whats the best way to block off the egr valve on an LG4?

 

Unplug the vacuum hose.

Exactly why are you wanting to do this?

 

because i thinks its worn out. all i know is that with the intake hole plugged where the egr used to be, the car idles smoother and doesnt miss as much, im pretty sure the reason why it misses at all is due to a vacuum leak on the manifold that i just found today (after i posted this), but anyways ive heard that doing this will give you a little exra power (prolly no noticeable i kno), but theres no point in replacing it is there?

 

Yes, there is. The ignition timing curve assumes the valve is operating. Without the valve, you'll get part-throttle pinging with otherwise proper timing and proper octane fuel.

If it's a vacuum leak on the manifold, is it possible it's just the valve gasket that's leaking?

 

ya im pretty sure that fixing that leak should clear up the problem now taht i found it. but theres no way to take the egr off w/o running high octane fuel or what? cuz ive heard of people taking it off and i really dont want to replace it unless i have to

 

Back off the timing and take the hit in economy and power.