Does anyone have any experience with this? It's got high reviews.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1067...search_click=1

 

Looks like it should work. BTW, if you decide it's a go, you don't need the controller. You can program one of the buttons on the mirror to activate the valves. I have a PPE dual mode exhaust with a similar controller and the programming was straightforward:

 

To be honest, i tried to achieve this by unplugging the exhaust valve connectors on both sides. It was barely noticeable to me since i have the convertible version. But, one thing i have noticed that i lost in this mod was the occasionally " pop " of the exhaust. If you have some spare time, try this free mod method, unplugging the valve connectos on both sides, drive it around and do the same thing with the connectors plugged back in. Mine does pop occasionally when i drive in Sport + and Manual Shifting.

 

I own and use that controller. It installs easily and works just like advertised. Bought it because I don't want to unplug anything from the exhaust and would like to have control over the valves in case I want to shut them (have not had a reason to do so yet though)

My review of it as follows:

Above about 4000rpm, there is no difference having the valves disabled or not, because the valves are open regardless. So in that region of the rev range, they are identical - 0% difference

Below about 2000rpm, there is almost no difference at all. The natural design of the exhaust is quiet at very low revs and idling (not counting cold start though, which sounds badass as most LC500 owners will tell you). And when I say almost no difference, honestly its basically zero difference, you will struggle to notice anything, and even if you did it's probably your ears playing tricks on you. You might pick up a little bit with the windows down in an underground car park at the very most - so a best, a 3-5% difference

Where the real difference comes in is between 2000-4000rpm. In this zone, the valves will be shut under normal operation, and when they are open (either unplugged or forced open by this controller), you get about 30% more auditory pleasure. It comes in the form of a very pleasant (but not intrusive) V8 growl, especially when you are briskly accelerating in the rpm range with the throttle open about 30% or more. Here is where the difference is most apparent

Is the mod worth it? I would say it mostly depends. Speaking from my own POV, as someone who spends most of the time in city traffic not spending much time in high rpm range, but accelerating from traffic light to traffic light in that 2000-4000rpm zone, this is a welcome mod. You get constant reminders that under your right foot is a beautiful sounding V8,raring to go, that would otherwise be just a little too quiet for my liking. Now, I would say its near perfect.

If I was a weekend driver who spent a lot of time driving canyons or race tracks at higher rpms, not really accelerating from a dead stop very often, this mod would probably be a waste of money

My suggestion is to unplug the valves for a week or so and if you do like it, then consider spending the money on the controller

 

Anyone else still using a product like this? Are you enjoying it or do you find it a waste of $?

 

Still using it, my valves are basically permanently open. You can always just unplug your valves and get the same result if you don't ever seeing yourself wanting to close them again. I never ended up closing mine so I probably would have been just as happy without the device, but it is nice to know i have the ability to easily control them if I want to

 

I thought about getting this until I unplugged my valves and noticed zero change... so just gonna get new exhaust or headers. Whatever changes the tone of the exhaust the least. I just want it louder.

 

I recently ordered the exhaust valve controller from Rob at ‘ItGoesAutomotive’.

The install requires unplugging the two internal exhaust valve plugs in the left trunk and installing the exhaust valve controller wiring harness. Requires a bit of manual dexterity. Buts it’s totally plug and play.

The unit works as advertised and gives the user the ability to put the car into original mode which allows the car to decide on the valve position, valve always open position, or valves always closed position.

I can think of times I would want original mode such as when I bring car into Lexus for any warranty service. The closed mode for when I pull out of my garage so I don’t anger the neighbors, And of course the open mode to **** off the neighbors.

And by the way, Rob, the genius who makes this device, is the best guy to work with. He has great install instructions and communicates well on any install questions. I hope he comes up with more stuff in the future.

Bill

 

Did it several times for testing and yes, it will be louder a bit, but you will loose that pop and bang ( occasionally ) !

 

What is loose pop and bang?

 

I think he meant that that valves reduce the noise of unburnt fuel in the exhaust system, which detonates in the heat of the exhaust to create banging and popping noise.

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxB-4rg2L...3fCoJRPASiNT6m
Sorry for the slightly ham fisted clipping!

This is most prominent on turbo or supercharged cars with extra fueling when you take your foot off the gas at high revs. This sends the extra fuel into the exhaust.

Exhausts with catalytic converters still attached tend to prevent the noise by scrubbing the gas, but some still gets through or detonates pre cat. This can damage the cats.

On the LC 500 it will be down to the map of the fuel injection as well as whether the exhaust prevents popping by being a little more restrictive or more open allowing pops to resonate more. Where this gets a little confusing is that a hotter exhaust is more likely to ignite the gas, so a more open exhaust doesn’t always mean that you will get more popping straight away.