Turn off exhaust effects/reduce exhaust lag

[BlueCanary]

So, as much as I like the new exhaust effects for smoke coming out of the launchpad on rocket launches, when flying vtols at low level they drop my fps to about 5 and make it almost impossible to fly. I was wondering if there was a way to disable these effects, or just the part that makes them interact with the ground, so vtols become a bit more practical.

[Xannari Ferrows]

Good question. I'm never tried this before, but I believe you want to go into your CFG, and locate this module: ModuleSurfaceFX

Try removing each PREFAB_PARTICLE and MODEL_MULTI_PARTICLE subsection. If you're not sure how to remove the sets properly, then just remove everything below the module name, provided you can live without the sound effects as well.

[Spraki]

Sorry for the necro, but I suppose this thread does involve a partial solution I am also looking for. 

Good question. I'm never tried this before, but I believe you want to go into your CFG, and locate this module: ModuleSurfaceFX

Try removing each PREFAB_PARTICLE and MODEL_MULTI_PARTICLE subsection. If you're not sure how to remove the sets properly, then just remove everything below the module name, provided you can live without the sound effects as well.

I would like to ask for specifics regarding the "removal of the particle effects". I am not sure if I should just delete everything there, but leave the { }? I've long forgotten how to program correctly, so I must admit I am lost here. 

Also, is there maybe a mod that can remove smoke effects all together? I am on a lowend laptop (obviously), so turning these things off might help a lot. 

I have also  set the surfacefx=false, but I need to figure out how to get engine smoke/trails/exhausts off, or at least cut their durations so the screen is not loaded with it. I haven't quite figured if there is a decay/despawn value. 

Thanks for any advice