I have seen a few posts with some exhaust vids and photos but thought I'd start a new one for this particular application. I have owned the Mina Gallery exhaust since 2006. In 2009 I finally removed the center section and replaced it with a Magnaflow "X" pipe.


FYI I just competed in and won the 2010 British European Auto Tour's contest for best sounding Exhaust. Competition was tough - Ferrari 330, Aston Martin Vantage V8, Ruf 930 Turbo, a Maserati Merak were just some of the finalists. The video can be seen here: http://www.beataz.com/?page_id=276, the first part is the horn contest but the second half is the exhaust portion.

You can't hear it very well in the video. So I created a second video that can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhvTv819zl8

 

Love it. I don't think mine will get that low, since I'm keeping the existing resonators/mufflers on it.

Like the exhaust tips also! And, forgot to congratulate you!! I've listened to a couple dozen mustang exhaust clips over the last few days, and their v8s just can't get as low as our 4.0 and 4.2 jaguar engines can, and they try x's, h-pipes, all these different resonators... We're lucky to be able to get such 'throaty' tones to work with.

 

Sounds awsome. How is the noise at freeway speeds, and did you notice any improvments in power?

 

Very nice!
Brian

 

I just picked up a 2000 xk8 and ordered the mina gallery exhaust and now will put in the x-pipe also. Thanks

 

Very nice... Congratulations on the WIN!!

 

Sounds are slightly elevated at cruise but not really anything where you have to raise your voice to have a discussion. With the top down it is loud enough that stereo upgrade is required, pictures of that to follow after I correct some upholstery issues. That said I find the car sounds so good that I use the stereo less.

Power improvements are slight (the exhaust note makes it feel more visceral) but the big improvement is in the fuel economy. I am averaging about 22 MPG now and I feel I drive the car fairly hard.

 

I have the very exact same system. That's great to know that you won. I have had tons of compliments on the sound of my system so I am not surprised. Congrats to you and your car!

 

Hey Do you have any pics you could post of the x-piped mina exhaust

 

Do you have pictures of the exhaust piping?

 

Okay this is the best I could do with the jack I have so you have my apologies in advance.

Just a warning if you are lowering and plumbing your exhaust under the axle: the Mina portion of this system has almost 40K miles on it, and since the car is lowered, the potion that curves under the cross brace has flat spotted from bottoming out and is starting to leak, needless to say I will be replacing that very quickly.



Stamped and welded x-pipe.



New cat to x-pipe sections



X-pipe looking back



Mina section (left side flat spot and leak) - also from What I have seen the bracket has been installed incorrectly. - Although I had a professional install it the kit did not have instructions - I am not sure if it will clear the cross braces anyway, I guess we will see when I have it repaired.

 

great, thanks for the pics!

 

Wow looks very good! Congrats!

 

Anybody know what size x- pipe is needed for 2000 xk8? Thanks

 

I have instructions for installing an under the axle system, it calls out bending the cross braces during the installation. Mark brace at point where the pipe crosses, remove brace, minor bend at location marked (support ends on a brick, step on it), bend ends to restore flat surface (place in vise and bend) and re-install. I haven't tried it yet so can't verify how well it will work.

 

DCRAIN, I am going to confirm that the xk8 has 2.25" diameter pipes. But, when you cut out the muffler, you have to extend the pipes anyway, so my shop used the 2.5" size, so I'm going to cut a section out of these 3' sections, and place the 2.5" x-pipe in it. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

 

Let us know how you make out with it. My Mina exhaust should be here tomorrow. I can't wait to get it installed. Thanks again.

 

I had the 2.5" x-pipe and mina gallery exhaust installed today. It sounds great! I have a coupe and with the windows down you can really hear it growl. With the windows up it is hardly noticeable. I have a slight rattle that will be fixed tom. I did notice a little better throttle response in the mid range. I highly recommend this for coupes.

 

Do you have anymore videos or sound clips?

 

I don't have any videos yet. I am in the middle of a move, but when I do I will upload it. It sounds deep and throaty, but not too loud.