Hi Everyone,
I have an exhaust design for you guys to check out! While I love the car, I really wanted to hear the engine growl sometimes...which is hard with Jag's restrictive system.
I did some research, and drew up an exhaust blueprint for my 2000 XK8. (for context: fully stock with exception of K&N air filter).
I did mull over several exhaust systems before I ended up just "designing" my own. Adamesh stage 1 & 2 seemed to have a horrible drone, and other systems just weren't it. They were either obnoxious or too quiet / pricey. Most were around $500 in parts plus shipping and installation.

I was shooting for:
1. Quiet at idle
2. Quiet and toned while daily driving
3. Less restrictive system (in combination with K&N filter to add some HP)
3. Aggressive & exotic V8 growl in higher rpms (Sport Mode)
4. Crackles and pops
5. Affordable
6. No drone

I took out my sketchbook and went to work on researching~ the sizes of the pipes and back pressure, H vs X pipes, location of the crossover, type of pipe, ect. I came up with what I will call the Stage 1 exhaust..

The Exhaust: The system is composed of 3" aluminum pipe that runs straight from the cats to the over axle pipes, with an H pipe crossover directly behind the transmission pan. This has no effect on smog, as it starts after the catalytic converters. The aluminum pipe (not the original steel) works well to distribute heat and also to produce a nice sound. The performance shop I took it to was able to install the whole system for $350. About 2 hours of work + supplies...so prices vary from place to place. This system does not include the over axle pipes being replaced (I will most likely call that stage 2 and will be something for the future).

I will link the photo album with photos of the system as well as videos of cold start, and some revs! The blueprint differs from the actual system as the crossover as well as the bend of the pipe is slightly different.
All in all, I love the sound of the car and I highly recommend looking into something like this if you are thinking about changing the way your Jag sounds. Absolutely no drone in the cabin..my freeway drive is pretty much identical to the stock exhaust! When not in sport mode, normal acceleration is also similar to stock sound. My performance gain including the K&N filter is probably just around 5-7 HP, and would most likely be close to 15 with the replacement of the squished over axle pipes. And finally, for those who think X pipes are better than H, you are usually correct. X pipes are great on peaky engines and produce a raspy racecar sound, while H pipes are better on toned down engines, and produce a deep pure V8 sound. The power difference is pretty minimal, so it usually boils down to sound preference.

LINK TO GALLERY