3rd Cat Delete and Valve Controller Opinion

[SuperchargedLotus]

Given there are several purchase options in terms of the 3rd cat delete, is there a particular one that is having this issue with having to expand the pipe, and are there others that fit straight away?

After reading this forum it seemed that the GRP one required adjustment so I went for the Milltek…. It fit straight on without any adjustment needed.

 

[EZcheezy]

What is the impact of 3rd Cat delete on warranty? Anyone have any dealer pushback?

I did have push back. I got a check engine light 4 months after owning the car while I had the 3rd cat delete + valve controller. it ended up being a bad battery but I still had lots of back and forth with the dealer with them telling me i needed to revert it back to stock before they could diagnose. Lotus was forcing them to.

after a few days of arguing they agreed to fix it. im still unclear on exactly what happened but it sounds like I was right on the border, any more mods and i will probably have to revert it back to stock for any more warranty work.

they fixed my battery but broke the valve controller. it seems to be stuck on open for now.

then a week later I installed the GRP intake

 

[Tod]

I just spent quite a bit of time in my car (factory) and a friends who just did the 3rd Cat and Valve controller.. My opinion might be a little different..

1. When you are ON the gas in any gear, it sounds AMAZING.. with the valves 100% open in Sport mode.
2. When you are just cruising around in Sport mode and valves 100% open and between 2500 - 3500 rpms is doesn't sound much different than in sport mode without the 3rd cat and VC installed.
3. Revving the car sounds absolutely intoxicating.. It now sounds like it looks.

I love that his car can be put into various modes where you can choose what you want to hear. You need quiet, put it in OEM mode on the VC and Tour Mode on the car and it sounds pretty damn close to stock in Tour Mode. Want a little grumble put it in Sport with VC in OEM.. Nice and just a little better than regular sports mode with no VC or 3rd cat. Want a bit more grumble and burbles, yep they got that too.. Tour mode with 100% open on the VC. Want it to sound like a V8 with aftermarket exhaust (IMO) then Sport Mode (or Track) and 100% open on the valves.. It so good when you are on the gas..

Again this is my opinion and your mileage might vary..

Hope this helps someone decide.

Ryan G

This is helpful information. I had a 3rd cat delete and installed the Miltek valve controller. I was not aware that with these adjustments, and when in different modes, Tour, Sport or Track that the sound would provide more amplification and burbles.