Hello everyone,
I am about to purchase a VAP valvetronic exhaust to go along with my 200 cell down pipes currently on the car. Has anyone installed the exhaust in their driveway? I want to learn more about working on my car. Please let me know if this is a doable job or if I should just go to a mechanic. I have rhino ramps for clearance and I can buy any other tools needed. All advice appreciated!

 

Swapping exhausts is fairly straightforward with basic hand tools. The only thing that's I'd say is slightly more challenging is removing or loosening the rear diffuser as you'll need to pull the exhaust outwards to slide out of the two mid pipes.

 

Even that isn't challenging. Just keep removing bolts and screws until the diffuser/valence falls in your lap. (Not to fear, that set of pieces weighs less than 5 lbs in aggregate). Herane, I suggest you forego the 200 cell downcats. Far more noise than you'll want on a street car, particularly if you are planning on entertaining a lady. The VAP Valvetronic is over the top without needing the sport cats.

 

hi Unhingd, thank you for the insight. I was originally reading this thread where I heard the two parts together make it sounds a lot better:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...-212060/page2/

for me it would be closed most of the time and valves open when I want to let loose. Do you have any sound clips of anyone with this setup?

 

Keep in mind that the valves always open over 4000 rpm regardless of switch position. Probably not an issue with the 8sp auto and tall rear end, but with the 6sp manual I usually don’t upshift on acceleration under about 4200.

 

Install is easy, they make pliers that help with pushing those rubber exhaust hangers off and on, but you don't really need them.

I'm super happy with the VAP system on my R (stock cats), wouldn't personally want it any louder, but tastes vary - YMMV

 

Thanks for the insight guys, I think this will be a fun project to take on in my garage. I’ll record some clips of how it sounds with both the downpipes and the valvetronic exhaust. If it too loud, I will most likely change the downpipes back to stock. Would anyone know which tools I’ll need to take off the muffler (bolt size etc.).

 

I followed Chawumba's lead here and also got the VAP, the sound is soooooooooooo beautiful! You will be very happy, make sure you also get the tips dipped in Black.

 

Even on a V6 it sounds great.

 

That looks fantastic! Sorry for the lack of knowledge, but by "dip", did you mean plastidip the tips? I definitely want to go for the blacked out look, but I'm not sure what the best/safest way to do it would be. I've heard of people using black shrink wrap and cutting off the tips to get them painted then welded back on.

 

Also went VAP, sounds amazing, even with no cats.

 

 

Josh,
It does sound great, but I didn’t like having to clean up the blood dripping out of my ears.

 

It appears your old one is by the door. Did you paint it black or put a coating on it ?
kev

 

ya when i had the stock pipes with the catless it was terrible (our last adventure). Its loud now but sounds good with the valves closed or open. Only complaint with the catless is the cold start, just got a vacuum pump to solve this problem.

 

black high temp paint...before i had the VAP pipes i was trying to hide the hideous stock pipes.

 

Everything I’ve read so far suggests that nothing to do with the rear valance/diffuser needs to be unclipped/removed. Are you just saying that it was easier doing this?

 

This is NOT required, but will make it easier for some. I would just suggest putting some painters tape around the valiance to avoid any scratches, but I did the enter job, on my own, lying on the floor of my garage on a quick jack. I just sent you a DM on your questions as well.

 

I have had my exhaust off 3 times & never removed the valance. We simply wrapped the tail pipes with microfiber rags & unbolted the hangers. It was always performed up on 2 jack stands & without any assistance.

 

I didn't take the valance off either. I just wrapped the tips to project the valance and the tips, unbolted the hangers and clamps, and slid the whole assembly back. You only need a 2-3 inches. I tapped on the muffle a bit, with a rubber mallet, to get the pipes to start moving.