Quote:
Originally Posted by Longdoggy
Here are my two cents. I've done this "flap mod", "golf tee mod", or whatever you want to call it on both my 335 (before I got the M perf exhaust), and now the X1. Been driving my X1 with the C clamp out now for about 900 of the 920 miles I have on the car.
I've had no issues. You should be fine reinstalling the c clip with some pliers, patience, and a few minutes on your back.
The flap does stay open without propping it open with wire tie or some other reversible method. But, I did notice some rattle recently so the flap seems to have drifted into a rattle position. I was able to swing it back in the non-rattle position in three seconds and all was well in the world again. I do think that perhaps a little wire tie may help to secure the flap open. It's easily reversible when you have to return to stock and it should take care of "flap-drift".
To answer your questions directly:
1) the flap moves easily, but seems to stay in place pretty well. However, I think a little wire tie will go a long way. I don't think it will go from open to close quite so easily though.
2) yes it's pretty easy.
3) I think you'll be totally fine. I've never had any issues, and I don't think you'll find anyone (maybe one outlier, but still doubtable), that had any problems due to the flap mod. It's mainly for sound that I am aware of. I've never noticed any change in warm up times before or after flap mod or any adverse behaviors with the motor and/or cats. Look at it this way; if you were to put on an aftermarket exhaust; let's say a BMW M Performance exhaust; it has no flap. That's got to say something?
To flap, or not to flap. That is the question.
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Dumb question but what exactly is meant by 'punching the c-clip so it pops right out'? I stared at it but I wasn't sure how the mechanics of it work. Seemed like I would want to pull it off. Is there a separate spring that's supposed to pop out as well? I looked at the pics in the link above for the gold tee mod but i'm not sure exactly what to pry away/open.