Varex active exhaust install
#1
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After doing a lot of research and more importantly test driving the new F-type from Jaguar, I've decided to take the plunge and install active remote-controlled exhaust on my 2011 XFR.
Here is the link to the Varex site for those of you who haven't seen it:
XForce. Performance Mufflers, Exhaust Systems & Accessories. About the Varex™ remote controlled Sports muffler.
And a brief description of the system:
There was a thread that was instrumental in my decision that you can view here:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...cutouts-76355/
And a great video by member "vs2" illustrating the system installed on his XFR:
I ordered the twin VMK10-250 mufflers from the Varex US distributor, Modern Automotive Performance. The mufflers were $450 each with free shipping (being shipped directly from the manufacturer in Australia). I'll still need to pay for installation and new tips.
I'll keep everyone updated here as I progress.
Here is the link to the Varex site for those of you who haven't seen it:
XForce. Performance Mufflers, Exhaust Systems & Accessories. About the Varex™ remote controlled Sports muffler.
And a brief description of the system:
VAREX mufflers combine both the design technology of the stock muffler and the performance muffler into one single compact unit. A sophisticated butterflyvalve mechanism is implemented to redirect the exhaust gas flow and vary be-tween the two.
For higher sound level, the exhaust flows are directed through the opening path and produces maximum power with a robust sound level (or the “sports car note”) and near-zero resistance. Whilst for lower sound level, the exhaust flows are directed through the chambered path (similar design with the stock muffler), and produces minimum sound level that gives you the best in-car comfort.
Angle of the valve is also controllable, which can be adjusted to stop at any point between sports mode and silence mode. This gives you further freedom to set the optimal sound level according to your desired preference.
For higher sound level, the exhaust flows are directed through the opening path and produces maximum power with a robust sound level (or the “sports car note”) and near-zero resistance. Whilst for lower sound level, the exhaust flows are directed through the chambered path (similar design with the stock muffler), and produces minimum sound level that gives you the best in-car comfort.
Angle of the valve is also controllable, which can be adjusted to stop at any point between sports mode and silence mode. This gives you further freedom to set the optimal sound level according to your desired preference.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...cutouts-76355/
And a great video by member "vs2" illustrating the system installed on his XFR:
I ordered the twin VMK10-250 mufflers from the Varex US distributor, Modern Automotive Performance. The mufflers were $450 each with free shipping (being shipped directly from the manufacturer in Australia). I'll still need to pay for installation and new tips.
I'll keep everyone updated here as I progress.
#2
#3
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I picked up my car last night from the local exhaust shop where I had the mufflers installed.
I was kept informed throughout the process by the technician (also the owner) throughout the process. He texted me photos and updates as they occurred. In all, the car was with them two days due to their supplier of the new exhaust tips shipping two left hand ones by mistake.
Installation was not straightforward. This is definitely not a bolt on application. That having been said, any good muffler shop can easily handle it. New bent tubing sections needed to be created to get everything to fit and preserve perfect flow.
We ended up tapping a direct power lead from the battery and mounting a relay and fuse in the rear fuse area. Very clean install and I'm very happy with it.
I've only had the chance to drive it this morning (as my wife got to drive it home from the shop last night), but I can say without hesitation or doubt, that the new exhaust is AWESOME! With the valves closed, the sound is 100% as stock, very quiet, and as we all know perhaps more demure than a base model XF.
Open, however, the beast is released! At idle, the volume is nearly identical, but with a deeper note to it. Once you get on the throttle, however, you get a deep, throaty howl worthy of the Jaguar namesake. Volume is perfectly acceptable for daily driving. Only at higher RPM does it get people's heads turning to watch you go by...
So... all in I've got just under $1800 into the exhaust. That includes parts, labor, taxes, shipping... everything. I find that completely acceptable as the Mina Gallery exhaust system runs $825 plus shipping (whereas I paid $900 including shipping from Australia!). Installation would be considerably easier for the Mina, but I feel that the flexibility of sound ranging from perfectly quiet to ultra-performance is more than worth the few hundred dollars difference.
HIGHLY recommended!
Here are a few photos of the exhaust parts and the final install. I'll try to get some good video up tomorrow of the sound inside and outside the car.
I was kept informed throughout the process by the technician (also the owner) throughout the process. He texted me photos and updates as they occurred. In all, the car was with them two days due to their supplier of the new exhaust tips shipping two left hand ones by mistake.
Installation was not straightforward. This is definitely not a bolt on application. That having been said, any good muffler shop can easily handle it. New bent tubing sections needed to be created to get everything to fit and preserve perfect flow.
We ended up tapping a direct power lead from the battery and mounting a relay and fuse in the rear fuse area. Very clean install and I'm very happy with it.
I've only had the chance to drive it this morning (as my wife got to drive it home from the shop last night), but I can say without hesitation or doubt, that the new exhaust is AWESOME! With the valves closed, the sound is 100% as stock, very quiet, and as we all know perhaps more demure than a base model XF.
Open, however, the beast is released! At idle, the volume is nearly identical, but with a deeper note to it. Once you get on the throttle, however, you get a deep, throaty howl worthy of the Jaguar namesake. Volume is perfectly acceptable for daily driving. Only at higher RPM does it get people's heads turning to watch you go by...
So... all in I've got just under $1800 into the exhaust. That includes parts, labor, taxes, shipping... everything. I find that completely acceptable as the Mina Gallery exhaust system runs $825 plus shipping (whereas I paid $900 including shipping from Australia!). Installation would be considerably easier for the Mina, but I feel that the flexibility of sound ranging from perfectly quiet to ultra-performance is more than worth the few hundred dollars difference.
