Ferrari 458 Exhaust Flaps

I contacted my dealer the other day asking them if there is a way to program the exhaust flaps so they always stay open, and they said that keeping the flaps always open will damage the engine in the long run.

Are they giving me a load of BS?
Did any of you guys do the programing thru their dealer?
Will it really damage the engine in the long run?

I'm well aware of Capristo's switch, but i want the flaps open all the time.
Can it be done manually?

 

Permanently open you will hate after some thousands of miles! Better to take the Capristo switch.

I dont know if it would damage the engine when always open, but I know some guys did it.

Regards - Webber 45

 

Capristo Remote, its simple

 

I know many dealers that do this... I can't imagine they would if it really caused damage.

Just get the capristo. Then you can at least close the flaps if it is too loud... I would rather have the option to open and close rather than be permanently stuck with one or the other

 

+1. About $500.

 

I have two "toggle" switches incorporated into the center console. One is for my radar unit ( inform GPS to ignore a location in the future and other functions) and the other to turn on/off the valves.

I chose not to buy a system requiring me to carry another "gadget".

I can leave my cars valves open as long as I want and by the push of a button, close them.

The 458, as contrasted to the 360/430, emits a unpleasant resonating "drone" inside the cabin, when the valves are open. This is tolerable in the short run, but after awhile, it is nice to "quiet" the cabin, especially if wanting to relax or engage in conversation. Best

 

I'm awaiting delivery of a coupe in feb. when I asked my dealer about installing a switch he said that putting the car in "race" mode gave the same exhaust sound. I know that putting the car in this mode has other effects on the car's characteristics, but purely in terms of exhaust sound, is "race" mode the same as having the valves open? Thanks

 

Not quite. Race mode does open the valves earlier than Sport but idle and low RPM is still just the center pipe open with outer valves closed.

 

Race (also CT and CST off) mode opens the exhaust valves around 2500 rpm.
So when you eliminate the exhaust flaps completely, the exhaust valves are open from idle.

 

In the 430 all you have to do is pull two vacume lines and thus bypass the mufflers.

 

I've done this on our 430. Its sounds great; puts our 458 to shame.

 

Again, a "toggle switch". It gives you "control". I originally did mine to hear the idle in my garage. The stock sound is all but enemic. Best

 

Still, the 458 sounds much better when the valves open up. My mate's 599 though sounded even better when we went to the track about two months ago. The sound of a Ferrari V12 is unmatched even by an F40 with straight pipes! Oh, and such an F40 was present at the event...

 

Did you do the install yourself? What was needed if you didnt buy a kit?

 

I had a local, very reputable, installer do the job. I have to wonder why anyone wanting to control the on/off of their valves would not do this? Cost about $300. The button is located directly in front of the "R" button (on rear wall of indented tray).Best

 

You must be talking about the installation labor price. The valve kit is $590. http://www.capristoexhaust.com/index.php/shop-online?page=shop.product_details&flypage=vmj_color_plus.tpl&product_id=72&category_id=32 Well worth it IMHO.

 

Did not install Capristo.. Below are instructions (provided by another helpful Fchatter to me). It avoids a separate remote control.

Pull entire rear diffuser, wheel splash guards and wheels to get to factory exhaust bypass valves

Locate Two wire actuators for the exhaust

Cut one wire on each solenoid
Run 4 wires into cabin

Use dual pole switch & mount (keep both circuits separate)

Allows trigger to be switched on / off via switch

Best

 

Can you post a pic of the install. Thanks

 

What is the advantage (other than cost) to the capristo switch?

 

No need for a separate remote control. Best

 

Two pictures. You see two switches, one radar the other valves. That is my arm in the picture holding myself up while shooting backwards to display the buttons. The other picture is facing forward. The switches are located in front of the "R" button, on the vertical side of the indented portion of the front console. Best
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I suppose that depends on your point of view. An advantage of the Capristo is that you don't cut any wires or anything in the interior. That custom switch install is pretty cool, however, and a nice alternative.

 

My exhaust is open all the time, dealer did it, costs nothing. No engine problems. Yes it's loud all the time, maybe too much so for some, but IMO better than the on/off nature of the exhaust in stock configuration. Forget the stereo if you elect to do the same.
I don't use my 458 for commuting or long highway trips, so the loud exhaust is a kick, certainly gives the car a more aggressive personality. To each their own.
However, if anyone tells you that it "damages" the engine, I think they're feeding you something that suits them, not reality. Best.

 

Thanks Bob... Cool install.. Not sure if I can trust anyone to do the same for me here so I've just plugged the vacuum lines for now. My LP 560-4 is much louder...

 

Thanks RBK!!!
That is a very easy mod