Whats everyones thoughts on performance upgrades for a 2006 XJ8 base model while STILL keeping it a Jag and not an Autozone/O'Reillies street joke with ridiculous add-ons?
What would you choose for upgrades to air filters,
Chipping/mapping options (proven brands),
Performance exhaust/removal of rear exhaust boxes
Suspension upgrades and brakes while keeping jaguars ride quality etc
Items I havent mentioned or thought of above?

I'm curious to know what the forums opinion is to upgrades while still keeping Jaguar's integrity of the 2006 XJ8 :0)

 

There isn't that much out there for these cars. Ecu remap is a bit hit and miss, if you aren't in the right VIN range then it is difficult to do. I think it is early VINs are the problem while the newer ones do work. I was going to say SC pully but yours is an NA car.

 

Honestly, don't bother. The best thing you can do is keep up with maintenance to keep the car running as designed. Messing around with tunes and air filters might gain you a few hp here or there, but its expensive, creates the potential for issues, and you generally won't notice. If you had a supercharged car, there are ways to gain some power more easily. As for suspension, generally anything that is going to create better handling will have a harsher ride. I would again, refresh bushings and components to keep the OEM style ride.

 

If it's NA V8 and you're really keen on more power, sell & buy SC V8.

 

Thanks for the replies JoeDredd & Quadcammer. Your replies have been taken into consideration.

JagV8, sometimes its better the devil you know and I'm kinda fond of the old girl. She has a LOT of good about her with a lot of potential. I'd rather try and have her the best "her" she can be rather than trade her in just because she doesn't have all the bells and whistles. Where's the sport in that? lol Besides keeping her trim and in tip top shape is more fun than throwing in the towel :0)

 

Avoiding going down the engine route, you could simply play with some tyre sizes.
For example if you are on standard 19" rims, perhaps a change from the 255/40 R19 to a 265/35 R19 which would net you around a 4-5% circumference reduction......a bit more giddy-up at the lights, but on the other hand could make it less of a tourer.
The reduced profile probably wouldn't take away from the stance or look of the car, but would be a slightly higher risk of rim damage if you are encountering bad roads and of course your speedo will be out.

 

To harken to the other gentlemen's points here...keep it simple. For an NA engine, it's all about clean oxygen intake and clean fuel injection.

-I put in a K&N 33-2273 air filter, which fits directly in the factory setting, and is suggested to clean and re-oil every oil change. I do monthly. Steer clear of all that "cold-air intake" for the Jag, it's not needed.

-While doing so, I unscrew the MAF Sensor to clean with the recommended cleaner.

-I'll add in a fuel injector cleaner every oil-change so it's easy to keep track (approx. 7k miles).

-Costco 91 Octane has always been good to me.

-I also have 255/35 R20 which makes the ride a little 'rougher', but +1 for style points and aestheics.

Jag On,
Doug

 

Check the fuel trims, especially at idle, every now & then. Any air leaks show then.

 

Hi Doug and thanks for the heads up on the K&N. Purchased one and it will be here tomorrow. Twil' fit over the weekend during an oil change etc :0)

 

There are three different types of jaguar owners. Owner 1) Thinks you cannot improve upon jaguars design. Afterall they spend millions in research. 2) Those that realize that Jaguar in the name of comfort spent millions of dollars keeping things super quiet, and with that a loss of some "performance". 3) Those that totally desecrate jaguars by doing engine swaps that are non jaguar!!!!!! I fall under category #2. Some advise on a NA XJ. Removal of the rear boxes in a cheap mod that wont increase the exhaust significantly. Putting a "cat back" exhaust wont make much a performance/sound difference worth the money. Aftermarket if you can find are sized small. If you dont like the sound of the rear boxes removed you can always replace them with high flow mufflers. I like the dynomax ultraflow. As well as air intake the intake tube on the N/A is very short and unsure anyone makes anything. You could replace the airbox with a Mina Gallery kit if they still have them. If you fit it well it wont suck in hot engine air. I have an xjr and also modified my Mina kit to introduce cold air via the factory cold air scoop as well. SO with minimal expense you will get a lil more exhaust sound and some engine air sucking noise when you floor it with some performance. If you did go to a shop and get a fill exhaust made i'd go 2.5" and go back with two rear cans and a muffled x pipe. Again the dynomax ultraflow mufflers will give you a great sound. Of course this is just my advice. Coming from a guy that cant leave anything alone...

 

Also.....I recently went with a 265/35/20 on my car. A little taller an da little wider. Makes the ride much better over the factory 255/35/20 with no negative effects