Nowadays heavy duty diesel engine trucks come outfitted with the most current EPA compliant equipment. That equipment comes in the form of two different methods used in the aftertreatment of the exhaust emissions. Those methods are Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and increased Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). Either (or both) are used to reduce NOx which is basically excess, unburned oxygen from the combustion process. In the early days, most trucks had only an EGR system with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) inline with the exhaust system so the question of SCR vs EGR was relevant. However modern diesel engines now utilise both technologies in harmony. There still seems to be a bit of confusion out there between what each system does and how they work so hopefully this article can clear things up.

Both technologies use exhaust gas recirculation to pass a certain amount of a motors’ exhaust gas back to its combustion chambers and they both make use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF). This is what removes particulate matter from the exhaust.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

Lets start by explaining what SCR is. This solution allows the engine to operate under optimal combustion temperatures but that in turn produces an unacceptable amount of NOx. It is used in combination with EGR in that it does recirculate some of the exhaust gases back through the engine but only in a marginal amount. However the main treatment process of the exhaust gases is done through a chemical reaction. The exhaust gases are passed through a system called a decomposition reactor which reacts the nitrogen oxide (from the exhaust) with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) which is most commonly a combination of de-ionized water and urea. This reaction effectively produces water and nitrogen which are environmentally safe. Notably there are two versions of the SCR technology with one using a copper zeolite catalyst and the other using an iron zeolite catalyst. Since copper zeolite is more efficient at reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, it offers a 2% increase in fuel economy. Cummins and Paccar have both implemented this version.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

Now you might be wondering what the major differences are. Well the enhanced (or increased) EGR approach works to reduce NOx by recirculating a much greater amount of exhaust back through the engines’ combustion chamber and does not make use of DEF. This exhaust gas is cooled on its way back to the engine and is mixed with oxygen rich air from the intake. Once that happens, we find a decreased amount of oxygen molecules in the combustible air because of the less oxygen-rich exhaust gas resulting in a cooler combustion temperature and reduced NOx gases. The disadvantage is that we now have a less efficient combustion process due to the lower combustion temperature which decreases fuel mileage.

Summarizing SCR & EGR

So after comparing each system, you can see that SCR does not rely on heat reduction, it relies mainly on a fluid solution from an external DEF tank to treat emissions. Additionally, enhanced EGR requires that more diesel is injected into the DPF for active regenerations – a sort of cleaning process. So what’s in it for the enhanced EGR technology? Well you don’t need to have a large DEF tank located on the truck which can end up impacting your other decisions when specifying the truck of your choice such as wheelbase and cab configuration. So if frame space is of a premium to you, don’t go with the SCR setup. SCR also adds an additional catalyst and injector along with the DEF tank which can all weigh up to several hundred pounds. Probably the most unattractive thing about an SCR system is the cost of filling up your DEF which costs anywhere from $0.80/L to $2.00/L. A truck will generally burn 40 litres of DEF every 1000-1200 kilometers.

EGR is a more simplistic approach which means less potential for things to go wrong. It uses no new technology, does not create any additional weight to the truck and does not take up valuable real estate on your truck. In addition to that, it makes no use of urea which has a known problem of availability especially at fuelling stations. So even though you may see a fuel savings of 2% with SCR, it will be negated by the cost of urea at a rate of 2-3% of diesel used.

Urea is not very stable either since it freezes at -11 degrees celsius and breaks down between 30-38 degrees celsius. So not only will the truck de-rate and shut down when the DEF (urea) tank goes empty, it will do the same thing at higher temperatures because urea loses its NOx cleaning properties when its over 30 degrees celsius. Either way, below -11 or above 30, the truck will not be meeting EPA standards and may enter limp mode.

Over the past several years, both EGR and SCR have been coming standard on all diesel trucks. So if you’re in the market for a new or newer truck you won’t have a choice. EGR by and large was implemented in 2008 and we first started seeing SCR in 2010.

At first glance this may appear to be a very simple and insignificant device. However, Electronic Positive Air Shutdown (EPAS) is likely the most important safety component you can install on your diesel truck.

