I love Neil Young! But he should stick to music... We need to love mother earth but its a proven fact that the carbon footprint is worse for the environment than to burn it and re create. It's also more expensive although politically correct.

How bout them there engine doohickies?

 

I'm not an engine guy, but do catalytic converters cost horsepower?

 

Absolutely. Deleting them will increase power more and better than any exhaust. Without them you will smell gas though and the engine will be more race car like[raspy].

 

You guys should check out water transfer technology (hydrographics). The results are amazing & it has high temp resistance. Probably 1/10 the price of an actual new carbon piece. Look it up on you tube.

 

Very nice in deed! What do you guess it would cost to do a piece like that????

 

Some do and some don't. It depends on the design and function. You can get free flow converters that are designed to minimize back pressure . Removing the cat in today's technology type cars presents itself with engine/performance issues. Look up catalytic converter functions and you'll see how it alters the engine management system. You don't need to be an engineer but it will give you an idea on how it works.

 

 

More the size of an engine cover

 

To me its like wearing a fake rolex... I'd rather not if I can't get the real thing... and I'm okay to admit I cannot afford the real thing.

 

Found out they sell do it yourself kits for $100.00 Imagine doing your interior pieces in carbon fiber. Pretty easy way change it out.
A local shop wanted $350 for my engine cover..... ah no thanks. Might be cheaper on the mainland.

 

You can get highflow cats for the XKR they add about 20-30HP but make the car a bit louder as they are freer flowing.

 

A free flowing exhaust will normally move the power higher in the RPM range too, so while peak numbers may go up, it can actually hurt the low end torque somewhat.

Not a problem on the track, but for day to day driving where most of the time is spent in the lower range, it may not be beneficial.

It all depends on the car, but generally a little back pressure in the exhaust is good for drivability.

 

best modern looking front engine block is by far the gran sport



almost bought this car





i just didnt want to deal with a clutch that goes out in 15k miles....it is a ticking time bomb

 

I watched several YouTube videos on the Hydrographics printing and was very impressed with this process.

Found a company out of Houston, Texas called:

H20 Printers......

Water Transfer and Hydrographic Printing - H2O Printers Hydro Printing - Hydro-graphic Water-Transfer Hydro-Dipping Printing Services

They have a great website and you can get a custom quote on-line.

Although I like the stock approach to keeping the car as is, a carbon fiber Hydrograhics print would look awesome under the hood, along with the 2 side plastic panels, the one that cover the cabin filter and the matching on the other side.

I am considering it. I just need to secure a quote.

 

CCFULTON
What did you do to get yours looking so nice. I just took the plastic off my 08 XKR and love the look. Is it any louder and good or bad loud? Have you had any issues?
Yours look so much better than stock.
Jim

 

Geez, I may take the cover off my XJR and take a peek! Why cover up all that Kool Jazz?
Happy Trails....

 

I took mine off a while ago, maybe a slight increase in motor noise but not much.

 

If you're going to show it off, its tough to beat real carbon fiber.

 

Ooh momma, that's snappy looking! Is it spendy?
Nice looking!

 

I don't think it is a good idea to run the Jaguar XK/XKR or XKR-S without the engine cover.

Keep in mind that the engine cover serves a purpose and that is keeping dust and debris off the engine and other components with the immediate engine area.

Also, and most important, the engine cover serves as a "heatshield" to the bonnett/hood.

If you remove the engine cover you will clearly see that the inside of the cover has a foam type padding that lyes on the supercharger intercoolers, and has a heat shield that provides a barrier for the excessive heat that eminates from the engine.

I know the value of a heatsheild especially after racing my Formula cars for so many years.

I currently am not driving my car as I have the engine cover out for some custom work on it, and it is in the process of being shipped back, delivery on Thursday. I will post a few photos of the work completed.

I am also going to install a new heat shield protector using a high tech heatshield product to reduce heat even further.

So while the engine may sound cool with the engine cover off, think twice before permanently removing the cover. Excessive heat to the hood from underneath can have a damaging effect on the hood exterior paint surface.

I realize there is a thin heat shield on the underside of the hood, but it is a minimal shield at best.

More to follow, stay tuned.....I will most likely start a new thread on this adventure of mine.