An internal combustion engine and control system are provided having improved efficiency through improved exhaust flow control. The engine includes at least one bank of combustion cylinders and a respective exhaust manifold for conveying exhaust to the atmosphere. Further included is an exhaust gas restriction valve (ERV) associated with the exhaust manifold for selectively increasing backpressure on the associated bank of combustion cylinders and for redirecting a portion of the exhaust into an exhaust gas conditioning system for conditioning the portion of the exhaust and returning it to an air intake of the engine. An engine exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve in the exhaust gas recirculation system restricts the flow of conditioned exhaust, and an EGR flow controller operates the EGR valve in one of a substantially open and substantially closed condition and controls the flow of conditioned exhaust to the air intake by modulating the ERV.
