Some opinions would be appreciated in which is the best way, with moderate expense, to improve the growl of a 2005 XK8....? It's too gentlemanly! I've read in some posts that a x-pipe replacing the center muffler would be good, but would it cause road noises that would be disturbing.......... My former S-type actually had a great sound.

 

I read that Pooh said Jagulars are supposed to be quiet.

If you want some noise buy a Ducati or a GTR.

Just my 2c.

 

Supposed to be quiet? I think that's the generation of retirement home models that just don't look right unless you're wearing a golf cap, polo shirt and plaid shorts. lol

I've always thought of Jaguar as performance racing and touring cars. If it gets a bit loud and goes really fast, that's alright.

 

rwm21xk8, I just modified my exhaust in July. I had the center muffler removed, and an X-pipe installed. There is a subtle, but noticeable difference with the sound. You do not get any "droan" at all. I'm very happy with the change, as I wasn't looking for a loud system. If this modification doesn't bring you the sound you want, you can always make more changes.

 

I just replaced the back boxes with straight-through pipes sourced on UK eBay for about £180. Just a bit more noise, but doesn't actually sound like a 'nasty' aftermarket sports exhaust.

Apart from the cost, this solution also meant - crucially - that I could retain the OE quad tips.

 

MicksJag... I believe I read your post a awhile back and it stirred my curiosity about making the change.... What type of x-pipe did you use... wasn't it a particular brand... and what year is your xk8/r... thanks

 

I installed an X Pipe about 6 months ago, and I'm actually rather disappointed that it didn't make things very much louder. I can barely tell the difference. When I stomp on it I supposed it's a wee bit louder, but not as much as I would have liked. It's my understanding that an H pipe increases the noise at full throttle a bit more than an X pipe, but an X pipe is supposed to "scavenge" the exhaust (whatever that means) and give you a little more power.

 

Removing the center muffler and putting a H up as far front as I could made it pretty loud. It's louder than most stock systems in similar cars. If I stomp on it underneath an overpass.... even a 10 lane one like I have a few miles away the sound will echo back and give you a better idea of how loud it is.

But, after a while I'm not pleased with it... or the restrictive points in the exhaust, so I'm having everything up to the exhaust manifold replaced...

 

rxm21xk8, I used a Magnaflow "X" pipe. My Jag is a 1998 XK8 convertible.

 

If you really want some volume, you can always install some exhaust cutouts. I had them on my GTO and I loved the sound.

It's nothing more than a y-pipe placed inline behind the cats, with a plate over one of the legs.

Bought them on eb@y for about $50. BUt they may make your ride a bit too roguish.

Of course, there are companies that sell electric cutouts (like McCord). As you sit at a light, you can flip a switch and the cutout opens up. Had them on my Z28. Talk about having some fun. And the looks? LOL.

 

I have one of these. It sounds great!

 

The most sound restrictive part in the exhaust chain is actually the factory cats. If I had to do it over again, the cats would be the first thing I'd do. But the replacement cost may be prohibitive for a lot of people and it's not known if the replacements will pass CA emissions. It will cost on the upwards of $1500-%2000 to buy them and have them installed.

If you're just going to remove a muffler, I'd suggest removing two of the four smaller ones by the wheels and leaving the center in.

 

Not sure how much you want to spend, but I installed a set of Nameless Performance high flow cats in place of the stock cats on my 2005 XKR Coupe and there is a marked sound diffrence. The good part is that the increased exhaust note is subtle while cruising, no drone, and quite pronounced when you apply the gas aggresively.

 

Yep. See everyone, I'm not just making that up.

 

I installed the Mina Gallery exhaust on my 2003 XKR Conv. last year and appreciate that modification on every drive. Great throaty sound without being too loud or abrasive. As someone said, makes the car sound like it should. Went with the quad tip option.

One caution regarding the air intake mod that Mina sells - my jaguar expert said it does not fit without modification, and more critically may allow water into the system.