wstaab

For about $15 in parts and an hour of your time you can build a Z06 exhaust valve switch if you like DIY projects.

You need a SPST switch [Radio Shack], with or without a LED, a mini "add a circuit" [local auto parts store], 3 feet of 18 gauge two or three conductor wire, some shrink tubing, and crimp connectors.


Take a spare fuse and cut one leg from it.


If you have a LED switch you need 3 wires. A power wire from the "add a circuit" to the switch, a load wire back to the "add a circuit" , and a ground wire for the LED. If you have a non LED switch you do not need the ground wire. Solder the leg you cut from the spare fuse to the load wire and insert it into one slot of the "add a circuit" as shown in the photo.


Plug the "add a circuit" into the fuse block orientated as shown in the picture below with the ground wire attached to one of the mounting screws for the radio amp.


Remove the small panel on the console and mark the location for the switch. If using the round LED switch use the appropriate hole saw to drill the hole. Tip: use blue painters tape on the surface you are drilling to give you a clean edge around the hole and use a slow speed drill so you cut the plastic and not melt it from friction of the hole saw.


Mount the switch in the panel. Run the wire under the edge on the console and pull through the opening in the console. Crimp connectors to the wires and install on the switch. Snap the panel in place and test your new switch for proper operation. If you use a LED switch the LED will be on when the exhaust valve circuit is on [stock mode].

Pat07c6z

That's the same switch I used! AutoZone had them on clearance for $1.99. I chose not to illuminate the LED. I already had wire and terminal ends so it was a $5 mod for me.

burtonbl103

Nice job !!!!!
and write up

Gateway

Good write up bud. Great alternative for some people who don't have the cash for M2W or the Man Switch.

Turk2601

How do you remove the small panel? I don't want to break it.

Thanks.

Pat07c6z

From the rear, in the glove box, use a wide flathead, pops right up.

Mr. Scary

Wow, that was very nicely done! Thanks for the great pics and detailed axplanation.

805Z06

Wstaab

Very nice..

I did not know we had an electronic genious here... I got some electronic mods I want to do to the Z06...maybe you can help?

PM me and I will let you know my ideas

Ducatiman75

woow, nice job....

LTC Z06

Added to FAQ.

vegasdude

I really hate to point this out. I maybe out of line here and this post is informative. If you have a Z, I'm willing to bet that everyone who owns one can afford the Manswitch or M2W.

Pipedreams

Just to go back a little, member jlvink66 gets the credit with this design over 18 months ago. Looks like he was the first to develop the switch. LINK TO POST . From what I saw of the 2008, this cover is eliminated. Chances are wstaab never saw it but it appears to be a common solution.

equipone

Making numerous wise decisions is what gets me ahead financially. The profits and or savings from these choices is what enables me to live my lifestyle and drive a Z06. I spent $1.99 on my switch, $2.99 on the add a circuit and I had wire already.

TA

Believe it or not there are actually some people who like to work on their cars

BlaznZ06

AH, What? Some people don't like throwing away good money on the
Z06 tax.

Being able to Afford doesn't=Stupidity.

Hatdude

Thank you! I've been meaning to do a writeup like this. I've been laughing at the silly prices people are charging for a common switch, fuse tap, and a couple of feet of wire. Seriously, I wouldn't even call this "electronics". Good job!

Hatdude

jimmy j

Ok McGyver!!!! Thanks your the man.

Turk2601

Get back in line and don't place silly bets.

Saving cash while working on your own machine ... Priceless Look man, I can afford lots of ->

TEXHAWK0

Is the "Add a Circuit" kit a Radio Shack item, or do you get one at the auto parts store?