HIGHLY recommended!
Here are a few photos of the exhaust parts and the final install. I'll try to get some good video up tomorrow of the sound inside and outside the car.
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BigCat09 (06-21-2013)
#4
#5
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The Varex mufflers are a replacement for the stock mufflers and they're opened and closed via keyfob wirelessly. I'm going to make a mount for the fob so that it stays in easy reach, likely on the side of the tunnel or similar.
It can be opened and closed at any time. It takes about 2 seconds to fully actuate in either direction.
Very high quality parts.
It can be opened and closed at any time. It takes about 2 seconds to fully actuate in either direction.
Very high quality parts.
#6
#8
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Great pix and video!!!!! I wish these have come along 5 years ago in this type of form. Instead we just had those electronic cut outs that were a lil rough around the edges. I hope more companies make more of these types soon. The 1 my buddy has on his GTR is same as this but made for the GTR only and is awesome! His remote is so tiny and he can open it at any % he wants for just the right volume.
#9
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Thank's a lot for posting this info FastCat, I am currently in the process of getting these installed. I know this post from a while ago, but do you have any pictures of how you routed the wires into the trunk or any instructions? Would rather follow your lead than find a new path for the wires.
Also, how have they been holding up now that it's been a couple of years?
Also, how have they been holding up now that it's been a couple of years?
#10
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I dont' actually have any pics of the wire routing. My exhaust shop did the entire install, so besides knowing that the electronics modules are in the trunk, I can't tell you much more.
The install has been bulletproof thus far. No issues whatsoever. We tend to keep the baffles open for the throaty exhaust most of the time (even my wife, which I think is pretty cool for a girl
).
If you really need an idea of wire routing, I can try to get up under the car and get some pics and see if I can pull the trunk liner back for you. I'm traveling for work until the end of the month, so it would be a while...
The install has been bulletproof thus far. No issues whatsoever. We tend to keep the baffles open for the throaty exhaust most of the time (even my wife, which I think is pretty cool for a girl
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
If you really need an idea of wire routing, I can try to get up under the car and get some pics and see if I can pull the trunk liner back for you. I'm traveling for work until the end of the month, so it would be a while...
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Jaaaggg (02-17-2016)
#11
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FastCat2011 and Jaaaggg, on the Varex site and ebay, I see many different "universal" models, but nothing specific to the Jaguar. Which mufflers did you chose? Jaaaggg, I am also located in the Atlanta area, and would like to know who is doing your install, and if you are happy with them.
#12
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I dont' actually have any pics of the wire routing. My exhaust shop did the entire install, so besides knowing that the electronics modules are in the trunk, I can't tell you much more.
The install has been bulletproof thus far. No issues whatsoever. We tend to keep the baffles open for the throaty exhaust most of the time (even my wife, which I think is pretty cool for a girl
).
If you really need an idea of wire routing, I can try to get up under the car and get some pics and see if I can pull the trunk liner back for you. I'm traveling for work until the end of the month, so it would be a while...
The install has been bulletproof thus far. No issues whatsoever. We tend to keep the baffles open for the throaty exhaust most of the time (even my wife, which I think is pretty cool for a girl
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
If you really need an idea of wire routing, I can try to get up under the car and get some pics and see if I can pull the trunk liner back for you. I'm traveling for work until the end of the month, so it would be a while...
FastCat2011 and Jaaaggg, on the Varex site and ebay, I see many different "universal" models, but nothing specific to the Jaguar. Which mufflers did you chose? Jaaaggg, I am also located in the Atlanta area, and would like to know who is doing your install, and if you are happy with them.
My work is being done by Allen @ Extreme Performance Mufflers on Jimmy Cart Blvd, honest guy with reasonable prices. I have used him to get other exhaust work, but nothing this major. I'll take pictures along the process and keep you posted on how it turns out.
To supply power, I am doing a fuse tap to one of the 10a fuse inputs. I have two of these, not sure which one to use, anyone have an idea?
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...1&d=1455726781
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kwiksilver (02-17-2016)
#14
#15
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I tried the the muffler and two resonator delete on the center pipe, it was too rattly and sounded broken IMO.
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Injekter (02-17-2016)
#16
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Hi Jaag
As you know I installed the varex with a fuse tap.
I used the passenger safety system fuse. Check your manual as this will point out the correct one. From memory it was top right as you look at the fuse box.
I put in an X-Pipe and vibrant performance bottle resonators. Perfect blend.
thanks
Phil
As you know I installed the varex with a fuse tap.
I used the passenger safety system fuse. Check your manual as this will point out the correct one. From memory it was top right as you look at the fuse box.
I put in an X-Pipe and vibrant performance bottle resonators. Perfect blend.
thanks
Phil
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Jaaaggg (02-18-2016)
#17
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Hi Jaag
As you know I installed the varex with a fuse tap.
I used the passenger safety system fuse. Check your manual as this will point out the correct one. From memory it was top right as you look at the fuse box.
I put in an X-Pipe and vibrant performance bottle resonators. Perfect blend.
thanks
Phil
As you know I installed the varex with a fuse tap.
I used the passenger safety system fuse. Check your manual as this will point out the correct one. From memory it was top right as you look at the fuse box.
I put in an X-Pipe and vibrant performance bottle resonators. Perfect blend.
thanks
Phil
#18
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There is a bolt to hold down the battery just under the fuse box. I crimped on an open connector.. I'm home now so will try to get some pics later.
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Jaaaggg (02-19-2016)
#19
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Johncy2000 (07-29-2017)