VR Performance Porsche 991 | 991.2 GT3 RS Valvetronic Exhaust System With Headers VR-991-2GT3-170S

Here are the pros and cons of the VR Performance Valvetronic Exhaust System with Headers (VR-991-2GT3-170S) for the Porsche 991 / 991.2 GT3 RS, based on available specs, reviews, and typical trade-offs. 

What It Is / Key Specs

First, a quick summary of what the system actually is, to ground the pros and cons:

• Full valved cat-back + free-flow headers.  
• Made from 304 stainless steel.  
• Total weight ~ 48.9 lb (~22.2 kg) (Headers ~17.15 lb + Cat-back ~31.75 lb).  
• Uses dual 3-inch (76 mm) mandrel-bent piping, with built-in valves.  
• Valve functionality: you can switch between “valves closed” (quieter) mode or “valves open” (loud, aggressive) mode.  
• Compatible with factory Porsche Sport Exhaust button or using a remote.  
• Includes free-flow (catless) race headers.  
• Fitment: 991 GT3 / GT3 RS (2014-2016) and 991.2 GT3 / GT3 RS (2017-2019).  
• Easy installation (according to spec): “no modification required.”  

Pros

1. Sound Flexibility (Valvetronic)
   
• The valvetronic system lets you tune the sound on the fly — quieter for daily or street use, very aggressive for track or spirited driving.  
• When valves are open, you get a raw, motorsport-inspired tone (“raw exhaust tone”).  
2. Performance Gains
   
• Free-flow headers help reduce backpressure, improving exhaust flow and potentially increasing throttle response.  
• The large 3″ mandrel-bent pipes improve flow vs stock.
3. Weight Reduction
   
• Lightweight construction (around ~48.9 lb) is likely lighter than some OEM/existing exhaust, which helps reduce unsprung mass / rotational mass.  
4. Build Quality
   
• Made from 304 stainless steel, which is durable, resists corrosion, and handles high heat.  
• TIG welds and well-designed piping (CAD-modeled fitment) → good reliability + fitment.  
• They include longer header studs to account for thicker header flanges, so they think through the installation details.  
5. Valve Control Integration
   
• Works with the factory Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) button, so you don’t necessarily need to rewire or massively modify your car to control the valves.  
• Alternatively, you can control via a remote (if you prefer to override factory behavior).  
6. Aggressive Sound When Desired
   
• With valves open, this system can make the GT3 RS sound much more like a race car. This is a big appeal if you want a more visceral, emotional driving experience.  
• On the track or under high RPM, you can fully unleash the exhaust — giving a very authentic “flat-six scream.”  
7. Bolt-on Installation
   
• According to the spec sheet, no major modifications are required, making it more user-friendly for installation compared to very custom or race-only systems.  
• Because it’s made with precision CAD / 3D scanning, the fitment should be tight and clean.  

Cons / Drawbacks

1. Cost
   
• For the full system, it’s a significant investment.  
• Shipping, import costs, and potential duties (especially for markets outside the U.S.) could significantly increase total cost.
2. Street Legality / Emissions
   
• Depending on your region, this may not be fully street-legal. (Some performance exhausts, especially with free-flow headers, might not comply with emissions laws or noise regulations.)
• On the certain websites , there’s a notice that “this product is for racing competition only.”  
• May also fail local noise regulations, depending on how open the valves are used.
3. Drone / Cabin Noise
   
• With valved exhausts, even with valves closed, there can still be more cabin noise (or resonance) compared to fully OEM.
• Under load or certain RPMs (especially at highway cruising), the system might produce undesirable drone. (This is a common trade-off in valved and high-flow systems.)
• While not specific to this system, many aftermarket exhaust users report “downshift pops” being louder, which can be great for track but annoying in daily driving.
  
4. Weight Savings but Not Extreme
   
• While there is weight saving, it’s not a “race-car-only titanium system” — in absolute terms, the weight reduction might not be huge vs some high-end race systems.
• If you’re chasing minimal weight, there are more extreme lightweight options (like titanium) — but they typically cost more.
5. Heat
   
• Free-flow headers and 304 stainless can get very hot. Might increase under-hood / rear-bay temperatures.
• Potentially more heat soak or heat radiation to surrounding components, depending on your heat management.
6. Maintenance / Durability
   
• Over time, valvetronic systems add mechanical complexity (valves, actuators) compared to a straight pipe. That means more potential points of failure.
• If used hard on track, the stress on the headers and welded joints could lead to fatigue or cracks over many track hours (though good build quality mitigates this).
7. Weight of Valves & Components
   
• While the total system is relatively light, the valves and additional hardware add complexity and some weight compared to a non-valved race system.
• The remote or control system (if used) adds wiring / control complexity.
8. Warranty / Legality Risk
   
• Installing aftermarket exhaust + headers may risk certain aspects of the car’s warranty (depending on your region and how “bolt-on” friendly the manufacturer / dealer is).
• If used on public roads and not declared / certified, could run into legal / insurance issues.

My Verdict / Recommendation

• Best For: Track-focused or high-performance enthusiasts who want a dual-personality exhaust — something quiet enough for daily driving or commuting (with valves closed), but wild and race-like when pushing hard (valves open).
• Considerations: If you’re mainly doing street driving and want loudness 24/7, you might be okay with a simpler non-valved performance exhaust. But if you care about both sound tuning and performance, this VR-Performance system is a very strong candidate.
• Next Steps:
  
1. Check local laws / regulations (noise, emissions) to make sure it’s legal for where you drive.
2. Talk to a trusted exhaust or performance shop to assess heat management and installation best practices.

VR Performance Porsche 991 | 991.2 GT3 RS Valvetronic Exhaust System With Headers VR-991-2GT3-170S