Precautions when fitting aftermarket exhausts and controllers

[Colin P]

I've been through the threads here and watched a number of the videos. None of the videos suggest issues with MIL codes etc or suggest disconnecting battery, calibrating valve flaps, whereas there are references to issues in various threads on here.

I'm about to do Milltek cat back, V2 controller and maybe 3rd cat delete. The following questions arise specifically from some of the comments on here and I'd appreciate confirmation if possible.

1) Is it best to disconnect the battery? Will this avert potential issues below? I assume there are no unusual issues when reconnecting.
2) The cobra site suggests that you do not disconnect the wiring loom from the factory actuator. There are also comments in threads on here that disconnecting this can throw a dealer only code. Presumably the issue here is if the electrics are in any way live, so the best bet is to disconnect the battery to be absolutely sure?
3) If 2) was an issue then presumably no one would have been able to instal the V1 Milltek controller without throwing a code, and given that the v2 is just further up the wiring harness line it would affect that as well. So just make sure that the electrics are fully off (or battery disconnected) before disconnecting the loom/installing.
4) Seen posts on here that the valve flap needs calibrating and unless it is will throw the same dealer only exhaust code. Milltek don't mention this and nor do any of the online instal videos. I am thinking this is only an issue if the actuator isn't actually connected to anything or the exhaust is incorrectly manufactured.

Would appreciate wisdom of those who have done this. I'm probably over thinking this, but I don't want to end up with an unnecessary dealer trip.

Boy I miss stuff that didn't have sensors.

Thanks

 

[papadop88]

I've been through the threads here and watched a number of the videos. None of the videos suggest issues with MIL codes etc or suggest disconnecting battery, calibrating valve flaps, whereas there are references to issues in various threads on here.

I'm about to do Milltek cat back, V2 controller and maybe 3rd cat delete. The following questions arise specifically from some of the comments on here and I'd appreciate confirmation if possible.

1) Is it best to disconnect the battery? Will this avert potential issues below? I assume there are no unusual issues when reconnecting.
2) The cobra site suggests that you do not disconnect the wiring loom from the factory actuator. There are also comments in threads on here that disconnecting this can throw a dealer only code. Presumably the issue here is if the electrics are in any way live, so the best bet is to disconnect the battery to be absolutely sure?
3) If 2) was an issue then presumably no one would have been able to instal the V1 Milltek controller without throwing a code, and given that the v2 is just further up the wiring harness line it would affect that as well. So just make sure that the electrics are fully off (or battery disconnected) before disconnecting the loom/installing.
4) Seen posts on here that the valve flap needs calibrating and unless it is will throw the same dealer only exhaust code. Milltek don't mention this and nor do any of the online instal videos. I am thinking this is only an issue if the actuator isn't actually connected to anything or the exhaust is incorrectly manufactured.

Would appreciate wisdom of those who have done this. I'm probably over thinking this, but I don't want to end up with an unnecessary dealer trip.

Boy I miss stuff that didn't have sensors.

Thanks

I don't have the milltek catback but installed the V2 controller and 3rd cat delete. It's really all you need. The catback won't do much else for you in terms of noise...just weight savings IF you go with a titanium version.

The install was fairly straight forward. No need to disconnect the battery, but if you want to, go right ahead. Won't hurt anything, but not necessary. The controller was plug n play, ziptied and 3M taped it up high close to wear the plugs attached and that's about it.

No issues with codes being thrown with just the controller and cat delete. These cars are finicky, so with a Milltek catback, you may or may not get a code because of the valves needing calibration. Net net, if you're not looking for weight savings, don't bother with the catback and use those funds for something esle.

 

[Colin P]

Thanks. The issue is that the decat is illegal in the uk and whilst you can get away with it currently the govt are currently looking to tighten up the testing to require all cars to meet their original emission standards at each years MOT (inspection). This is why I’ve not done it yet despite having the car for a year.

My preference would otherwise have just been the decat rather than the cat back, which is what I was going to do. Typically though immediately I (eventually) ordered the parts I was offered a deal on the cat back which I couldn’t resist.

 

[Kaz]

Thanks. The issue is that the decat is illegal in the uk and whilst you can get away with it currently the govt are currently looking to tighten up the testing to require all cars to meet their original emission standards at each years MOT (inspection). This is why I’ve not done it yet despite having the car for a year.

My preference would otherwise have just been the decat rather than the cat back, which is what I was going to do. Typically though immediately I (eventually) ordered the parts I was offered a deal on the cat back which I couldn’t resist.

you guys have it yearly on new(er) cars? sheesh... it's an arms race here in California when it is time for smog check but everyone I know just pays a guy. It's getting harder based on modern tech but yeah, we just pay our trusted places when it's time. And yes, Milltek solves all problems so you don't have much to worry about if at the time you install you don't have any codes the dealer needs to clear (valve limp mode codes which you don't have)

 

[lowtus]

the third cat is difficult to visualize without taking off the diffuser, i'm hoping they will not see the 3rd cat delete once the time comes for us in california

 

[thisguyinsd]

the third cat is difficult to visualize without taking off the diffuser, i'm hoping they will not see the 3rd cat delete once the time comes for us in california

I live in CA and purchased my Emira out of WA. I had to get it smogged to register in the state. The smog tech looked around a little bit with a mirror extension, but didn't really try too hard to see if I had done any mods.