Hi Gents,
a friend recently purchased an XK8 4.2 Convertible from California. The car has a very nice, snotty yet subtle V8 sound, which comes from a straight pipe between the catalytic converter and the front silencer. The center silencer has been omitted.

Does anyone know about the straight pipe and who the manufacturer is? The system does not have any numbers or labels on it. One feature is that the connection to the catalytic converter flange is detached with a short piece of pipe.

I like the sound exactly as it is and i am considering a similar solution for my XK8 4.2.

I know that there are a few similar systems available, mostly as H or X pipes. However, I would prefer the system in the photos, if it is still available.

Thanks, Fritz

 

That's probably just a pipe made by an exhaust place with a pipe bender.

 

That is exactly what it is, especially given that the stock mufflers are still there.

 

All the systems I have seen like this always had an X pipe.
Never seen straight center pipes.

One of my XK convertibles has a large 3" center pipe to eliminate the center silencer.
Two into one and back into two welded at each end.

It was like that when I bought it and it is not annoying so it stays.

 

OK, thanks for your opinion, actually i thought already that it wasn't a factory-made system.
I think I'll try to recreate them. In fact, I have never heard an XK8 that sounds as good and is at the same time unobtrusive.
Thanks again,
Fritz

 

Did he buy it directly from someone in CA? If so, how? I live in CA. Have a very nice 06 that's for sale if he wants another one.

 

Hello, the XK8 shown here belongs to me. My good friend "flatsix-Fritz" ( ) did some work on it last week in his hobby workshop (valve cover gasket, oil change, stabibushings, etc.). I didn't know about the exhaust conversion, but I also think the sound is great as it is.
The car was imported in 2018 by its previous owner from Santa Monica to Germany. Unfortunately, I don't need another one. ;-)

And "Fritz", our mutual friend Dieter, who recently sold his exhaust manufacturing company to a successor, will surely be able to help replicate this if his successor takes the measurements from my XK8.

 

It's after market but very nicely done in Stainless Steel.
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