Re 2003 XK8

i would like a more aggressive exhaust sound on my XK8

there are 2 mufflers behind the rear axle on this model. Looks like cat converter and 2 mufflers ahead of rear axle

can the rear mufflers be bypassed without emission issues? Straight thru pipe or small muffler?

 

Yes they can.

It’s the lowest cost exhaust modification. Several have tried it (removal) and are liking the result.


Z

 

Yea I have the Adamesh Stage 1 and Stage 2 which deletes the 4 rear mufflers. My emmisions have gotten better actually but that is probably just because of a good service. I would probably look at changing just the ones like you said behind the axle and replace the last ones with smaller items. My car drones a little bit so one day it may be a good idea to see if I can get a muffler for the rear but smaller items then the OEM ones.

 

Randy,

There are several ways to change up the system for a better sound...

1. Removed the silencers from just behind the Central Muffler. This sounds pretty good and is cheap....
2. In addition: Buy a Magnaflow Double Muffler and replace the Center Muffler. It has 2 inlets and 2 Outlets and it makes an X-Pipe inside...Check with Magnaflow and get the same size Inlet-Outlets as you currently have and you won't have to replace the Pipes: I used the same size and only had to Buy the Magnaflow Center "Double Muffler" .....Rear Mufflers should be left alone....This sounds pretty good without being real loud and all you Buy is the Center Muffler.!

I like it!

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch

 

Here in S.W. Fla. we have an "Exhaust" specialist. Really just a former mechanic who is now semi-retired and does exhaust work on an 'as desired' basis. I had used him to replace mufflers/exhaust systems on my Corvettes and El Camino.
I took my '06 XK8 to him for conversion. He ended up removing the last 4 mufflers and replacing the tail pipe that is 'pinched' as it passes over the rear axle. Also added oval exhaust tips. The sound I get is similar to a 60-70's muscle car when I accelerate hard . The rest of the time it is just a quiet rumble. With the top down conversation is no problem. On a couple of occasions I have had other drivers follow me to a stop to ask what engine I had in the car, and complement the sound.
We agreed that if the sound was 'too much' a pair of Magna Flows could be added behind the axle. Haven't been back even though one neighbor lady(85 yr. old) stated that my car sounds like a 'Helicopter'. I try to drive carefully near her for peace in the community.

 

Sam,

Now you know why I left the Rear Mufflers in the System! I'm 85......!

Billy Clyde

 

There are several "Assisted Living" centers here I can recommend???

 

I also have the Adamesh Stage 1 and Stage 2 on my XKR. Gives it an exotic sound which is day/night difference than stock, along with the crackles and pops.

 

I don't get crackles and pops I think perhaps it's because I'm not behidn the car, I have been told it sounds really nice outside the car, inside it's still nice but it drones a little around 3000rpm. I know you can get rid of drones on exhausts by welding on baffles to the exhaust which may be something I get done in the future. Perhaps I will see if I can take it to an exhaust specialist and see what magic the;y can do?

 

I am currently playing around with building my own exhaust on the 2003.
Currently, there is nothing from the cats back and it sounds like a more "proper" V8.
I'll be grabbing some photos of what I have done in the next few days but the four mufflers AND the resonator are all gone. I put an x-pipe on there and it goes straight back to a very interesting set of faux mufflers I built.