Hi everyone, first post here, and it's regarding a subject that I imagine has been discussed more than a few times. So with that in mind, I'll try to be as specific as possible regarding what I'm looking to accomplish...and please pardon my ignorance - I've done a bit of searching, and really haven't found much info regarding the subject specific to an XJ6.

My car is a '73 series 1, and save for the pr. of SU HD8's it's fitted with, the engine is stock. It has a 4-speed with OD. It also has a stock exhaust system that appears to be in fairly serviceable condition. What I'm after is getting a bit more audible exhaust note, something more allied to what an E-type or even a MK2 sounds like. So far, I've been told that ditching the mufflers and just running with the resonators is a fairly common mod, but so far that's all I've been able to find out.

My questions are the following;

First, has anyone here tried any other muffler/resonator combination that helps this car to sound more like what I'm after?

Second, is there a Jaguar system available with two separate runs, that will fit well enough to allow a good muffler tech to dial it in tight? ...even something that gets me in the ballpark until you have to go up and over the differential? Hey - I'm aware that it's probably a dumb idea to try and retrofit an entirely different system to the car, but on the other hand I reckon a decent muffler shop would charge an arm and a leg to fab a complete custom system from scratch, so there is that...

And lastly, I appreciate in advance anyone kind enough to share their ideas and/or experience.

Chris

 

Chris, An interesting problem which I also need solving. Today I pulled an engine and manual o/d gearbox from a 1970 series 1, I intend this to go into my 1973 auto regency red car. see this post Series 1 on the road at last - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
After the gearbox is changed over, I am hoping to gain the "E type" sound as well. possibly by removing the center mufflers and fitting small resonators in their place.
At the moment I am running a series 2 exhaust and am surprised that you are still running the separate pipes. The series 2 Y pipe is a much better option and if I were you would definitely be using this pipe. I have run the in the garage with just the center mufflers and it does sound sporty, but driving on the road is a different matter and the aft resonators are there for a reason.

 

Back before the lump, I deleted the front mufflers and just ran the resonators, made it sound more reminiscent of a muscle car, gave it a deep note, not lumpy and no drone, but definitely not e type sound!!

now however im running cherry bomb chambered mufflers where the resonators used to be, with a crossover , but it’s a cammed Chevy, so it really sounds like muscle car now! Lol

 

Hey Mekon, thanks for responding. That's a beautiful car man, and interesting that it still has the earlier boot lock/license plate lamp arrangement.

First off, thanks for jogging my rather lazy memory - the car does in fact have the S2 system, and I've duly edited my post. My only excuse is that I've lately been involved with trying to buy a '69 S1 XJ, and I've also been away from the '73 car for 6 months while it's been getting a rebuilt engine...either way, thanks for the inadvertent...yet very much appreciated...head's up.

Having said that, it's still a 2-into-one system, and I'm still wondering what kind of difference this actually makes to the overall exhaust note, compared to an E-type or say a MK2. You mentioned that you briefly ran your car sans resonators, and that is certainly a difference, though iirc it's supposed to actually not be as "pleasing" an exhaust note as compared to running only the resonators.

So here's hoping some other folks can shed some light on this one...as you're doubtless aware, most every time the subject of S1-3 XJ6 exhaust mods comes up, most folks feel that as it was engineered as a stately "banker's car", it's best to leave well enough alone....I for one feel that there's got to be a pleasing compromise somewhere between a stock system and a full-race, screaming-at-one-another in the cabin one.

Hope springs eternal, no?

 

Thanks Darren, that's actually something to go on. Do you recall what series system was in the car at that time?

 

Mins was a series3 but I had the European setup with no cats, I’m sure that made a difference too

 

6 cyl E-type exhaust is 3 into 2 with resonators only. This Offer kind of a stereo effect that is quite unique and pleasing. You can get nearly the exact sound using only pipes and just the rear most resonators on the XJ6. You may need the Series 3 S bend after the resonator get some pipe length and to bring the note sources closer together as a method of tuning the after the resonators. But no way to tell until you try. As for the system as a whole, it would need to be custom if you want that sound. When fabricated make sure you use the same tube size as the E-type. This is very important for sound quality. You have to think of an exhaust system as a pipe organ where tube dimeter and length matters.

 

Hey thanks so much ics, this is just the kind of info I need...cheers!

 

You can still buy the XKE exhaust components from various vendors as well as JDHT

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

It would take some re-packaging, so to speak, to get 'em properly fitted under the car but you should get the XKE sound or darn close, I'd think

Cheers
DD

 

I have Series II 4.2 - "Y" pipe off exhaust manifolds to single, back to "Y" pipe, then over axle to two Brockman Mellowtones to chrome "S" exhaust tips. It's rare that I listen to the radio cause the exhaust voice sounds freakin AWESOME. I don't really know what an XKE sounds like. But I'm super happy with mine. And get complements all the time. Sounds like a gentleman's motorcar. Not a hot rod, but not sedate stock either. Just enough.

 

Hmmm....

That sounds interesting. So is it a custom system? ...and if so, does it use any stock Jag components?

Thanks Bill, really appreciate the input!

 

Thanks Doug.

Curious as to the prices, compared to SS available from all the usual suspects.

Also will check if there's a US distributor...will definitely look into this - thanks!

 

All stock Jaguar except for the Brockman Mellowtones.

 

Hey thanks Bill, really appreciate this!