Just ordered these two items so that I can turn off the noise when necessary (road trips etc)






$17 and not going to cut anything so easily reversible.

 

Confirming what to buy for manual flap mod

Hi all,

My dealer has agreed to do the manual flap open mod for me free of charge since they'd like to give it a try. Then, if I decide I want to control the sound, I'll get the Forza. There's been a lot of posts, and I just want to confirm that parts I need to buy. Is it just the top two items on the pic below? And the third if I want to manually turn open and closed?

If not, what else do I need? Thanks for the help...

 

Is it just the top two items on the pic below? And the third if I want to manually turn open and closed?

I think the third item is the main one you need. If you don't want to cut into the factory tubing, you'll need the middle one. I don't think you need the top one at all...

 

Much appreciated - I think I got it...

 

I got my software updated today and after dinner and putting the baby to bed, I decided to do this mod.


Difficulty: 1 and 1/4 beers
Tools needed: Jack, jack stands, flat head screwdriver, clippers


First of all, I don't have a lift, but i am a big fan of Jackpoint jackstands. They take care of the problem of "I just jacked up my car and now where do I put my jackstand?" Add to that, they are solid aluminum and really a quality bit of kit.


I jacked up the rear, found the push pins, removed them, added 3" of silicone hose so that I would not have to cut the factory hose, added the switches so that I can turn it off if necessary, finally used two zip ties so that it is not swinging around with the extra length.


Buttoned it all up and went for a spin. Sounds good and is not loud at all. Did the freeway test and no droning. If you get on it then you get the poping etc but overall, the louder sound is mild.

 

added the switches so that I can turn it off if necessary

May I ask which switches you used?

My dealer agreed to do this mod for free when I take it in next week to have the dome light replaced. I'm 99% sure I want to do it You think it's the right move?

Thanks!

 

Got it. Thanks!

 

I want to just throw in my two cents worth here ... I manufacture exhaust bypass controllers and the way Madmike did his car by disconnecting the vacuum lines is the right way to do it. He disconnected the vacuum line but did not leave any loose ends of line hanging out. I advise people that the disconnection of the lines is an excellent way to hear the sound difference. But, I have ran into situation where a person just disconnects the line at the bypass valve actuator and ties it up ... not good. This can lead to vacuum leaks. Another method I have seen is to disconnect the vacuum line and plug it ... better, but that leaves the nipple on the vacuum actuator open and debris can get in there and over time may degrade the actuator assembly. Looks like Madmike did it right ... he installed a valve there that prevents debris from getting into the vacuum actuator assembly, plugs the vacuum line upstream of the actuator so that keeps the actuator open, and he can still easily open the valve to restore operation to factory default.



If anyone else wants to try this, make sure you follow the principal that you want no vacuum leaks ... so do not just disconnect the vacuum line and leave it hanging. Plug that line or put in a valve like Madmike did. And ... this is also important, do not leave the nipple of the vacuum actuator exposed to outside air. Put a length of tubing on the nipple and either plug the end or put a valve inline.


The only downside of this method is that you cannot easily toggle back and forth on the fly. But, excellent method to see how it sounds for very little cost.


Steve

 

Dealer performed the manual exhaust mod for me today free of charge. Let the loud begin. ForzaSteve, I'll be in touch if it seems like too much all the time. I don't think so, but we'll see...

 

Enjoy. BTW, you do know that a loud exhaust will reduce fuel economy. Something about that wonderful sound makes your right foot press harder on the accelerator pedal. :smile2: I’m sure that a medical term for that condition exists.

Steve

 

When I bought the car (4 months ago) I asked the garage to do the modification so as to have the valves open by all modes.


This was done and all is fine. What I still find is that the noise of the engine is a little louder in RACE mode than in DYNAMIC.


Any idea for this?

 

If the bypass valves are fully open in both dynamic and race mode, any difference would have to be in the engine management system ... e.g., turbo boost pressure (I don’t know if that varies between the two modes) or perhaps valve timing. Maybe someone here with better knowledge than I may have an hypothesis.