As a contractor/supplier to the Canadian oil & gas industry, this unit is a must-have on all of JT HOTSHOTTING’s fleet trucks. Not only does it save your diesel engine from a runaway situation but it’s also mandated in the CANADA OIL AND GAS ACT. Without it, you’re not getting on any work site.

“Section 13 (4)(b) a shut-off valve that is located between the engine air inlet filter and the induction system flame arrester and that is capable of being closed automatically by the engine overspeeding device and manually;”

How The Electronic Positive Air Shutdown (EPAS) Works

Diesel engines only need 2 elements to run – air and fuel. Cut off one of these and the engine will stall. However, when your fuel source comes from outside of the truck in the form of hydrocarbon vapour, simply turning off your ignition or killing the diesel supply will not shut down the engine. As long as that volatile external fuel supply has access to your intake manifold, your engine will continue running and over-revving until it grenades.

Most late model diesel engines already incorporate an electronic throttle body (butterfly valve) just before the intake manifold (charge-air-cooler side) to aid in EGR function by partially restricting air flow. The BD EPAS unit simply connects directly to this unit and will completely close the valve to shut off the outside air supply when it senses the engine revving higher than a predetermined level. On Cummins 6.7L engines the threshold is 4200 rpm. The EPAS module reads RPM’s through a secondary connection to the crankshaft position sensor.

Alternatively, there is also a dash mounted switch which the driver can flip to the “off” position.

In both cases, the in-line butterfly valve will remain closed until the engine RPM drop to zero and for an additional 5 seconds afterwards. The valve will automatically reset itself to the open position once the shutdown process is complete.

What If My Truck Doesn’t Have An Electronic Throttle Body?

There’s no problem at all. There are other BD PAS (Positive Air Shutdown) kits available and while they may be a bit more labour intensive to install they still yield the same result and actually cost around the same as the electronic EPAS kit. The difference in these kits is that they provide you with the missing butterfly valve.


The only drawback with these kits is that in order to restart your engine after an emergency shutdown, you need to open your hood and physically reset the trip mechanism on the PAS.

There Are So Many Various PAS (Positive Air Shutdown) Systems Available. Which One Should I Choose?

We recommend the PAS systems from BD Diesel Performance for a few reasons. Firstly, they are local to us and have products readily available. Everything they manufacture is incredibly easy to install and is frankly top shelf quality backed by a solid warranty.

BD offers both the Electronic Positive Air Shutdown (EPAS) kit and Positive Air Shutdown (PAS) kit.

As JT HOTSHOTTING grows larger, so are the jobs we undertake. In order to stay aligned with our customers’ needs, we acquire new equipment as necessary. Recently, requests have been building for us to get into the larger flat decking arena.

Why Did We Choose Manac Trailers?

Since the majority of what we transport is over-dimensional, we opted to purchase a fantastically made in Canada 2015 53′ Manac Trailers tridem stepdeck with an accomodating deck height of only 36″ – made possible in part by the low profile 17.5″ aluminum wheel and tire package. Each axle is rated at a healthy 23,000 lbs providing for large payload capabilities and features automatic air pressure regulating valves for each tire.

Visibility wise the trailer is outfitted completely with LED lights, hi-vis tape and 4 strobing side marker lights which can extend outwards for transporting wide loads safely. Big and beautiful aluminum toolboxes mounted under the trailer complete the professional look while providing ample space for our cargo securement gear.

JT HOTSHOTTING only operates with top of the line (such as Canadian made Manac Trailers) and well maintained equipment ensuring that your shipment is delivered reliably and on time. After all, that is how we live up to our slogan “EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS”!

Please use our Contact Form or call us if you need a price quote for using any of our services. We are available 24/7/365!

This year, July 28th marked the beginning of the first annual British Columbia Camaro Club Show & Shine which was held in the parking lot of the Sandman Hotel located in Richmond, BC. When JT HOTSHOTTING was approached by the club’s President to be the title sponsor, we were delighted to take the position and pitch in.

Camaro Club For A Cause

The event was lively and fun was had by all. There was a DJ, face painting for children a raffle draw and silent auction. All proceeds from the latter two went to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice which provides care for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families throughout British Columbia.

