Thanks for the replies Aviator and Tommy.

Glad to know there only seem to be positives so far.

Definitely curious about whether or not the blanking is required, and especially if the valve is partially open as in my case.

I was told it wasn’t particularly needed, but it was only a 10 minute job and cheap to do so I done it to be 100% certain that no crap was getting past.

I watched this video from Sam's Motor and Machine and I believe you can see where the egr would need to be blanked just under the donut?

?si=dGf2ZWkWMOMNEYZa

Looks like it's pretty simple to access so not surprised it was a 10 minute job, and could potentially be reversed if needed for whatever reason.

Did you get you inlet donut cleaned at the same time as well? Seems like it would make sense to

Edit: I can see that your previous post says you cleaned it yourself. Any recommendations on what I would need in order to do that myself? I have nothing in terms equipment and resources.

I used some heavy duty degreaser, you’ll need a fair amount. Some wooden tongue depressor type things for scraping it all off and a mini jet wash type things for. But a hose will suffice.
You’ll probably want an area to do it in also as the stuff that comes out gets everywhere and will stain wherever it goes. A large container will help. Others have submerged the item in diesel to try loosen it or dissolve.

Thanks. I don't have anywhere suitable to do it at home without upsetting my wife, but I should be able to do it at a friend's place.

Just noticed that your profile says you're in Berkshire. Out of interest, who did your remap? I'm in Reading and have been looking at a place called PowerX as they are 10 minutes from me

https://powerxgarages.co.uk/