Switch to shut-off PSE....

[Tom]

I've made the Track Nanny for several years now, which uses a GPS signal to close the PSE flaps at specific locations (e.g., when driving by sound meters on a track). Someone recently asked if I could make them a simple switch to over-ride the PSE button on the dash, so that they can just leave the PSE valves open without interference from the factory ECU. Here is what I've come up with so far. The harness itself would install in the engine bay just like the Track Nanny, but instead of having a GPS-based Track Nanny in the cabin, you'd just have this free-hanging selector with two settings: 1) factory stock, and 2) PSE valves always open. I'm thinking the rotary knob from the Track Nanny is a good choice so you can tuck this out of the way without worrying about inadvertently changing the setting. It would function much the same as the Cargraphics PSE controller without the remote control. Not sure I ever understood the need for a remote control to control car functions while inside said car....? The bigger difference would be the price, which would be about a quarter of what Cargraphics charges. Any interest?

handheld-pse.jpg (402.54 KiB) Viewed 3934 times

[Larry C]

I've made the Track Nanny for several years now, which uses a GPS signal to close the PSE flaps at specific locations (e.g., when driving by sound meters on a track). Someone recently asked if I could make them a simple switch to over-ride the PSE button on the dash, so that they can just leave the PSE valves open without interference from the factory ECU. Here is what I've come up with so far. The harness itself would install in the engine bay just like the Track Nanny, but instead of having a GPS-based Track Nanny in the cabin, you'd just have this free-hanging selector with two settings: 1) factory stock, and 2) PSE valves always open. I'm thinking the rotary knob from the Track Nanny is a good choice so you can tuck this out of the way without worrying about inadvertently changing the setting. It would function much the same as the Cargraphics PSE controller without the remote control. Not sure I ever understood the need for a remote control to control car functions while inside said car....? The bigger difference would be the price, which would be about a quarter of what Cargraphics charges. Any interest?



handheld-pse.jpg

Another stealth invention from CP headquarters! Any ideas where this could be installed in the interior?

[Tom]

I've made the Track Nanny for several years now, which uses a GPS signal to close the PSE flaps at specific locations (e.g., when driving by sound meters on a track). Someone recently asked if I could make them a simple switch to over-ride the PSE button on the dash, so that they can just leave the PSE valves open without interference from the factory ECU. Here is what I've come up with so far. The harness itself would install in the engine bay just like the Track Nanny, but instead of having a GPS-based Track Nanny in the cabin, you'd just have this free-hanging selector with two settings: 1) factory stock, and 2) PSE valves always open. I'm thinking the rotary knob from the Track Nanny is a good choice so you can tuck this out of the way without worrying about inadvertently changing the setting. It would function much the same as the Cargraphics PSE controller without the remote control. Not sure I ever understood the need for a remote control to control car functions while inside said car....? The bigger difference would be the price, which would be about a quarter of what Cargraphics charges. Any interest?



handheld-pse.jpg

Another stealth invention from CP headquarters! Any ideas where this could be installed in the interior?

I was thinking it would just be a free-hanging switch on the end of the harness, to be tucked under or beside the seat. But if people prefer a more permanent installation, we can figure something out...

[J-Dub]

Hi Tom,

I will add that the functionality I would like to achieve is a three way switch with the following options:
Normal operation/always open-loud/always closed-quiet

On other cars I am familiar with active exhaust, the ecu pulls a pin to ground which switches a relay to open the vacuum solenoid to pull closed the exhaust valve.

So what needs to be done here is interrupt the wire that is going between the ECU and the vacuum relay

Wiring of 3 way/pin switch
ECU
Vacuum relay
Ground

Pos 1 ECU pin connects to relay = normal operation
3 pos Switch { Pos 2 ECU pin open/solenoid open = always loud
Pos 3 ECU pin open/solenoid ground = always quiet

Thanks for considering,

Jeremy

[Tom]

Hi Tom,

I will add that the functionality I would like to achieve is a three way switch with the following options:
Normal operation/always open-loud/always closed-quiet

On other cars I am familiar with active exhaust, the ecu pulls a pin to ground which switches a relay to open the vacuum solenoid to pull closed the exhaust valve.

