I have owned my Series 2 XJ12L for about three and a half years now, but much as I love it, it is in no way suitable for everyday use.... my cash flow could not stand it for a start!!!

So back in November I got a 1996 X300 3.2 Executive model, it is a very clean example and has been well cared for and makes a smashing daily driver for me.

I do find the 3.2 a little short of grunt though, so I am thinking of ideas to give it a little boost.... Planning on starting with a CPS advancer as made by XJRengineer / Andy combined with a K&N filter element in the standard airbox....

After that I am thinking of trying to improve exhaust flow by perhaps removing/gutting some/all of the pre-cats and/or cats.

Any input from UK owners who have tried similar experiments would be welcomed.... Obviously I want my car to remain able to pass MOT emission requirements.

 

I drive a 3.2 Sport with exactly the same mechanical set up as your Exec. The revised CPS bracket and a direct cold air intake have made a big difference to mine, particularly in low and mid range acceleration. I tried a K&N filter in the stock air box and it was a waste of time, I got way better results by removing the box and fitting a cone filter with heat shield.

I haven't bothered with exhaust mods. In fact I decided that if I wanted seriously more grunt I'd just buy an XJR, but I'm satisfied with what I've achieved with the 3.2 for my needs. She cruises all day long with plenty of power to spare.

 

Thanks for your input Tony, do you have a photo of your under-bonnet set up with the K&N?

As I drive the car every day, what I am hoping to achieve is to improve fuel economy by freeing up the engine and increasing its efficiency/grunt without loosing the quiet sophistication I love about it.

 

You'll notice I've dropped the front relay panel to allow more air flow to the cone. The heat shield I made from 3mm galv steel sheet, polished on the outer surface to help with heat reflection. Economy gains are marginal, maybe 1-2 mpg but power improvement very noticeable. The cone set up also gives out a nice induction "growl", not too loud but very appropriate for the big cat!

 

put a 4ltr in her that will give you some boost

 

Worry not mate, if you're enjoying everything else about your car you will get plenty out of your 3.2 with some mild tweaking!

 

That is a tidy looking set up in the photos Tony, thanks for sharing them... gives me more food for thought.

I will try some of the simple tweaking x300man before swapping to a 4 litre cheers

Here is my X300 by the way....

 

Very nice indeed, looks very well cared for. How many miles on the clock?

Love the stainless mesh grille inserts. They look very similar to mine, sourced from Mina Gallery a couple of years ago. IMO they look a whole lot better than the stock X300 grille

 

It is just about to hit 106000 miles. I have put about 2k on it since I bought it at the end of November, it has not missed a beat so far and is a pleasure to drive....

 

I saw the mesh grills at a local vehicle dismantler, half an hour later they were on my car

 

Well, I fitted XJR Engineer's modified crank position sensor bracket today.

It took me around twenty minutes and I have to say I am very impressed with the difference. Part throttle response is very noticeably better in particular.