EGR valve and EGR cooler from your engine. Not just block them off—physically remove them. That means the components are gone, not just disabled.
The coolant factor: With the EGR cooler removed, coolant no longer flows through it. The product notes that "coolant temperatures run cooler because they are not running thru EGR Cooler." This makes sense—you're eliminating a heat exchanger from the cooling system.
The exhaust factor: Hot exhaust gas is no longer being rerouted back into the motor. That means your intake tract stays cleaner, and your engine breathes only fresh air.
The materials: Aluminum construction with precision machining ensures these plates fit correctly and seal properly. Corrosion resistance is built in.
Cleaner intake air: With no exhaust gas recirculating, the intake tract stays clean. No soot buildup, no carbon deposits, no gradual restriction over time. The engine breathes clean air, period.
Lower coolant temps: The EGR cooler is no longer dumping exhaust heat into your coolant. That means your cooling system has less work to do. The product mentions "coolant temperatures run cooler," and that's accurate.
Elimination of a maintenance item: No EGR valve to clean, no cooler to worry about. Once the system is gone, it's gone. The product notes "eliminates soot build up and clogged EGR Valves," which is the whole point.
Reduced turbo lag: The product mentions "reduce turbo lag, increases throttle response." This makes sense—with the EGR system removed, exhaust flows more freely to the turbo, and the engine isn't managing recirculation.
Potential fuel economy improvement: The product claims "improve fuel economy," and many owners report slightly better MPG after EGR delete. Results vary, but the logic is sound—more efficient combustion, less work for the cooling system.
Longer engine life: Cleaner intake, lower operating temps, fewer failure points. All of that adds up over hundreds of thousands of miles.
2015.5-2016: The early production trucks have some differences in the EGR system layout. This kit is specifically matched to those trucks.
2016-2019: Later trucks have minor changes that affect fitment. This kit accommodates those differences.
The bottom line: Make sure you get the right kit for your specific year. Both do the same thing, but they're engineered for the particular configuration of your truck.
The 2.8L's ECM is programmed to monitor EGR operation. When it detects that the system is missing, it will set codes and may affect performance.
A proper delete tune is required to:
The kits include all necessary hardware—plates, gaskets, bolts. No chasing down missing parts.
For someone with intermediate mechanical skills and the right tools, this is a manageable project. For others, finding a shop familiar with these trucks might be the better path.
The EGR valve can clog. The EGR cooler adds heat to your cooling system. Soot builds up in your intake over time. These are facts of life with these engines.
The TruckTok EGR Delete Kits address these issues directly. Whether you have a 2015.5-2016 truck or a 2016-2019, there's a kit matched to your specific configuration. Both include precision-machined aluminum plates, all necessary hardware, and everything needed to remove the EGR valve and cooler.
What you gain:
For 2.8L Duramax owners who plan to keep their trucks long-term and are willing to invest in proper tuning, these kits address one of the engine's most significant compromises. It's not about chasing horsepower—it's about efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
If you've deleted the EGR on your 2.8L Duramax, what was your experience? Drop your thoughts below.
But like anyone who owns a modern diesel, I've spent time on forums reading about these engines. The 2.8L is a different animal from the big Duramax trucks. It's smaller, more efficient, and designed to fit in a midsize platform. But it still has emissions equipment, and that equipment comes with the same compromises as every other modern diesel.
The EGR system on these trucks has been a topic of discussion among owners. Some people ignore it. Some clean their EGR valves periodically. Others go further. I started looking into options and ended up comparing two EGR delete kits for the 2015-2019 trucks. Here's what I learned.
Part 1: Understanding the 2.8L Duramax EGR System
Before we talk about removal, let's understand what the EGR system does on these engines.The basics: Exhaust Gas Recirculation takes a portion of exhaust gas, cools it, and routes it back into the intake manifold. This dilutes the incoming air, lowering combustion temperatures and reducing NOx formation. On paper, it works. In practice, it introduces trade-offs.
How it works on the 2.8L: The system uses an EGR cooler and an electronically controlled valve. The cooler reduces exhaust temperature before the gas re-enters the intake. The valve regulates flow based on engine operating conditions.
What that means for you: Every mile you drive, some portion of your exhaust is being routed back through your engine. That exhaust carries soot, and that soot has to go somewhere. Over time, it builds up in the intake manifold, on the EGR valve, and in the cooler.
The maintenance reality: EGR valves need cleaning eventually. EGR coolers can fail eventually. Neither is a huge job on its own, but they're things to think about as miles add up.
Part 2: What Owners Notice Over Time
After talking to other 2.8L owners and reading through forums, a few common observations come up.Soot buildup: If you've ever pulled your intake apart, you've seen it. That black, crusty deposit on the EGR valve and in the intake tract. It's normal for a diesel with EGR, but it's also not doing your engine any favors.
Occasional rough idle: Some owners report that after enough miles, the truck might idle a little rougher than it used to. Sometimes cleaning the EGR valve helps. Sometimes it's other things.
