There have been several posts about the sound of the Macan at startup, or when sport mode, or when accelerating hard. I searched the web and came up with a few quotes folks might like to see. These are from the original press release (1st quote) and a couple of early reviews.

Some Porsche models apparently use a pneumatically operated flap/exhaust damper that is normally open but closes based on an engine/chassis controller signal. Apparently some people have pinched off the vacuum line so that the valve stays open or they remove the vacuum line and plug the line and cap off the actuator port so as to keep out debris. My vehicle is still a month or so from delivery but I was wondering whether anyone has looked under their vehicle, found the valve/operator, and defeated its operation so as to get the sportier sound at all engine speeds? How does it sound? I believe the valve may be on the right/passenger side exhaust? If it works it may be a reasonable option to avoid considering an expensive aftermarket sports exhaust system.

Ah, the good old flapper mod. I did that on a 2004 VW R32 - one of the best sounds non-exotic cars ever. Took a minute or so (just pinched the vacuum line). Very popular among R32 owners. I never heard any reports of ill-effects, other than some mumbling from the neighbors about the noise. Completely reversible, if necessary/desired.

 

This video shows the valve on the Turbo at about the 2:45 min mark. I have read about people disabling it on the GT3 by unplugging it in the engine compartment. Hopefully someone can tell us how to do the same on the Macan.

FABSPEED MOTORSPORT | Porsche Macan Turbo Exhaust Explanation - YouTube

 

waiting, waiting.....

 

Looks pretty simple to jam flapper open and install self tapping screw to hold ?

 

I wouldn't mind trying this...lol

(As I type this from my porch & stare @ my car reversed in my driveway)

 

If you disconnect it, I'm thinking it may set a fault code as it will see an open circuit. Could be wrong, you'll have to try and see.

 

Awesome, that makes it easy. Probably won't affect performance so maybe it's not even monitored.

 

Not a good idea. It's not like this is the first time someone has thought of doing this as valves open at cold start is standard practice in several current pcar exhausts.

The valve opens for emissions reasons to quickly warm the cats. PAG is big on carbon footprints and meeting EU regulations. It then closes. Yes, I've heard this and start up does sound better.

All these exhausts work more or less the same. See this thread. Although obviously not identical, the concept will be the same.

You will see that one person found the fuse, pulled it, the car was louder, but slower. It's well know that the back pressure has to be there or you will lose torque. Google it. Its easy to find. So his result was:

"The car sounded much raspier but I noticed a significant drop in low-end torque. The sound benefit wasn't worth the loss of torque ..."

Also read the part about how PSE valves are NOT always open but are controlled by the ECU to open and close to create the symphony it does. You won't get the same effect by just opening the valves and the mufflers are different sizes so the tones will not be the deeper rumble. In other words, you get what you pay for ...

I was talking to someone who heard the Macan PSE in person. For what its worth, he said its a waste of money. Don't bother as it is not much louder than stock. That's one person's opinion.

If you want to make noise, then go for AWE, Borla race exhaust, @rolltides sharkwerks, Capristro, etc. all well known companies. You might also pick up a few HP. Punch a hole in your muffler, which is effectively what you will be doing, and you will most likely loose power.

Or, you could just add a couple of glass packs and pretend its 1966 http://www.jcwhitney.com/muffler-thrush-glasspack-direct-fit/p3039280.jcwx

 

Not a good idea. It's not like this is the first time someone has thought of doing this as valves open at cold start is standard practice in several current pcar exhausts.

The valve opens for emissions reasons to quickly warm the cats. PAG is big on carbon footprints and meeting EU regulations. It then closes. Yes, I've heard this and start up does sound better.

All these exhausts work more or less the same. See this thread. Although obviously not identical, the concept will be the same.

You will see that one person found the fuse, pulled it, the car was louder, but slower. It's well know that the back pressure has to be there or you will lose torque. Google it. Its easy to find. So his result was:

"The car sounded much raspier but I noticed a significant drop in low-end torque. The sound benefit wasn't worth the loss of torque ..."

Also read the part about how PSE valves are NOT always open but are controlled by the ECU to open and close to create the symphony it does. You won't get the same effect by just opening the valves and the mufflers are different sizes so the tones will not be the deeper rumble. In other words, you get what you pay for ...

I was talking to someone who heard the Macan PSE in person. For what its worth, he said its a waste of money. Don't bother as it is not much louder than stock. That's one person's opinion.

If you want to make noise, then go for AWE, Borla race exhaust, @rolltides sharkwerks, Capristro, etc. all well known companies. You might also pick up a few HP. Punch a hole in your muffler, which is effectively what you will be doing, and you will most likely loose power.

Or, you could just add a couple of glass packs and pretend its 1966 Muffler Thrush Glasspack Direct fit - JCWhitney

Grim, just curious, are you a mechanic? Or do you just go by what you hear or read? Do you personally have any experience with mods? I'm just curious.


