Would Base V6 + VAP Tune + Pulley = Happy Owner??
#1
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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?
Last edited by andrew0068; 10-11-2019 at 06:27 PM. Reason: clarified meaning in second last sentence
#2
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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 anyway. Silly idea?
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#3
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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.
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andrew0068 (10-11-2019)
#4
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So Lance was a tad under, 75 more horses rather than 70, those annoying PS strike again!
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andrew0068 (10-11-2019)
#5
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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.
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.
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andrew0068 (10-11-2019)
#6
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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.
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.
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peppersam740 (10-11-2019)
#7
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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..
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#8
#9
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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.
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.
#11
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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.
#12
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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 eif 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.
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 eif 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.
#14
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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.
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.
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Jklad (10-28-2019)
#15
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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.
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.
#16
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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.
BTW, no performance mods so far but do plan to add the VAP tune (no pulley) as end of warranty looms.
#17
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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...
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...
#18
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
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?
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Chawumba (10-18-2019)
#19
#20
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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...
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...