Exige 350 - open exhaust valve button after 2018?

[Dicko_4]

Hi,

I recently posted about wanting to purchase a S3 Exige. I'm thinking about a brand new or nearly new 350 sport. I have read in a previous thread that Lotus stopped the exhaust open valve button working on new cars after 2018 (in particular the 410 and 430). Is it just the case that they did this on the 410 and 430 models because they only started production after 2018 or did they also introduce this on the 350 sport after 2018? Or did the button remain in place on the 350 because it started manufacture before 2018?

On a similar note, I previously read that the 410 and 430 do not pop and bang much, even if the exhaust has been changed to 2bular for example. Do the post 2018 350 still pop and bang like pre 2018 Exiges?

I love the idea of keeping the exhaust valve open at all times and I love pops and bangs so if both of these features are lost on post 2018 350s I'd go for a pre 2018 model rather than a brand new/nearly new car.

Apologies for the long message I just wanted to explain my question properly so it wasn't misunderstood.

Thanks in advance

John

[Bizarro]

I have a 2019 350 and mine does have the button on the steering column cowl to open the exhaust valve, I think all 350s have it.

The exhaust does pop on the over run, not greatly, never been in a pre 2018 car so can’t comment if it’s different on the later cars.

[Dicko_4]

Bizarro said:

I have a 2019 350 and mine does have the button on the steering column cowl to open the exhaust valve, I think all 350s have it.

The exhaust does pop on the over run, not greatly, never been in a pre 2018 car so can’t comment if it’s different on the later cars.

Hi Bizarro,

Thank you for your reply. That is good to hear the exhaust valve button still works on post 2018 350 sports and that they still pop. My idea is to change to a 2bular road back box which would increase the volume and i believe this will also create more pops.

Thanks

John

[piper]

Yes on my 2020 Exige 350 as well, it pops and bangs very nicely when the exhaust valve is open on the Sport setting, not too loud just nice.

[Benyarmin]

I understand that the button is easy to fit if it's not there as the wiring loom is already in place to connect the switch. I've just bought a 410 and the previous owner fitted the switch with ease he said

[alscar]

When I picked up my brand new 410 last year the dealer was more than happy to fit the button.

[Dicko_4]

Thank you all for your replies. They are very helpful.

Thanks

John

[Spindoctor]

alscar said:

When I picked up my brand new 410 last year the dealer was more than happy to fit the button.

I'm awaiting delivery of a new 410 and the dealer says that fitting the button could invalidate the warranty. They're not certain though so they're checking with the factory. Anyone else heard that?

[alscar]

Mine was from Lotus Silverstone and at their suggestion moments before I asked and included on the invoice so doubt they would have done all that if the warranty had been affected ?
They said it was a common piece of work.
Who is your dealer ?

[Spindoctor]

Thanks, good to know. Dealer is Castle Lotus. They’re happy to fit it at no extra cost, but the regional sales manager for Lotus seems to have tried to put them off and used the W word.