2018 Active Exhaust Install Guide

[Vlad Soare]

Indeed. Good point.
But I wonder, what if save my current tune, then flash the US calibration file, then upload my tune back? Will I get a PCM that's completely functional (i.e. active exhaust and all) but with European emissions? Or will I just brick it, because my HPT file won't be compatible with the US firmware?

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[VonWatchmaker]

Indeed. Good point.
But I wonder, what if save my current tune, then flash the US calibration file, then upload my tune back? Will I get a PCM that's completely functional (i.e. active exhaust and all) but with European emissions? Or will I just brick it, because my HPT file won't be compatible with the US firmware?

I think that it's a topic for another thread or forum. I can't help you with that, sorry.

 

[dafuture]

So I've been reading this thread and I'm very intrigued. It seems like there's been a lot of information that's changed over the years, so I'm hoping someone could help me compile the necessary part numbers. I have a '20 GT for reference, 301a package. I haven't checked for the plug or fuse, so I won't be ordering anything until that happens.

1 - JR3Z-14A411-J wiring harness (Y harness)
2 - JR3Z-14A411-H wiring harnesses (from Y to actuator)
2 - JR3Z-5K245-B actuators

What I'm slightly confused on is whether I can use my current mufflers, or if new ones have to be ordered. I know I'll have to find someone with Forscan, and it seems like downloading a slightly different PCM calibration should get everything all settled software-wise.

Is there anything I'm missing?

 

[MNstang]

I may have missed it -

But has anyone on here whose car *does* have the plug, but their car *doesn't* have the relay or fuse (nor contacts in the fuse box) been successful in wiring up active exhaust with OEM functionality?

If so, what all was involved to do this? Any help is appreciated!

I am in the same boat and would love to know if there is a around this. I have the harness but no fuse connection under the hood...

 

[MNstang]

So I've been reading this thread and I'm very intrigued. It seems like there's been a lot of information that's changed over the years, so I'm hoping someone could help me compile the necessary part numbers. I have a '20 GT for reference, 301a package. I haven't checked for the plug or fuse, so I won't be ordering anything until that happens.

1 - JR3Z-14A411-J wiring harness (Y harness)
2 - JR3Z-14A411-H wiring harnesses (from Y to actuator)
2 - JR3Z-5K245-B actuators

What I'm slightly confused on is whether I can use my current mufflers, or if new ones have to be ordered. I know I'll have to find someone with Forscan, and it seems like downloading a slightly different PCM calibration should get everything all settled software-wise.

Is there anything I'm missing?

You need the active exhaust mufflers and actuators. They have a valve inside that opens and closes based on the drive mode selected.

 

[dafuture]

You need the active exhaust mufflers and actuators. They have a valve inside that opens and closes based on the drive mode selected.

That's where I'm a little confused. I have the part number for the actuators, but are the mufflers themselves different as well? If the actuator has the valve, what would stop someone from using a stock set of mufflers?

 

[MNstang]

That's where I'm a little confused. I have the part number for the actuators, but are the mufflers themselves different as well? If the actuator has the valve, what would stop someone from using a stock set of mufflers?

I am not the expert on this but I'm pretty positive the valve is inside the muffler and the actuator motor is outside. I'm pretty positive the AE has a specific muffler and it is different from the stock, non AE muffler.

 

[dafuture]

I am not the expert on this but I'm pretty positive the valve is inside the muffler and the actuator motor is outside. I'm pretty positive the AE has a specific muffler and it is different from the stock, non AE muffler.

As I'm doing more digging, that seems like the issue. Looks like my best bet is to hope someone with a stock active exhaust decides to sell local.

 

[andrewtac]

They are different mufflers, the valve is on the exit. I haven't cut one open but I suspect the loud side is straight through or almost and the quiet side has something to muffle the sound. You only need the two harness that plug into the muffler, you can wire from those to the car.

 

[HollowKEYS]

Hey guys i need a little help, so i programmed the ForScan lines and hooked up the exhuast with the actuators and turned on the car. The actuators turn closed then open and then i get the
"Exhaust Mode Selection Not Available" error on my LCD instrument panel. is this a tune issue?

I have a 2018 GT, fuses are fine nothing crazy any suggestions or thoughts are great.

 

[HollowKEYS]

So update...I dunno what happend or changed, but now it suddenly works with no error, but it just does normal or quiet no other modes. Will not move in sport or track.

 

[pmor4243]

Curious to get some of your thoughts.

I added active exhaust mufflers to my 19 GT PP but just run the motors off of a switch I added in by the steering wheel. works great and I can open and close the valves as well as adjust anywhere in between. My only concern is does keeping the valves closed all the way have a negative impact on the car?

I know that the active system in quiet mode will still open the valves at full throttle so I’m curious if there is enough flow through the quiet side of the mufflers when leaving the valves closed off.

 

[Firsttexan]

Wow! Prices sure did change since the beginning of this thread.

With so many active exhaust Mustangs on the road. And the propensity of Mustangs to mysteriously head for any ditch or crowd.
I am sure salvage lots have them in ready supply. Could get every part needed including the rear valance.

 

[Mach VII]

Curious to get some of your thoughts.

I added active exhaust mufflers to my 19 GT PP but just run the motors off of a switch I added in by the steering wheel. works great and I can open and close the valves as well as adjust anywhere in between. My only concern is does keeping the valves closed all the way have a negative impact on the car?

I know that the active system in quiet mode will still open the valves at full throttle so I’m curious if there is enough flow through the quiet side of the mufflers when leaving the valves closed off.

Ford's strategy for 'Quiet' mode...
I have Corsa AE mufflers on my GT, the valve modulates air by closing the straight thru path which forces air into the case of the muffler and out the secondary tail pipe. I would guess that with the valves closed at higher RPM will hurt performance at a minimum and worse case could cause the PCM to throw a flag just like a clogged cat could.

 

[pmor4243]

Ford's strategy for 'Quiet' mode...
I have Corsa AE mufflers on my GT, the valve modulates air by closing the straight thru path which forces air into the case of the muffler and out the secondary tail pipe. I would guess that with the valves closed at higher RPM will hurt performance at a minimum and worse case could cause the PCM to throw a flag just like a clogged cat could.

Very helpful, thanks for posting that. I knew the valves were opening under normal quiet mode operation, I guess I still wonder how much keeping them closed would choke things up. Luckily I don’t drive like that very often, but good to know how things may respond.

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