ok well idk if this is the same case since it is completely different than a vw but a 84 monte carlo i used to have had a EGR valve on it and when it failed i had my local exhaust shop weld the valve open and i didnt notice much of a difference. From what ive read, EGR valves only help your car when it is cold and mine seemed to work fine in the winter and it of course was a carbed car. Idk take it for what it is cuz i know there are quite a few differences between good old american muscle and german engineering...just some food for thought. 
