VR-X
05-05-2014, 08:06 PM
Hi all, don't shoot, I'm unarmed and have checked the last year's worth of posts...
I have a TJ VR-X Limited Edition from new which I am keen to keep "original" and possibly never sell given second hand prices & its condition including 75,000km on the clock.
PROBLEMS:
- for 1.5 years or so, I have been putting up with a rattle up-front now when accelerating or constant driving around 1800rpm
- for 2 months, putting up with a leaking end muffler.
SOLUTIONS:
- Shop (A) can supply a VR-X muffler fitted for $350 (of unknown brand); they say the rattling is caused by loose heat shield that they can weld for free
- Shop (B) will fit a Berklee muffler for $300 but by welding on my VR-X exhaust tip; they say the rattling comes from the Y-pipe and for an extra $150 they will weld the inside bits
- Shop (C) is a renowned performance exhaust place who wants $420 for a rear muffler using my exhaust tip; offered to investigate rattle noise.
(A) and (B) offer 2 year warranties, I assume (C) is same.
QUESTIONS:
My preferred solution is Shop (A) to avoid stuffing around with having to weld the right VR-X exhaust tip, but I am unsure of their rattling fix. I know this problem affects a lot of Magna V6's
Q1 - What is the most likely cause? Y-pipe or heat shields?
Q2 - Will welding the heat shield be at all beneficial?
Q3 - Prices reasonable? (no time or facility or experience for DIY)
Q4 - Should I care about brands? (e.g. How is Berklee?)
MMAL dealers say they have a muffler for $350 part-only but it turns out it's the Sports model with 2 down facing tips which would not suit the VR-X bodykit.
To make up for the likelihood of this post being repeated, I have uploaded these schematics hoping they will of help to others in future:
TJ http://tinypic.com/r/so2w5i/8
TE http://tinypic.com/r/14t3tk3/8
EXTRA BIT
I had assume rattle came from headers, so was contemplating upgrading the whole system. Shop (C) told me not to touch the exhaust (other than replacing the rear muffler) if I am concerned of increased noise - they told me to upgrade the cold induction system first.
From any Sports/VR-X owners:
Q5 - Is an upgrade at all worthwhile in terms of really noticing a boost in performance?
Q6 - Can the headers only be replaced keeping the same cold induction system and the rest of the exhaust? It is essential to me that the exhaust tip have its original factory look.
Q7 - Suggested parts/setup and price? (again, no time or facility or experience with DIY)
I have since found this webpage which may answer the 2nd part of this post http://www.rpw.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=316&Itemid=551
Thanks in advance :)
For more schematics, feel free to drop me a line and I will help if I have time - they're off aworkshop manual CD off eBay.
I have a TJ VR-X Limited Edition from new which I am keen to keep "original" and possibly never sell given second hand prices & its condition including 75,000km on the clock.
PROBLEMS:
- for 1.5 years or so, I have been putting up with a rattle up-front now when accelerating or constant driving around 1800rpm
- for 2 months, putting up with a leaking end muffler.
SOLUTIONS:
- Shop (A) can supply a VR-X muffler fitted for $350 (of unknown brand); they say the rattling is caused by loose heat shield that they can weld for free
- Shop (B) will fit a Berklee muffler for $300 but by welding on my VR-X exhaust tip; they say the rattling comes from the Y-pipe and for an extra $150 they will weld the inside bits
- Shop (C) is a renowned performance exhaust place who wants $420 for a rear muffler using my exhaust tip; offered to investigate rattle noise.
(A) and (B) offer 2 year warranties, I assume (C) is same.
QUESTIONS:
My preferred solution is Shop (A) to avoid stuffing around with having to weld the right VR-X exhaust tip, but I am unsure of their rattling fix. I know this problem affects a lot of Magna V6's
Q1 - What is the most likely cause? Y-pipe or heat shields?
Q2 - Will welding the heat shield be at all beneficial?
Q3 - Prices reasonable? (no time or facility or experience for DIY)
Q4 - Should I care about brands? (e.g. How is Berklee?)
MMAL dealers say they have a muffler for $350 part-only but it turns out it's the Sports model with 2 down facing tips which would not suit the VR-X bodykit.
To make up for the likelihood of this post being repeated, I have uploaded these schematics hoping they will of help to others in future:
TJ http://tinypic.com/r/so2w5i/8
TE http://tinypic.com/r/14t3tk3/8
EXTRA BIT
I had assume rattle came from headers, so was contemplating upgrading the whole system. Shop (C) told me not to touch the exhaust (other than replacing the rear muffler) if I am concerned of increased noise - they told me to upgrade the cold induction system first.
From any Sports/VR-X owners:
Q5 - Is an upgrade at all worthwhile in terms of really noticing a boost in performance?
Q6 - Can the headers only be replaced keeping the same cold induction system and the rest of the exhaust? It is essential to me that the exhaust tip have its original factory look.
Q7 - Suggested parts/setup and price? (again, no time or facility or experience with DIY)
I have since found this webpage which may answer the 2nd part of this post http://www.rpw.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=316&Itemid=551
Thanks in advance :)
For more schematics, feel free to drop me a line and I will help if I have time - they're off aworkshop manual CD off eBay.