Peace

 

Well said @grim and thanks for doing the research on it!

 

Based on comments about the Panamera, which our engines are based off of, the PSE is not worth it. My SA said the same thing. It seems to me that if a knowlegable SA tells me not to spend $3k, reducing his commission, it's something to think about...

Everything I have read says no real improvement in sound. Now, I have to say I didn't read too much, as I care more about the sound of the stereo. Only reason I checked at all was after driving the Ghibli, which also has turbos and sounds like sex.

 

I agree that these small changes don't amount to much, but some people like to tweak their cars. I think most here understand that messing around with their cars could have negative consequences. Some might even trade a minor performance drop for a little sound. So what? Who cares if they want to lower their car, put bigger wheels on and sacrifice some ride comfort? I feel that some people have a control issue here and whenever it doesn't meet their idea of what they like, they make some remarks as if they're talking to their kid.


Correct me if I'm wrong.


Peace

 

I want more sound like the vast majority here. Not going to mess with the flap. Disappointing to read that the PSE is not louder. I also considered the Ghilbi - the sound of the exhaust almost had me (plus the $8K discount off of MSRP) but the Macan was in my opinion so much better in many ways. I was hoping PSE sounded more like the ones on the 911's. If it is the much better - sign me up. If it is just a little better then I will opt for one of the other after market ones that has some type of switch. I think I have listened to all the current options out there. But I am waiting to hear Barola and Sharkwerks beside the PSE. Then go for one.
@grim thanks for all your great posts and advice. 95% of the posters here are just trying to help. Great forum!

 

@grim thanks for all your great posts and advice. 95% of the posters here are just trying to help. Great forum!

@grim This is great advice, not just for cars and driving but for life in general!

thank you

 

For anyone interested in a follow-up I received the vehicle three weeks ago and when I got home I disconnected the electrical connector on the exhaust valve actuator and it sounds great all the time. There are no adverse effects, no fault codes, etc. It doesn't drone at any highway speeds. Frankly, it sounds like a sporty Porsche all the time. To get to the connector removed the stainless steel exhaust tip on the far right muffler outlet. This gives you space to get to the connector. Simply tie up the connector and be sure to tape both connectors to keep them clean for possible future re-connection in case you don't like it. I even told the mechanic at the dealership I was probably going to do it when I picked up the car. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about this issue. I believe that all European cars have this type of arrangement to deal with noise ordinances in their dense communities, towns, and cities.

 

...It doesn't drone at any highway speeds...

Hm, I will have to disagree here - there's a distinct drone at ~70mph in 7th gear. Not that intrusive, but makes me wish for a flap open/closed button.

 

I youtubed my exhaust in this thread and personally don't think that it's a good idea to disconnect the electrical connector on the exhaust valve as it serves other purposes as heating the cats properly etc..

If it's just for the noise put your car in sport? It's the same effect and your not tampering with your car ?

The other thing is that sometimes you want your car to be quiet .. stopping at a light and reconnecting a connector seems like overkill.

 

Pretty sure the SPORT button is essentially a flap open/closed button, no? I realize that the button effects other changes as well such as shift and throttle mapping and so on but as far as I can tell, the button definitely makes the exhaust louder. I have not tried disabling the connector so I really can't claim it has the same effect.

 

From what i understood from feedback i got from ppl driving behind me is that on 'normal' you have to go like WOT to open the flap, where in sport,sport+ the flaps open whenever you touch the accelerator.

There must me a specific reason for porsche wanting to close the flap as soon as possible, so that's why i'm not disconnecting any cables.

 

There must me a specific reason for porsche wanting to close the flap as soon as possible, so that's why i'm not disconnecting any cables.

I thought in Sport+ the flap is supposedly open all the time, not just under acceleration. IMO the flap is purely for controlling noise levels and there's no ill-effect at all from leaving it open permanently (other than a slight drone at causing at 70mph).

 

Hello...I don't mean to go off topic with this post (that's a gentle way of admitting that I probably am), but has someone posted a video of an S with PSE, preferably from inside the car and from the outside? I searched the forums but couldn't find one and thought it was nicer to "leverage" an existing thread vs starting a new one

On a positive note (pun intended...) my S now has close to 3.5k miles on it And as other have mentioned, it does sound better now. I think I'll just keep mine in Sport mode and not spend the money...

 

I agree. My S has 2,700 miles and it does sound better, especially in Sport and Sport +. While everyone wants the "right sound", the Macan is not a 911 and shouldn't sound like one.

 

There is a new thread here where videos should be posted soon:

http://www.macanforum.com/forum/porsche-macan-pictures/31561-my-pse-pics-sports-exhaust-system-option.html#post533433

Sorry for the interruption