The cooler question: EGR coolers can fail. When they do, coolant can end up where it shouldn't be. It's not a common failure on these trucks, but it's possible.
The heat factor: The EGR cooler dumps exhaust heat into your coolant. That's heat your cooling system has to manage. Remove the cooler, and that heat stays in the exhaust instead of soaking into your engine.
Part 3: What These Two Kits Actually Do
TruckTok offers two very similar kits for the 2.8L Duramax. One fits 2015.5-2016 trucks, the other fits 2016-2019. They're essentially the same design, just matched to the specific year range.What's included: Both kits come with everything needed to remove the EGR valve and cooler. Plates to block off the openings, hardware to secure everything, and gaskets to ensure leak-free sealing. All aluminum construction, precision machined for a perfect fit.
What they replace: These kits completely remove the EGR valve and EGR cooler from your engine. Not just block them off—physically remove them. That means the components are gone, not just disabled.
The coolant factor: With the EGR cooler removed, coolant no longer flows through it. The product notes that "coolant temperatures run cooler because they are not running thru EGR Cooler." This makes sense—you're eliminating a heat exchanger from the cooling system.
The exhaust factor: Hot exhaust gas is no longer being rerouted back into the motor. That means your intake tract stays cleaner, and your engine breathes only fresh air.
The materials: Aluminum construction with precision machining ensures these plates fit correctly and seal properly. Corrosion resistance is built in.
Part 4: What You Gain by Removing the EGR System
If you remove the EGR system from your 2.8L, several things change.Cleaner intake air: With no exhaust gas recirculating, the intake tract stays clean. No soot buildup, no carbon deposits, no gradual restriction over time. The engine breathes clean air, period.
Lower coolant temps: The EGR cooler is no longer dumping exhaust heat into your coolant. That means your cooling system has less work to do. The product mentions "coolant temperatures run cooler," and that's accurate.
Elimination of a maintenance item: No EGR valve to clean, no cooler to worry about. Once the system is gone, it's gone. The product notes "eliminates soot build up and clogged EGR Valves," which is the whole point.
Reduced turbo lag: The product mentions "reduce turbo lag, increases throttle response." This makes sense—with the EGR system removed, exhaust flows more freely to the turbo, and the engine isn't managing recirculation.
Potential fuel economy improvement: The product claims "improve fuel economy," and many owners report slightly better MPG after EGR delete. Results vary, but the logic is sound—more efficient combustion, less work for the cooling system.
Longer engine life: Cleaner intake, lower operating temps, fewer failure points. All of that adds up over hundreds of thousands of miles.
Part 5: The Year Split – Why Two Kits?
You might wonder why there are two separate kits for what seems like the same engine. The answer is in the details.2015.5-2016: The early production trucks have some differences in the EGR system layout. This kit is specifically matched to those trucks.
2016-2019: Later trucks have minor changes that affect fitment. This kit accommodates those differences.
The bottom line: Make sure you get the right kit for your specific year. Both do the same thing, but they're engineered for the particular configuration of your truck.
Part 6: The Tuning Reality
Here's the part that needs emphasis: removing the EGR hardware requires corresponding software changes.The 2.8L's ECM is programmed to monitor EGR operation. When it detects that the system is missing, it will set codes and may affect performance.
A proper delete tune is required to:
- Disable EGR monitoring
- Eliminate fault codes
- Optimize fuel delivery for the new configuration
Part 7: The Installation Consideration
Installing an EGR delete on the 2.8L requires mechanical competence. The engine bay in the Colorado/Canyon is tight, and accessing the EGR components takes time.The kits include all necessary hardware—plates, gaskets, bolts. No chasing down missing parts.
For someone with intermediate mechanical skills and the right tools, this is a manageable project. For others, finding a shop familiar with these trucks might be the better path.
Part 8: The Verdict
The 2.8L Duramax in the Colorado and Canyon is a solid little engine. It delivers good power for a midsize truck, great fuel economy, and reasonable capability. But like all modern diesels, its EGR system introduces compromises.The EGR valve can clog. The EGR cooler adds heat to your cooling system. Soot builds up in your intake over time. These are facts of life with these engines.
The TruckTok EGR Delete Kits address these issues directly. Whether you have a 2015.5-2016 truck or a 2016-2019, there's a kit matched to your specific configuration. Both include precision-machined aluminum plates, all necessary hardware, and everything needed to remove the EGR valve and cooler.
What you gain:
- Cleaner intake air with no soot buildup
- Lower coolant temperatures
- Elimination of EGR-related maintenance
- Reduced turbo lag and better throttle response
- Potential fuel economy improvement
For 2.8L Duramax owners who plan to keep their trucks long-term and are willing to invest in proper tuning, these kits address one of the engine's most significant compromises. It's not about chasing horsepower—it's about efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
If you've deleted the EGR on your 2.8L Duramax, what was your experience? Drop your thoughts below.
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