So what needs to be done here is interrupt the wire that is going between the ECU and the vacuum relay

Wiring of 3 way/pin switch
ECU
Vacuum relay
Ground

Pos 1 ECU pin connects to relay = normal operation
3 pos Switch { Pos 2 ECU pin open/solenoid open = always loud
Pos 3 ECU pin open/solenoid ground = always quiet

Thanks for considering,

Jeremy

I designed and sell the Track Nanny, which controls the PSE using a GPS receiver, so am very familiar with the PSE control signals. On the 718, the signal goes to 12 volts to close the flaps. Some other models, like the 997, pull the control signal to ground to close the flaps. The person requesting this device did not want to wire in any power, so it is entirely passive (simply cutting power to the PSE solenoid to create an 'always loud' mode and a 'factory stock' mode). If you wanted to make your own, your connections above would work except for the 'always quiet' mode. To achieve that, you'd want to supply 12 volts to the solenoid signal wire. If there is interest in that set up, it would be an easy ask, since I'd just be replacing the GPS unit with a manual switch. The 718 connectors are available at electronics suppliers, but I have not seem them sold by any of the auto/Porsche retailers....

p.s., on the Track Nanny, I don't supply an "always quiet" mode by default, since there are stories of people overheating catalytic converters on the track with their PSE systems forced shut. I do it on request, but only after explaining that risk.

[J-Dub]

Thanks Tom for those details. I was aware you invented the track nanny but was not aware the control logic the 718 uses. I added the one I was aware of for illustration purposes and to facilitate this discussion. I now better understand the use case from the customer requesting the device and how the system works.

Is overheating the factory catalytic converters a urban myth or a real thing?

I was trying to thinking of a more OEM type switch or interface but can't think of anything that would not add significantly to the install and cost. Like adding another button below the shifter....put one of those banana sticker on the button or something.
https://everythingvinyldecal.com/produc ... or-porsche

[Tom]

Thanks Tom for those details. I was aware you invented the track nanny but was not aware the control logic the 718 uses. I added the one I was aware of for illustration purposes and to facilitate this discussion. I now better understand the use case from the customer requesting the device and how the system works.

Is overheating the factory catalytic converters a urban myth or a real thing?

I was trying to thinking of a more OEM type switch or interface but can't think of anything that would not add significantly to the install and cost. Like adding another button below the shifter....put one of those banana sticker on the button or something.
https://everythingvinyldecal.com/produc ... or-porsche

I've heard reports of catalytic converters starting to melt inside with the PSE valves physically shut for entire track sessions, but I don't have first-hand knowledge. I think there is 'something' to it, but it may have been enhanced by urban legend...

The person requesting this did not want to modify the car or remove panels. That's why I made it a rotary knob on the end of a cable (so it could not get switched by accident). For those willing to do it, I'd think a blank switch location on the center console would be best, perhaps using a repurposed factory switch. On my 944, I used one of the switch blanks and a spare power window switch to create a factory-looking garage door opener. Same kind of thing could be done for this no doubt.

[J-Dub]

In my VW R32 I put a 3-way toggle switch bolted to the hole in the shifter that is used for shifter cable alignment, it is below the factory shift boot. This kept the wiring out if the way and the switch hidden. I will keep thinking on this.

[Throttlesteer]

Now if you could invent a nanny that could shut off other people's annoying exhausts. Ever since Porsche and a few other companies came out with a sport exhaust, there seems to be a flood of tuner cars with overly-exuberant "sport" exhausts. These aftermarket gems sound like an entire pack of firecrackers going off for what seems to be 10 seconds when they're off throttle. I don't mind a few pops and crackles, but the aftermarket ones are incredibly loud and scream attention w%$#^. It makes me want to shut off the PSE on my cars.

[Tom]

Now if you could invent a nanny that could shut off other people's annoying exhausts. Ever since Porsche and a few other companies came out with a sport exhaust, there seems to be a flood of tuner cars with overly-exuberant "sport" exhausts. These aftermarket gems sound like an entire pack of firecrackers going off for what seems to be 10 seconds when they're off throttle. I don't mind a few pops and crackles, but the aftermarket ones are incredibly loud and scream attention w%$#^. It makes me want to shut off the PSE on my cars.

A few summers ago, my high-schooler nephew showed up at my house asking for help with a 'mod' that was making the rounds via Instaface-tok or whatever. Basically, they unbolt the muffler and pull the flanges apart, then slide big nuts between the flanges and use longer bolts to hold the muffler to the exhaust with a big gap in between. He drove off happy as could be with the car sounding very much as you'd expect -- basically an open exhaust but for the catalytic converter. Kids these days...

Of course, some things never change. Free mods and high-schoolers go hand in hand. I drilled holes in the muffler of my $450 Firebird back in 1978.