Here is the system that we will be removing. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the system that we will be integrating into her. [ View Pictures ]
Before the mechanical portion of the integration process begins we thoroughly inspected the new Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic's exhaust system and then began the process of methodically placing protective materials on all of the surfaces of the gal that we will be close to and or working with so as to insure that no secondary damage occurs.
Here is the complete Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic exhaust system has been spread out so we could inspect one piece at a time; a truly stunning system. [ View Pictures ]
Initially we prepared the gal for her massage by protecting all of her surfaces and then we tackled the process of removing the rear bumper so that we would have a clear and unobstructed area within to work. Once we completed this then we methodically removed the Tubi exhaust system and carefully placed it aside as it will likely find a new home before too long.
Here the rear bumper group has been placed carefully out of the way as we can now move forward with the integration of the Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic's exhaust system. [ View Pictures ]
During process of removing the rear bumper we had to remove closure panels located behind the rear wheels. It was during this process that we had one of the thread inserts come out; it appears from the surrounding area that it had been tended to at some time in her past as such we will correct the issue for what appears to be at least a second time. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the Tubi exhaust system as removed. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are completing the initial aka dry fitting of the heart of the Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic's exhaust system. During this process we are confirming that there are no clearance issues. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have dry fit the tailpipes and the valvetronic's valves in position once again to confirm clearance and proper orientation of the valves. [ View Pictures ]
Now as with many exhaust systems available today for the various marquees the installation process as described by the manufacturer typically is presented in the form of the path of least resistance; aka the easiest way to complete the process. However our goal is to integrate systems such as this gal's exhaust in a manner that is reflective of and consistent with that which we feel the OEM would have done if she had been delivered with the system in place. We also want to use OEM components whenever possible so as to maintain continuity throughout the gal and we also strive to insure that the systems that we integrate are relatively easy to service should the need arise. Having shared this the forethought and subsequent integration process tends to require a bit more time however in the end we feel that the integration is seamless.
One such an example is this Riv-Nut that we installed so that we could locate a pair of OEM vacuum switches next to each other. This is also an example of what we do that the manufacturer of this exhaust system did not describe; they suggest that the pieces simply be zip tied out of the way. [ View Pictures ]
There are several items to tend to during the integration of this system however one of the key components is a controlled vacuum source so that the Valvetronic's system can be operated at will while sitting in the driver seat; meaning that one can open and close the exhaust valves. Here we are mounting the pair of OEM vacuum switches on the passenger side of the gal. There was one located here initially however as mentioned earlier we installed a second Riv-Nut so that that pair could be located together with all OEM hardware for ease of future service. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have completed the integration of the OEM vacuum switches including the primary plumbing of them. All that remains now is the solo vacuum line required to operate the two valves and the electrical harness into the driver area. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the relay as we installed it that replaces the OEM vacuum switch that once resided in this location. The purpose of this relay is to fool the ECM (engine control module) into believing that the OEM systems still remain so that it remains happy. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have installed the muffler for the first time; once the clearances and overall fit has been confirmed it will be methodically secured into position. [ View Pictures ]
Here are the F-1 Valvetronic's valves; aka the switch gear that allows the exhaust to either be routed through the polished stainless steel high flow muffler while keeping her voice low or to by-pass the muffler allowing her to scream. [ View Pictures ]
Here are a few pictures of the very cool, well engineered, and superbly fabricated Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic's exhaust system. [ View Pictures ]
Now that we have integrated all of the Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic's exhaust hardware it is time to test the system's operation before we complete the OEM style integration of the remaining plumbing and electrical. In the short video that we are about to share the system is being manually operated and only at an idle because the gal remains on fixtures at this time. You will hear the exhaust tone change and also see a bit of the system. The finish panel aka polished stainless steel muffler heat shield still needs to be installed once the remaining integration has been completed. You will also see that because we are simply confirming the exhaust systems operation we will not allow her to warm up as such within a short period of time water vapor will begin to accumulate and pour out the exhaust nevertheless the system is live and she sounds sweet even though the audio as collected on our small camera does not do it justice.
Now that we have fit and test everything we will not complete the integration of the Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic's exhaust system.
Here we have integrated the electric/vacuum switch gear at the rear of the gal. During this process we used OEM wire harness ends and harness wrap so as to insure a seamless integration. [ View Pictures ]
Here the electric/vacuum switch gear has been plumbed and the electrical harness installed. [ View Pictures ]
Now that we have completed the hardware installation and the system integration at the rear of the gal we now need to integrate the control point aka switch within the driver's area. When doing this we take into consideration several factors. We want the system to blend into the OEM environment, we want it to remain easy to service, and we do not want to drill any holes if at all possible. Before we can do anything we need to get the control wire into the driver's area. After considering several options we elected to use the OEM drain tube area for the boot area of the convertible top. The drain tube is a hard plastic and is passed through the cab wrapped in a foam sleeve as such we elected to insert another hard plastic tube albeit significantly smaller and then pull the wire through this.
Here is the hard plastic tube and the associated piece of wire as it is being prepared and then passed through into the cab of this gal. No holes are drilled and the ease of service remains. [ View Pictures ]
Now that we have the control lead in the cab of the gal we have to select what style of switch we will integrate and where. After several options were considered we decided to use a high quality push push switch because of its size as such could be very discretely integrated. In this case we have to drill a hole to secure it however we are careful to select where. We decided to install it next to the cigarette lighter for two reasons; one being that it will remain completely out of sight in a very convenient location and the second reason is because if it ever is to be removed the plastic ashtray insert is an inexpensive and easy item to replace.
Here is the switch as it is being made ready to be integrated. We create a small plug and play wiring harness so as to insure the easy of service at a later date. [ View Pictures ]
Here we integrated a plug and play wiring harness within the gal's center console making the connecting of the control switch very easy. [ View Pictures ]
Here the interior switch gear has been completely integrated and the system tested. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have painted the silver side panels because when the gal arrived they were both scratched. This was likely as the result of the early Tubi exhaust installation. Regardless we wanted her heart and surrounding areas to look stellar. [ View Pictures ]
Here the gal's rear bumper is being methodically reinstalled and we have not completed the Kreis-sieg F-1 Valvetronic's exhaust integration process. [ View Pictures ]
Here she is in all her glory; looking stellar and now with a new voice. [ View Pictures ]
Over the next few days we will methodically look her over as we tend to those items that require a bit of typical massaging before we ship her back home.

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