JT HOTSHOTTING donated the use of their large 900 square foot tent that would facilitate these events and donated a bunch of swag as door prizes for the raffle.

The car show was was truly a success  having 130 entries and we’d like to extend our gratitude to the BC Camaro Club for inviting us and for organizing such a special humanitarian cause that JT HOTSHOTTING was proud to be a part of.

We took tons of photos and two videos during the show and shine so please enjoy them below!

When we got the call to transport the monstrous 2013 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse to the Calgary International Auto Show we were absolutely honoured. The opportunity to work with a $2.3M exotic does not come around every day and to say the least, this was one for the books! The Bugatti was completely brand new and had just flown in from Germany. Our client was also very particular as to who would be handling this calibre of a car. Here is what they had to say after the fact:

“Justin did a great job today in handling of the load, lashing and transport of the Bugatti Veyron. Justin was knowledgeable, courteous and efficient. Your service was on time and more importantly the vehicle arrived in safe condition to the Calgary Auto & Truck Show. We will definitely give JT HOTSHOTTING future considerations on our next vehicle transports we have in Alberta or in BC.”

The All-New 2013 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse

What Bugatti did for 2013 was basically take a Veyron Super Sport coupe, add a removable top, increased the size of the 4 turbochargers and intercoolers and called it a Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.

The Vitesse now sits at 1200 bhp and 1106 lb.-ft. of torque which is produced by a giant 8.0-liter W-16 engine. The car will reach 0-60 in a staggering 2.4s. Not bad for a 4400 lb package. The car has also been designed to reach a top speed of 268 MPH (431 KM/H) however for tire reasons will be limited to 258 MPH (415 KM/H). You’d better own a huge part of earth to test that out and sets of tires will run you a cool $30K which only last about 37 miles at that rate.

When I arrived at the auto show in Calgary around the back end of the BMO Center, everyone was busy setting up and no one was really paying attention to me. I back my trailer into the loading bay and starting unlocking my ramp door. I thought this would be interesting to see what happens once I drop the rear door! Sure enough, the minute the rear end of the Bugatti was visible, I had a flock of on-lookers around my trailer.

Everyone was waiting impatiently for me to get into the car, fire it up and back it out of my trailer. By the time I had it unloaded, it was decided as to where it had to be placed in the convention centre. So as I proceeded to drive this beast to its final spot, people were literally dropping whatever they were doing to follow me. The crowd around the car was unreal! Needless to say I was sad to park it and shut it off but definitely appreciate the experience! Enjoy the photos and feel free to read more about our Auto Transport services.

With the recent official unveiling of the 2014 Corvette Stingray I thought that writing this post would be appropriate given the job we just undertook – which was to transport a 1965 Corvette Stingray from Lantzville, BC to Lethbridge, AB.

Not only that, but I’m just looking for an excuse to post more photos of it rather than just one in our Auto Transport Gallery since it is such beautiful restoration. For obvious reasons, the car did need to be transported in our enclosed 2012 Haulmark car hauler. The Rogers Pass at this time of year is not forgiving and there is no way anyone in their right mind would expose a car like this to those kinds of elements.

Take a look at the photos I took of this breathtaking car. It was an honour to deliver it to the buyer! Please be sure to check out our auto transport page for more information on our services.

Over the past long weekend we had the pleasure of providing the logistical support for the promotion of the new Nintendo Wii U. It was being promoted out of a specialized display trailer which had 4 slide outs that gave the trailer an inside size of 16 feet wide by 36′ long.

We delivered the trailer to various spots around Vancouver/Richmond where it could be prominently on display for the interested public to see. People who wanted to check out what all the hype was about were welcome to walk into the trailer where Nintendo had set up 8 fully functioning stations with games that you could try out.

On display they had Just Dance 4, EA Sports Fifa 2013, Nintendoland, Super Mario Brothers U and Scribblenauts Unlimited which were of course being played on the new Nintendo Wii U along with its fully integrated GamePad controller. There was no time limit as to how long you could stay playing games either. Unfortunately since we were on the job we didn’t have time to try out any of the games but they sure looked fun!