A quick question. I just removed the engine cover on my 2008 XKR and discovered that the foam/soundproofing has deteriorated badly. I’m reluctant to reinstall it. I just wanted to know if others have found it really necessary to have, and if so, can you recommend an alternative?

Many thanks!

 

Other than pure esthetics, I believe the engine cover with the insulation is there to protect the bonnet's paint from heat damage.
I removed my cover years ago, insulation was perfect on it. No bonnet damage that I can tell.... yet.

 

Thanks for the swift response!

 

I thought this was nicely done -
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...m_content=post

I have driven without the cover, am hearing impaired and I do notice the sound in my cabin FWIW. I've always assumed it was for sound/ vanity.

 

Thanks Sean, that thread and the ones it links to are really helpful.

 

No cover for 3 years. I like the subtle whine of the supercharger at idle. Possibly better cooling.

 

You guys have me curious.
So I went to look.

I have the plastic wrapped foam tucked behind the SC (pic1) and some silver stuff underneath the engine cover (pic2).
Sounds like I should have something in addition under the cover?

 

You're missing the foam.

 

Ahhh ok. Not super concerned based on the comments above, but if I’m ever bored and feeling like a perfectionist, I’ll find some suitable foam and cut to shape n glue it on.
thanks for the pic!

 

Your top of the engine picture a reminder that I have to do cooling hoses soon. Car only has 33k miles but age means it's time. Quote is 3k to do. Will get the snout "oil change" same time. Hope your new purchase is working out well. I've owned a lot of cars. My 4.2 XKR is the best car I've ever owned.

 

Cant tell you how much i wish there was a way to look and see if it is needed or has been done without removing everything.
Sadly no records so one has to assume not. Which at 85k means soon.
The hoses i can see look new (as you can see in that engine pic) and none that I’ve touched feel old or brittle.

 

Interesting question about checking hoses. Wonder if there's a way. Even if you use a camera, it's impossible to check softness. I'm going to have it done because I've planned several long trips this summer. I don't want to have to worry about it. This is one of the known problems so good to budget for it. Had a 4.0/5 X100. It always needed something.