So I have noticed many of the forum regulars seem to be all over the joe z exhaust. I just wanted some input about how happy you are with the sound etc?

Also I am very interested in getting it but was curious exactly where people went to get it installed? This seems like a newbie question but is this something so simple I can take it to any old mitas place or have to find some custom kind of shop? I am in Sacramento so if anyone has anything specific would love it.

Also any work on cali smog?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!

Nothing.....jeez

So I have noticed many of the forum regulars seem to be all over the joe z exhaust. I just wanted some input about how happy you are with the sound etc?

Also I am very interested in getting it but was curious exactly where people went to get it installed? This seems like a newbie question but is this something so simple I can take it to any old mitas place or have to find some custom kind of shop? I am in Sacramento so if anyone has anything specific would love it.

Also any work on cali smog?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!


Many people are having their parts installed either by an exhaust shop or local tuner shop. Any mechanic can do the install. Some do the install at home. Because they are large pieces, it's probably best to have a helping hand for this kind of install.

Many people are having their parts installed either by an exhaust shop or local tuner shop. Any mechanic can do the install. Some do the install at home. Because they are large pieces, it's probably best to have a helping hand for this kind of install.

any idea on the range how much shops are charging for the install?

its just an exhaust. you can do it yourself at home with a buddy. buy some ramps and allen wrench set and your good to go.

any idea on the range how much shops are charging for the install?

Some shops will charge about an hour to 1.5 hrs for labor at an average of $70/hr mechanical rate.

It's a really easy install. I would recommend having a buddy or another set of hands help you out though, it would make the transfer go a little faster. Like Flipside said, you could have a shop install it if you want, they're hourly rates vary but you can call around and find out.

I absolutely love the sound of it and couldn't be happier :cool: If your considering purchasing one, I would jump on it.

dont forget that you need the o2 sensor socket to remove the o2 sensor. And also that the exhuast is on backorder.

Well I have emailed VIP Auto Salon several times and got nothing so I guess I will order the intake and exhaust from the lexus parts store!!! Can't wait to get this baby installed.:)

Well I have emailed VIP Auto Salon several times and got nothing so I guess I will order the intake and exhaust from the lexus parts store!!! Can't wait to get this baby installed.:)

Hmm, that's weird. i just placed an order with Clark from VIP and he promptly answered all my e mails. Did you send your e mails to sales@vipautosalon.com?

I've also found Clark to be extremely prompt at answering questions. A Hellofa nice guy.

Lou

That is very weird. If you PM me your email address, I can email it to him right now and have him contact you. He is a great guy and is insanely quick at returning emails.

I did send the emails via sales@etc.... Just kind of nothing. Did everyone here order from VIP autosalon? If so way not the lexus parts store? Just curious, I find no response to emails a bad sign before I even order!

I would try clark@vipautosalon.com. That is very interesting you haven't gotten a response, perhaps they aren't going through. I know a few people on here, including myself, have ordered various parts from Vip Auto Salon. I have personally ordered most of my parts from Clark. The ones I didn't, I ordered before I found him.

A few reasons I personally buy from him include his one on one service, friendliness, knowledge, quality of work and his selection of products. He can get parts for the F that no one else can get from Japan (and at great prices at that). I have had a lot of custom paint work done and he is the one to do it all, the quality and speed is second to none. If you email him about any part you want for the F, he can get it for you. It's also nice to order from someone who is a car enthusiast and drives your same car. If he doesn't think a product is going to cut it quality wise, he won't sell it to you.

Let me know if you would like me to call him for you, I'd be happy to.

wait they have this in stock? the joe z for the isf?

Ok sent an email to the clark address. Thanks for all the help!!! Now just to find a shop in Sacramento I can trust with my F!!

You are right once I got hold of Clark all is going well. He said they are still on backorder at this time but should be in stock in the next 3 weeks. I can't wait....

Ok so I have ordered the exhaust and intake without problem... I have decided to take it to a local mechanic here in Sacramento that has done alot of work on my corvette.

He of course mentions how many aftermarket parts are not as good etc etc.... I there anything I need to tell him before the install? It sounds like this stuff comes with pretty quality instructions etc.

Any tips or warnings from people who have done the install? Or anything I need to check to make sure it is done right?

I understand this is suppose to be a plug and play (bolt on) easy thing, but nothing is ever that easy!

Any experience would be appreciated. Also living in cali I know this beast will have to be smogged. Is the oem exhaust pretty easy to break down for storage? (in case I have to have it for the smog test down the road)

It really is that easy. Any seasoned mechanic will have no problem with this install. Obviously let the car cool down and then remove all cross members. the stock exhaust will come out in 2-3 pieces. The new system is not only lighter but has a much smaller overall footprint. Mike mentioned the O2 sensor wrench. This may be the only real issue as that will require a SST or special service tool. Lastly your car does not have to smogged for (5) years. Hopefully by then this system will have passed a sniff test.

Good luck and Happy motoring!!!!

