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Flaps Open! Race mode exhaust sound in all modes

219K views 438 replies 121 participants last post by  Avnyc11  
#1 ·
I've been corresponding with a shop in Arizona that has developed and is testing a controller that allows you to open the exhaust flaps completely (as in race mode) in any mode. Here's the response below. You should feel free to contact them...it may make them speed up the development if there's a lot of interest:

Hello Simon,

I am testing the controller on two Guilia’s at this time. The first test (from an owner in the Netherlands) has come back with positive results. I made a minor adjustment to the controller configuration and am conducted a second test (with an owner in the USA), that should have results within 2 weeks or so.

Preliminary results is that the controller will only be able to provide two modes of operation …
1. Normal (the car’s ECU controls the exhaust flap valves just it does now)
2. Always Open … you will have ability to open force the flapper valves open at all times.

The controller has the ability for a third function … Always Closed … however, in the first test when this option was enabled, the sensors in the exhaust detected too much back pressure when in RACE mode, forced an immediate Check Engine Light warning. This only occurred in RACE mode. In the second test, the Always Closed option is disabled and a different car is used for this evaluation. I am fairly confident that the second level of testing will be successful.

In summary, it is likely that for the Guilia, only two modes will be enabled (Normal and Open). This should not be a problem because when you want to have the valves closed, switching to normal mode and reducing the engine RPM will cross the threshold where the ECU will close the valves. Normally, you would want this when going fairly slow anyway.

The only disadvantage is that the Always Closed option has been a desirable option for people who track their cars at venues that limit the sound level. It is appearing that for the Guilia, I won’t be able to offer this option as the car’s sensors don’t seem to like it. Throwing a Check Engine Light will not be option for most owners. But, with the Always Open option, you will have the option to keep the valves open for that throaty exhaust note at low or high engine RPM levels.

I will notify you when I have the product ready for sale.

Kind regards,

Steve Bisel

steve.bisel@forzacomponenti.com
480 227 3474

Forza Componenti darkdragon2-150x171
13271 E Del Timbre Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
www.forzacomponenti.com
 
#56 ·
"Remote control can be programmed to newer versions of HomeLink (version 5 and higher) that is integrated into many cars. Older versions of HomeLink (earlier than 2013) will not support the 433MHz frequency of the remote transmitter used by Forza."

Oooh that's intriguing. I wasn't fond of having to keep track of and use the little key fob, but being able to integrate it into the Homelink buttons might change my mind...
 
#58 ·
Hey guys. Just an update. My mechanic installed the exhaust controller today, took about 2 hours with clean install. To repeat what Simey is preaching, this was the best investment. Having the amazing exhaust note all the time is beyond awesome. Better yet took 2 seconds to program the homelink with the wireless remote so the conveinence is there as well. No more wireless remote. I recommend this product to anyone with the QV.
 
#59 · (Edited)
For you penny-pinching Giulia guys that might have an empty beer can laying around and you can leave the window down when driving:


It might sound more like a Giulia like if the beer can is Birra Metzger!
 
#64 ·
#67 ·
100% thumbs up. When I was picking up my repaired Quad Friday, the tech was playing around with my Forza controller. Said that a lot of customers have been asking about getting race sound and they usually just open the flaps permanently. Many who opt for that apparently wish they could (on occasion) go back to normal sound. He was toying with the idea of stocking the controller for when customers ask.
 
#70 ·
I'm going to try and disconnect the solenoids if it can be done without a CEL. Then go back if there is an update.
 
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#80 ·
There's a guy on another Alfa board online (alfaowner.com, I think) that swears an Alfa tech told him that exhaust valve control was coming as an update to all QVs. Obviously take it with a grain of salt.

I've only been driving my Quad for a week now, but I think A/R may have changed the parameters for the exhaust tuning while driving in "D" mode on the 2018 models. I have tried driving in race mode and, frankly I can hear the difference, but mostly find it unnecessary. I can easily summon great exhaust sounds in dynamic mode without the risk driving with the ESC off.

Any other '18 owners concur?
Flaps open in Dynamic mode between 3500-4000 RPM. They're always open in Race mode.
 
#75 ·
Question for those who have this installed: where did you actually mount the controller?

I'm seeing you can order longer cables. Why would you need them?

Thanks.

.
 
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#77 ·
I've only been driving my Quad for a week now, but I think A/R may have changed the parameters for the exhaust tuning while driving in "D" mode on the 2018 models. I have tried driving in race mode and, frankly I can hear the difference, but mostly find it unnecessary. I can easily summon great exhaust sounds in dynamic mode without the risk driving with the ESC off.

Any other '18 owners concur?
 
#82 ·
#86 ·
Does anyone know if the controller triggers any codes?

Yes, it does seem unless a dealership went specifically looking for the controller that they would not know about it but the hidden feature may be irrelevant if codes are triggered after its install and use.

Thx.

.
 
#88 ·
The controller doesn't set off error codes unless you turn it on while in race mode or dynamic when the flaps open.
I'm a bit confused. When you turn it "on" in dynamic? Using the controller in dynamic gives a code?

:confused:

.
 
#90 ·
Okay, so no codes but when you visit the dealer will they then "see" the controller is being used?

I ask this because in my Jeep Wrangler I installed aftermarket headlights and fogs. Oddly when I went in for routine service the tech "saw" the aftermarket lights in his reader. I know this because he asked me if they were non-OEM lights.

*shrug*

.
 
#91 ·
Can’t say for sure, but I don’t see how they could unless it was being operated at the time. The only time I could see that being an issue I’d if you took the car in for some problem that relates to the exhaust flaps specifically. If you were going to do that, might be a good idea to disconnect the controller. The odds of that scenario are really slim though.
 
#92 ·
Sorry. Let me clarify. First the dealer will have no idea it is installed.

Second. I have learned this first hand and also was warned in an email from the manufacturer before hand as well. It was a stupid move on my part. Anyways, if you are driving in Dynamic at which the point the valves are already open (ie over 4000rpm) and press the switch to open the valves on the controller it will definitely set off an error code.

From now on I turn it on or off either in park or stopped. Hope that explains it a bit better.
 
#100 ·
I assume you are being facetious when you ask about the "garage door opener" as that is just one way to operate the controller. If you are asking about the mod in general, I've said it before and will say it again: Best investment I've made for a few hundred bucks. I always open the flaps when I get the car started. Works like a charm and the sound is just priceless.

As I mentioned above, I may have to re-program the Homelink button for the Controller as it has stopped working. The remote has always worked fine though.
 
#101 ·
What I mean is that the Homelink button makes it an attractive option if it works reliably.
I am sure the dedicated remote always works, but that is another remote to carry around.
I'd like to avoid that. Homelink button is a far more pleasant/convenient option.