I just wired that lever back (see Rizbel's pic above) and took a ride around the block. I noticed a difference right from startup! Much throatier with a rumble. Also big difference on the downshifts (SMG)....Cool! Thanks.

JDN, how does it sound around 1200 - 1500 rpm under load? In the upper revs it is most likely open (or at least "more" open).
After a few days of evaluation, I'd have to say that unless you are looking to hear the car alot then really consider what you are doing if you are looking to do an aftermarket exhaust (not specific to JDN? ). If you'd like a "little" more sound then maybe the valve trick will do it. Just be sure that you are looking for Sound before doing an exhaust mod. Once again, I am NOT complaining but it IS louder than I expected.? ?

BTW, 4 days and the wife still hasn't figured it out (the car rolls really well in Neutral? ).

It's more of a resonance at that speed if I can hear it at all. Cannot hear the individual cylinders firing as with a real mod. If I did not know I had the valve locked open, I wouldn't know I had the valve locked open. The wife never figured it out until I told her why I gunned through the first two gears from a traffic light. She didn't complain -- took it like a real trooper, I just thought I owed her an explanation.