Glad everything worked out Doug! :cool:

It is a super ready bolt off/bolt on install. Your mechanic should have no problems swapping the exhausts out. The stock exhaust is only two pieces so it is easy to store (I have it laying against the back wall in my garage). Like Rick said, make sure he has a proper O2 sensor removal tool on hand and you should be good. Also, remind him the stock tips are not physically connected to the exhaust so he does not have to remove them (they are a pain in the butt to remove imo).

Once it is installed, your going to have to "break in" the exhaust for about 200-250 miles. If you run it hard, your probably going to smell something funny, don't worry, it'll go away soon. I hope you enjoy the power gains and added sound the Joe Z has, let us know if you have any other questions :cool:

Just an update that the exhaust and intake are in stock now and going to be shipped to me today! I hope to have it installed by the end of the week and will hopefully get some pictures on here!
Thanks Clark
Thanks everyone for all your tips I am taking them in hand to the guy that is going to do the exhaust install.

D:D

can anyone send me a pm with the price with tax,and shipping to northern cali.

can anyone send me a pm with the price with tax,and shipping to northern cali.

Send an email to clark@vipautosalon.com or you can contact Carson (l-tunedparts.com). I'm sure either of those places would be more then happy to help you find out the final price and shipping etc. for the exhaust.

Well my exhaust and intake are with my car and my mechanic getting installed today! Can't wait to hear this beast already tick tock tick tock........ I am not sure that they had ever seen an IS-F but I am trusting you guys with the plug and play thing :p Will keep you posted!

Ok so first thing is my mechanic just called and said he may have to take out the seats in the car to take out the O2 sensors? I think he said there is maybe 4 or so.... I don't remember anyone saying anything about taking out the seats? He said he didn't want to "reach up and twist off the o2 sensors" I assume he doesn't want to strip them or anything..... He also mentioned that he thought the aftermarket exhaust would hang "lower" than the stock exhaust.

ANY FEEDBACK! THANKS
Doug

Sounds like he doesn't know what he is doing. There are four 02 sensors, but only two have to be removed. The ones before the cat (in the manifolds) and the cats do not have to be removed. The second set does have to be removed and transferred to the new exhaust. A tool is needed. This action has been fully documented on this and other sites. The seats SHOULD NOT have to be reomved:confused::confused::confused: Be careful.

Lou

naw, there are only 2 02 sensors that need to be removed from the stock exahust. No need to take the whole 02 sensor out. Does he know he needs the o2 sensor socket to get it off? there is a thread with joez installing it with pics, that clearly show there are 2 sensors.

Hey thanks for the fast reply lowrider you get a gold star. In fact I called him and spoke with him...and read him your post (except for maybe the you don't know what you are doing part). He is a good guy who works on my corvette all the time. Anyhow, he did agree totally with what you said but again still thinks there is a section running underneath the seats that he might better access if he loosens the seats. He kind of said he would do it however I wanted but again I think he doesn't want to strip something out related to the O2 sensor.
So thanks for the input and any other would be great!

I will try to get a little more info on this for you guys.

Thanks Doug

Yes I printed out the thing about the O2 tool and again I read lowrider's post to him as well.

I also gave him the link to the full install pics (thread) as well as clark's phone number.

hmmmm

I am thinking it has something to do with the section right after the cats...

Well you will all be happy to know that no seats were removed in the installation of this exhaust!!! Anyhow, checked out the install and it looks great. That exhaust is a beast, I have to say it definitely changes that 3500 kick in. I would say it almost isn't as striking a change in tone. Also, drove it down the highway and wasn't too bad at all. It makes me immediately want to race an M3 like....now ;)

Anyways, thanks to everyone who got me hooked up and all the input. For those of us that aren't so mechanically inclined this forum is awesome!!!!!!!
Happy owner of new Joe Z intake and Exhaust....

What next?:D

^Glad to hear you like it Doug :cool: The install wasn't too bad was it? Really simple swap.

What are you thinking of doing next? More performance, suspension, appearance?

Well I am pretty happy with the looks of the IS F without the lexon lip etc. First thing I am going to do is have some of my clear bra fixed that the dealership messed up. Second, for me is some stereo upgrades. The ML is nice just not going to do it for me though. I am looking at Focals all around and a sub setup. Just got to save up alittle more $$$$$:rolleyes:

Well I am pretty happy with the looks of the IS F without the lexon lip etc. First thing I am going to do is have some of my clear bra fixed that the dealership messed up. Second, for me is some stereo upgrades. The ML is nice just not going to do it for me though. I am looking at Focals all around and a sub setup. Just got to save up alittle more $$$$$:rolleyes:

Ahh, gotcha! :cool: Focal makes great products. I ran four of their subs in my previous car (show car) and they made for an awesome system :D Post up some pics once you have it all done, I would really like to see the systems people are putting in the F

Well how could you go from listening to an awesome focal system to the ML? I agree I love the sound of the car expecially with the joe z exhaust...but now I find the stereo just doesn't go load enough!

Well how could you go from listening to an awesome focal system to the ML? I agree I love the sound of the car expecially with the joe z exhaust...but now I find the stereo just doesn't go load enough!

Haha! Who says I don't have something in the works ;)