Steve

 

The Forza Mod is amazing. I thought about doing the vacuum line mod myself but it’s great having the ability to just press a button and go closed to open. Also sometimes you just want to drive without the droning sound of exhaust. Also here is a video I made of the install, maybe it might help someone.

https://youtu.be/R0i0RBdkOaE

 

So, I did this mod as well. Huge difference. Not sure I will keep it and may go with the controller in the futuire. With my install I added extra hose so I could position the valves for easy access trough the diffuser.

I swear this car sounds like it shoots flames on up shift over run!

 

The other thing about the manual exhaust mod is that the flaps are open upon ignition. Cold start-ups are now literally an event. My wife thinks it's "more than slightly obnoxious," but she'll get over it...

 

I can't help but wonder where the other end of that vacuum line is. Vacuum has to come from the engine, and a valve located under the hood would be far more easily opened or shut than one located under the car.

Does anyone know?

 

I might be imagining it, but I vaguely remember reading somewhere that if you kill the vacuum prior to the controller, the controller will recognize lack of vacuum and throw a CEL. I also vaguely remember reading you'll get a CEL also if you disconnect the controller.

It's 10-15 minutes per side to do this mod, don't even need to lift the car or remove the wheels if you're flexible.

--beaups

 

You can install an exhaust controller and then easily toggle between normal operation and always open.

But, if you want easy access to a manual set up, then find the vacuum solenoid valve which is behind the rear bumper. It looks like the first illustration that is attached ...

Then get some vacuum line (best to get line that is heat resistant ... I would recommend silicone high temp vacuum line). Go to Home Depot or somewhere where you can get some drip irrigation fittings:

• Two in-line couplings (1/4")
• Two barbed On/Off Valves (1/4 ")
• One barbed Tee connector (1/4 ")

Then make the connections as shown in the second attachment. Place the On/Off valves up inside your trunk where you can easily access them when you want to make a change. Make sure to label the two valves so you know the settings. You open one and close the other depending on which mode of operation you want to achieve.

Regards,

Steve

 

You can install an exhaust controller and then easily toggle between normal operation and always open.

But, if you want easy access to a manual set up, then find the vacuum solenoid valve which is behind the rear bumper. It looks like the first illustration that is attached ...

Then get some vacuum line (best to get line that is heat resistant ... I would recommend silicone high temp vacuum line). Go to Home Depot or somewhere where you can get some drip irrigation fittings:

• Two in-line couplings (1/4")
• Two barbed On/Off Valves (1/4 ")
• One barbed Tee connector (1/4 ")

Then make the connections as shown in the second attachment. Place the On/Off valves up inside your trunk where you can easily access them when you want to make a change. Make sure to label the two valves so you know the settings. You open one and close the other depending on which mode of operation you want to achieve.

Regards,

Steve

Bump and Tag because I keep forgetting where in the forums this info is

How does one get access to the solenoid valve / components ? Drop the rear diffuser ?
Also would like to route the hoses to the trunk area if possible so turning the system on and off will be simple.
There is the cutout in the rear diffuser behind the tires that one can get a hand into.
If all else fails I'll put the valves there somehow.

https://www.giuliaforums.com/attachments/solenoid-valve-location-jpg.80104/

 

Sorry if it's been asked but didn't feel ike reading through 28 pages. I am looking at buying the Model E3 controller. Other than maybe some reductions in fuel economy (HA!) is there any negative effect over time this would have on the vehicle? Also, possibly more importantly: will it void any warranties? I emailed my service department to ask and to ask about having them install it but can't get a reply. I have a 2019 Giulia Quadrifoglio

 

No, there should not be any effect on your warranty unless you cut a wiring harness or something. There are zero effects on fuel economy except if you push the go pedal more. There are no other effects to the vehicle.


However, $10 in parts will get your flaps open all the time and have one less electrical thing-a-ma-bob in your cockpit for you to fiddle with.

