So I discovered online the orange solenoid disconnect to keep your car in sport exhaust mode as to avoid having to be at high rpms to engage. Has anyone here done it. And does it harm anything? I have the Sport Chrono Package.

 

On my old 996, I've disconnected it, no problem, no CEL. On my 997, I installed a used PSE and never bothered to install vacuum lines to the DME. I don't know how to disconnect it on the 997 otherwise. No CEL and loving it.

 

I've had it disconnected for about two years. No problems.

I used kapton tape to cover up the connections so they don't get dirty and I cable tied the harness out of the way so it wouldn't vibrate.

I've reconnected it twice, just to double check it still works and also to exercise the valves. I can only tolerate it reconnected for about a week before I disconnect it again.

 

Would it be possible to post a photo or two for illustration purposes (especially for a 997.1 S)?

 

Really not much to it. I used kapton (aka the duct tape of space) to cover the contacts. Kapton can handle extremely high and low temperatures and doesn't leave a residue. Self vulcanizing tape would be a good choice too, but I was out of it at the time. Cable ties just keep it from flopping and rattling around.

 

That's exactly what I did. Sounds so good all of the time.

 

Thank you, mattyf!

Now I've got to figure out a system for easily plugging and unplugging it with due weather protection, depending on the driving circumstance:

(a) Plugged in on the 5:30 a.m. drive to work so as not to disturb the neighbors and give anyone cause for unnecessary scrutiny along my circuitous route to work, then . . .

(b) unplugged for afternoon drives, PCA tours and track events when everyone is awake or alert anyway.

 

It's not that loud as to disturb anyone as you pull out of the neighborhood. Just don't get crazy on revs.

 

There's a couple if ways to do that. I read somewhere about a wireless switch you can install that will cut the line. This allows for control inside the cabin.

I also read about someone who put a switch inline and routed it through the center console. If I find the threads I'll post them.

 

Unplugging is not the same as pushing the button for on... There is a distinctively angrier growl from the exhaust with it unplugged esp at higher RPM's and a fantastic burbling sound as the revs descend.

 

Yes disconnecting the vacuum solenoid switch leaves the valves open all the time. The PSE button on the dash lets the DME control the opening/closing of the valves. When turned on (load mode), the valves are open at lower RPM (< 3500RPM) and shuts off beyond that.

 

I have the X51 from 2008, still a .1 car, but my switch is on the driver's side kind of beneath the coolant tank, I have it disconnected and nicely tie wrapped out of harm's way, don't know if is different on the german cars, but I have heard that it is programmed to shut off even when engaged through a certain rev range for noise restrictions...don't know how they have things configured here, but you could hear it go silent in middle rpm's, anyway, with it unplugged I think it is akin to gundo hack or some other after market setup...it is perfect to my ears, and free... I plug it in every once in a while to keep the valves in shape, I am sure they could rust or just seize up from lack of use...just do it, you won't regret it