Well, I kind of have an update for this thread. About two months ago I picked up an 05 Chevy Aveo with a busted timing belt (which snapped a few valves, messed up the head and pistons). I just got the new engine in and took it for my first drive last night.
Anyway, here is a picture of the new engine. Notice the same EGR valve that I have in my other pics/video. So, I will be monitoring how the EGR valve is used in the stock application. After understanding how its being used, I will likely do some arduino magic to play around and increase flow if thats even possible.