 

best investment get the controller.!!!!!!!!!!!!!my dealer put it in for 100 dollars. no worries and you can use extra buttons in homelink garage controller. thanks again steve

 

Racer Z,
It is very possible, hence my question. I was unable to come up with a vacuum diagram, and have not sprung for the Techauthority discs.

I'm thinking I might go with Forzasteve's method, as it appears to offer reasonably decent access while still being reversible.

 

Hi, performed the manual exhaust mod to open flaps for a few weeks and put it back to factory due to very bad MPG. I could not get above 16 mpg with this mod in A, N, D, as well as Race setting. I've even babied the way I drive during open flaps to get an increase in MPG with no luck.

When I put it back to flaps open/closed ECU control in all DNA setting except D and Race car went back to over 20+ mpg. I need my fuel saving since I drive a lot and most is highway in Miami, FL. Seems we need an ECU tune to fix this problem with wide open exhaust flaps. RACE is set up for the flaps open always, ECU matches exhaust flow.

Anyone with the manual exhaust mod or Forza E3 open flap always mode getting better than 17 MPG? Anyone getting over 20 MPG?

What is your Alfa's average MPG?

Thanks

 

I have an ecu tune and avg 12 mpg in my quad. I averaged the same before the tune so I’m happy with that. It means I’m running it good. If you are worried about gas mileage you picked the wrong car my friend. If you drive it like it’s meant to be driven you will be at the gas station often.

 

19-20 mpg with Forza controller for me

 

I wonder of the car run's richer with the flaps open all the time?

 

It shouldn't but the theory is you you're pressing the gas pedal more to hear the exhaust >

 

@DawsonGQ did you properly close off the vacuum lines? Not sure what components share the vacuum collector that the exhaust flaps use, but I could see where a vacuum leak could cause some performance and mpg issues.

 

Hi all who have replied. Hi Steve, I did perform the manual removal of the vacuum lines at exhaust valve and plugged each side lines, so no vacuum leak at all. The sound was great, but MPG was poor. I've owned many modern performance autos and my last car 2013 MB E63 AMG 600hp I was getting same driving style averaged 20 MPG city/highway. I don't put my foot into it unless I feel that way but its a balance for me. With this engine and transmission set up we should be getting 17-20 MPH, but the car seems to run richer with the flaps open all the time and my ECU did not adjust as my MB AMG did.

I was told at the dealer service our ECU is directly out of the Ferrari 488 and the mapping is very close to that engine set-up. The manager is running 700HP in his QV now. This QV is running down pipes with strait exhaust to the back and is super loud that now they may just put factory rear muffler back in with controlled open flaps to control the sound and back pressure.

I was just asking what everyone is getting MPG wise to see if their ECU is adjusting over time.

Alfa Philly: "I have an ecu tune and avg 12 mpg in my quad. I averaged the same before the tune so I’m happy with that. It means I’m running it good. If you are worried about gas mileage you picked the wrong car my friend. If you drive it like it’s meant to be driven you will be at the gas station often."

With a true Dyno EUC tune your MPG should go up unless it's at the extreme end of the ECU tune. What HP and tune are you running? 12 MPG is poor unless your running hard all the time with down pipes and over 650HP. But still my E63 RennTech tune gave me a great balance with power and fuel delivery.

Avnyc1: "19-20 mpg with Forza controller for me"

Do you run your flaps open all the time for this MPG or flaps part time?

My new plan is to install the Forza controller, so I can open the flaps when I need to.

Thank you everyone! If you can post your current MPG that would be great to know how our ECU's adjust with mods.>

 

Hi all who have replied. Hi Steve, I did perform the manual removal of the vacuum lines at exhaust valve and plugged each side lines, so no vacuum leak at all. The sound was great, but MPG was poor. I've owned many modern performance autos and my last car 2013 MB E63 AMG 600hp I was getting same driving style averaged 20 MPG city/highway. I don't put my foot into it unless I feel that way but its a balance for me. With this engine and transmission set up we should be getting 17-20 MPH, but the car seems to run richer with the flaps open all the time and my ECU did not adjust as my MB AMG did.

