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Performance - VR6 Exhaust

VR6 Exhaust

The VR6 even in stock form has a wonderful exhaust note. In fact one of the attractions of the VR6 is the VR6 exhaust. From the factory, the VR6 exhaust is not too bad. But when all out performance is what you want, 'not to bad' sucks.

VR6 exhaust has a few areas that it can be improved on. The VR6 exhaust piping is adequate, but could use a little bit larger diameter. A 2.25 or 2.5 inch VR6 exhaust system will work wonders for all of your naturally aspirated needs, a 3 inch VR6 exhaust should be considered for high output turbo VR6 applications.

The VR6 exhaust has two heavy mufflers. The mid muffler can be removed and replaced with a straight pipe to get a very nice, not to loud grumble from an otherwise stock VR6 exhaust system.

For even more performance, remove the entire VR6 exhaust system from the exhaust manifold back, and replace with a high flowing catalytic converter, stainless steel or aluminumized piping, and a performance muffler. Most VR6 Corrado's and maybe other VR6 engines already have a good performing, high flowing catalytic converter. If your cat is in good shape, don't bother with this part, and stick to the cat back system for the VR6.

Another option, and a very good on at that, is to go to your local exhaust specialist and have a custom made exhaust system installed. You can choose what diameter of piping, what material it is made out of, what muffler, tip, resonator that you want, and it is often cheaper than a pre fabbed VR6 exhaust.

Whatever way you go, don't expect much more than 8 to 12 hp maximum depending on the current mods. Expect closer to 15 to 20 hp on a turbo VR6 going from stock to 3 inch. If the exhaust is your first VR6 upgrade, don't expect a night and day difference. However, it is a good place to start, and your modifications after that will make all the more difference.

Exhaust tone depends one the muffler. Keep in mind that most performance exhausts are simply pre bent piping with hangers and shaped for your car, clamps, a muffler and maybe a tip. The muffler is rarely, if ever made by the same company as the rest of the kit. So when someone says that 'this exhaust is too loud' or 'this on is raspy' it is the muffler that is to blame, and not the exhaust system itself. Whether or not you like the exhaust tone can only be decided by hearing it for yourself.

What to look for in a VR6 exhaust system:
* Quality materials - stainless steel or aluminumized. No mild steel.

* Good brand name muffler - no generic canister style mufflers.

* All hardware included - clamps, hangers, etc

* Good fitment. several of the VR6 exhaust systems available have had fitment issuse, making them hard to install

* Option of a resonator, or second resonator. This will keep the droning down, but does not restrict flow enough to really worry about.

* Piping wall thickness. A thinner pipe weight less, but will not last as long, and will be louder.