Where I live (Australia) there are very few of my preferred V6S F-Types for sale, and even fewer with desirable options/colors. On the other hand there are plenty of base V6s. So it occurred to me that a base model with switchable active exhaust, VAP tune and pulley (which I'd probably add to a V6S anyway) could be an option. As I understand a V6 with VAP + pulley will have the same power output as a V6S that's had the same treatment. Silly idea?

 

Perfect idea, but the base V6 with a VAP tune plus pulley will have 70 more horses than an untuned V6S.

 

Gooday, I would if I could live with the seats, and the ride on the standard (which is harder than the S). The base doesnt have an lsd but I dont know you'd notice that most of the time, you would moreso with the tune and pulley as I get quite a lot of wheelspin in mine and I have been impressed that it stays in a straight line. The pulley and tune will set you back about $3500 and would be a worthwhile spend as it takes performance up quite significantly you notice it at every level. Ultimately I a decently optioned base would be an option, subject to ride.

 

Yep, base = 335 horses, S = 375 horses, VAP pulley and tune (added to either a base or an S makes no difference) = 450 horses.
So Lance was a tad under, 75 more horses rather than 70, those annoying PS strike again!

 

I've seen several comments on here about the harsh ride in the base model and would just like to chime in with my experience. My 2018 base model on 18" wheels and OEM Continentals rides like a dream. It is considerably more comfortable than was my 2015 Ghibli on 19" wheels, and at least as comfortable as my 2013 XF (also on 18" wheels), though not as comfortable as either my XJ6 or XJ8, but then I wouldn't have expected it to be.
One other thing I've learned is that the car will not break the rear tires loose under any dry pavement conditions. Rolling start, dead stop, launch mode, whatever, the rear wheels will barely chirp when it squats and goes.

 

There are couple considerations that should be discussed.

a. Base doesn't have a limited slip differential, I am not certain how much of that extra power you would be able to put down with 1 wheel in rear wheel drive (RWD) car. In RWD configuration on base I would say you have to invest into retrofitting Torsen before you will see tangible benefit from your tune.
b. Any tuning is not a risk-free proposition, you will be a) voiding any warranty, b) putting more stress on the engine, c) will have to invest into better cooling if you drive in really hot weather. While VAP tune is considered "safe", you still need to be OK with the fact that you are taking your car past thermal design limits and very close to SC design limit. This leaves no margin of error for eventualities like 45C+ weather or bad fuel.

 

Yes my only experience with a base was with a new vert as a test drive on 20's, I had it for a half a day and to be honest I was very glad to give it back and get into the XKR. But it has been my experience that once the seats soften up in these cars they absorb quite a bit of the bumpiness as well, by the time you get to 5000 miles or so the performance seats at least are quite supple which is why the driver always thinks that the car rides smoother than a passenger might.

 

Base plus VAP tune without a pulley will still be more power than the stock S, and is really easy. Get the unit and copy the original file, send that to VAP, load the modified file. Piece of cake, and should get you approximately 416 HP, if memory serves.

 

Thanks SinF. I'll most likely be buying a car out of the 3 year warranty (we have to make do with in Australia) and the last two points you mention shouldn't be an issue. May I ask what SC design limit is?

 

Thanks. Bit worrying that I haven't even purchased a car yet and I'm considering the mods....

 

Worrying? Not at all. It shows you're going in with your eyes open, knowing what you're looking at and what you'd like it to be.

I've been running a tune with the stock pulley for almost 30k miles now. If I had a lift I'd probably have a pulley too, but I'm too stubborn to not do my own mods.

 

Torsen not yet available for the F-Type. If and when available, I’ll install one even though I already have the OEM lsd. The Torsen is far more effective and more durability.

 

The RWD V8 has the exact opposite problem.

 

Perhaps a little late to the party, but just in case it helps.

I have a 2015 base which I put the VAP tune + pulley on around 10K miles, about 2 years ago I think. About 33K on the car now.

The car is well optioned, 19" wheels, perf seats, active exhaust, etc. Has been to the dealer for regular maintenance and recalls and no issues with the dealer (I do de-tune it prior to each visit)

I don't find the ride that harsh relative to other cars I own; and it is our weekend road-trip car. I do track the car as well.

All in all, I am very happy owner and say go for it. As someone else mentioned, it good to ask the questions and go in knowing what to expect.

Wish you well.

 

Great, thanks for the real-world example (I think you are the first one to chime in).

 

+1. Ride-wise the base on 18s is (for me, and with the year-round road conditions here) a nicely-judged balance of handling, response, and comfort. Also keep in mind the greater unsprung weight trade-off with larger wheels. I drove the base on 19s, thought it had very slightly more bite but was also noticeably harsher. Seems logical that factory suspension tuning is done primarily for the model's default wheel-tire combo, so for the base, I'd expect the 18s to be the best option for many.

BTW, no performance mods so far but do plan to add the VAP tune (no pulley) as end of warranty looms.

 

I have a 2017 Base with the VAP tune, 17k miles. I have 18" rims. The ride is tight - I softened it by lowering air pressure to 33. It isn't harsh, but it is firm. Seats are still comfortable.
The tune wakes the car up, especially in the higher rev range. The engine likes to go to the redline (I got it set at 7100) where the standard tune gets lazy. It is quicker - it goes through second gear in about a second. I'm not having any traction problems, so apparently for this car, the absence of limited slip is not so much of a problem...

 

If you are looking for great handling, the 2014-15 V8's are a shade lighter than an AWD V6 base and have more traditional sportscar RWD. An untuned V8 only lacks proper tires to be a beast of a supercar.

 

The RWD V6 is lighter yet, and the 6MT still lighter.

 

Thanks, exactly what I was hoping to hear! How does your car sound with the tune? Does the extra power make it sound more like a V6S or isn't it that simple?