I was told at the dealer service our ECU is directly out of the Ferrari 488 and the mapping is very close to that engine set-up. The manager is running 700HP in his QV now. This QV is running down pipes with strait exhaust to the back and is super loud that now they may just put factory rear muffler back in with controlled open flaps to control the sound and back pressure.

I was just asking what everyone is getting MPG wise to see if their ECU is adjusting over time.

Alfa Philly: "I have an ecu tune and avg 12 mpg in my quad. I averaged the same before the tune so I’m happy with that. It means I’m running it good. If you are worried about gas mileage you picked the wrong car my friend. If you drive it like it’s meant to be driven you will be at the gas station often."

With a true Dyno EUC tune your MPG should go up unless it's at the extreme end of the ECU tune. What HP and tune are you running? 12 MPG is poor unless your running hard all the time with down pipes and over 650HP. But still my E63 RennTech tune gave me a great balance with power and fuel delivery.

Avnyc1: "19-20 mpg with Forza controller for me"

Do you run your flaps open all the time for this MPG or flaps part time?

My new plan is to install the Forza controller, so I can open the flaps when I need to.

Thank you everyone! If you can post your current MPG that would be great to know how our ECU's adjust with mods./forum/images/GiuliaForums/smilies/tango_face_devil.png

I was avg 12-13 mpg before tune. I live in a major city. Traffic. Stop and go will always lower mpg expectations. I have 498 whp. 200 cel cat. So I’m prolly around 620-630bhp. I drive fast and aggressive. I enjoy my car. I love it. I’m not sure if having exhaust open from my ecu tune would improve my gas mileage and I honestly wasn’t expecting it to. I know some tunes can improve gas consumption, mine isn’t one of them. I spend about $2,000 month on gas between personal and business, maybe more...I’ve never driving any car or truck and worried about the mpg. I just drive it and enjoy it.

 

When you pin the valves open ... whether by removing the vacuum source or using the exhaust controller ... the ECU does not "know" that the valves are open. As far as it is concerned, it is sending the signal to open (or close) the valves ... but, of course, the valves are in whatever position they are in ... in the cases cited, they are open.

So, what effect can the open valves have on the stoichiometry of the engine? I cannot think of any. The physical effect is that the back-pressure downstream of the turbo charger will be less. Not a lot less, but still a bit less. Generally, this would be good as this allows the turbo charger to be more efficient ... albeit, not a great deal, but a bit.

In summary, the small reduction in back-pressure will allow the turbo charger to be more efficient at lower speeds. At higher engine speeds, the ECU would be opening the bypass valves anyway. How this would impact fuel economy, is a question that I would need an expert in engine dynamics to explain.

Personally, all other things being equal, keeping the valves open all the time should actually provide a small increase in fuel economy as the engine power over the entire range will be marginally improved. At least that is my opinion and until someone can explain differently, I am going to stick with it.

Steve

 

My lines are properly blocked off with a valve. I was just wondering about what the ECU might "see" with them blocked. My MPG is fine. Like many have said it's my right foot that is the problem. With all the rain we have been having I have been running in A mode and MPG has improved although my enjoyment has been reduced.

 

If, as you stated, the lines are blocked off (at say the flapper valves), the ECU should not "see" anything is amiss. The ECU will change the position of the exhaust bypass valves when certain thresholds are achieved ...

• Position of the DNA switch
• Throttle position
• Engine RPM

There may be other threshold points, but the above are typical.

When a threshold point is reached (either going up or down), the ECU will open (or close) the vacuum solenoid valve ... which in turn controls the two exhaust bypass valves. Vacuum is provided to the solenoid valve which either delivers vacuum to the valves (to close them) or releases vacuum from the valves (to open them). In your case, you have blocked vacuum delivery to the valves, so they remain open regardless of what the solenoid valve is doing.

Steve

 

Hmmmm... I could be interested in this, are there still bugs?

 

I don't think there were ever bugs but certainly not on the new b4a or e3 models

I have a b3a and I love it