Stainless Steel Exhausts - and performance

[blackflash]

Does anyone have a s/s exhaust system fitted to their XJ8 or XJR?

I can't imagine swapping out my existing system until a chunk of it fails but want to be forearmed with the knowledge when it does. Main manufacturers advertising in the JEC magazine seem to be:
Blue Flame
Elite & Performance
AJ6 Engineering

The prices vary and information on two key parameters - sound and performance increase - is patchy or non-existent. Elite & Performance claim 25bhp increase for their full s/s system but it costs a wopping £1900 inc VAT and fitting. The website includes a video/audio of the system on an XJR but it doesn't really help.

Blue Flame are in process of developing a system for the XJR.

AJ6 s/s performance system is £895+VAT, assume full system but could be cat-back, no mention of performance increase or change to sound - I've just asked by email.

Basically, I'd like not only a long-lasting exhaust but one which adds a little to the performance and gives a "burble" at tickover and low revs, with a bit more audible "oomph" (lots of technical terms here) under load but not so much that it sounds like a Subaru...

Or I could just stick to stock steel and have a nice holiday.

[joejag308]

BF.........all 308s have stainless steel systems as standard so the stock steel system is a rumour,so you may wait a while for the standard system to drop off.
For any sporty types the club supply a rear end only add on for the sporty sounds, if you cant find satisfaction with a replacement exhaust try Longlife Stainless exhausts ( a UK franchise) they may have a depot in your area....the one we have in Leeds has done some good work with quality and bespoke service...........Joe

[blackflash]

Standard fitting = stainless steel? Excellent! Happy to wait a long time...

[BrianG]

Hi Blackflash,

Don't forget the old engineering adage: stainless steel only "stains less" - that does not mean it won't rust!

My 10 year old 123,000 miler is looking like it needs at least a new pair of centre boxes, and the whole system is corroded underneath and may be starting to leak. Just got it through the MOT this June, but as it's not making any excess noises I'll leave it until it fails.

[joejag308]

Brian The stainless steel quality was upgraded for better corrosion resistance for the 2001 model year cars........so our type is no longer fitted..The exhaust hangers were also modified for increased durability and are backward compatible with the previous versions .
Scource.....Jaguar XJ8/XJR Supplementary Information CD
Jaguar Classic Parts part no.JHM 1190
Joe

[BrianG]

Thanks Joe. I don't normally look to see what later models have (in case I get too envious!) but I thought I'd check my copy of JHM 1190. You are right about the upgraded stainless, but you may have got a little too enthusiastic as it actually only says the rear silencer (and hangers) have been upgraded for the XJ, so presumably the specification for the rest of the system is unchanged. However, it is an improvement.

Last year when I priced a whole system it was £1100 +VAT - ouch! The main dealer wants about £550 for a pair of middle boxes if I change just the essentials. Almost getting to be more than the car is worth.

[joejag308]

Brian the company i use, or i did use, on my last car an XJ40 Sov was called Longlife exhausts they usually list the stainless steel quality on application..........ask for a quote for your car before a main dealer.
Most reputable exhaust companys will give you a quote for a system or a part system also the standard of the s/s......... Joe