X300 EXHAUST MANIFOLDS

[robv12]

We all know these can crack at an alarming rate, I have usually had mine welded and refaced at some cost

The last new one I found sold very very quickly, and as we know they have been unavailable new from Jaguar for some time

however I was lucky enough recently to sit in on the meeting with JLR Classic where re-introduction of obsolete parts was discussed, an initiative we aim to continue with JLR on a regular basis

the good news on these manifolds is that if there is enough demand JLR will look at the possibility of re-manufacture

what I need to know is what demand there is, and what price would you all pay??. I need to report back on 22nd May to JLR, so let me have your thoughts please, either on here, or via a pm, or email to rob.jenner@jec.org.uk

Rob Jenner

[J44EAG]

Do Jaguar not have a record of the number of requests they have received for these manifolds?

Although a popular cars within the JEC, I would have thought that even if you could get every owner of every car in the Club to show an interest, this would hardly be a large enough numbers to encourage Jaguar to do a production run. Just my thoughts. Not being negative but our response alone may not be enough to peek Jaguars interest.

A Worldwide distributed question of a similar nature would perhaps produce much larger interest figures.

Lets face it though. All X300 will eventually need those manifolds. They get paper thin then split.I`ve seen several.

Despite my reservations about the size of our input into the grand scheme of production runs, these parts are badly needed so I would encourage every owner to get in touch with Rob and attempt to get his figures as large as possible.

Keep at it Rob.

Mike

[davidr]

Of course this also applies to late XJS's with the AJ16 engine. The rear exhaust manifold on my Celebration has a crack and although it isn't bad enough to be causing me an issue ideally I would replace it.

[poprivet]

And the 3.6 AJ6, not sure if these manifolds are the same or different to the AJ16 ones.

Mine have been bronze welded and re-surfaced and are ok at the moment although I did find a pair of used but uncracked ones some time ago at Stoneleigh which are in the spares box at home.

Before:

After:

[PeterDavisX300]

Hi Rob

If they were a reasonable price I would buy a pair. At the moment mine on the car are ok, I have a full Stainless-Steel system so having a spare pair of manifolds would be desirable. Having just paid £276 for the off-side waist-trim for mine, to complete new all-round trims, I suppose a couple-hundred quid for manifolds is acceptable.

Peter

[robgx300xjr]

Not sure on pricing - but had mine welded and repaired.

[robv12]

and therein lies the problem, repair and reuse, or original and expensive

I had mine welded and refaced, £120 years ago, never let me down since, last price as 200 quid and more plus vat, would I have gone for new??, mmm not sure, but if we do not ask the questions of JLR they will never move on anything

[Tintin]

If JLR were to produce better quality manifolds that would last without the fracture issue I would go for the replacements otherwise why bother? I think the quality issue is critical and should be addressed when the production enquiry is made.

Robbie

[J44EAG]

I`m in two minds on that Robbie.

Firstly the manifolds are made from iron and are subject to thousands of hot/cold cycles during their service life. Its a small miracle that there are original items still in place on cars. Iron is a traditional material and to my own mind, is not ideal. The first cars were produced in 1994 so that makes any original manifold in service about twenty three years old. Attacked by torrential heat and destructive exhaust gasses, not to mention the thermo-cycle metallurgical issues, I think twenty three years is a fair lifetime for such a basic but never the less effective unit. As I often say, nothing lasts for ever.

If I were an AJ16 owner, I would be looking for an alternative solution which might also bring enhance benefits. The original design is hardly conducive to good exhaust flow, so I would be looking towards stainless tubular manifolds with all the advantages that it brings. It is not uncommon to find X300/XJS that have had some form of manifold up-grade. Costs may not be as high as you might think. There are plenty of bespoke exhaust makers who are fully able to fabricate suitable alternatives at probably not much higher a price than OE components. The Longlife Exhaust chain for instance, is spread across the UK would be very able to make the components. For them, its just an everyday job. Very good their guys are too.

Mike K

[Kember]

A bit of thread resurrection here, but I can't imagine things have got any easier!

I am looking for a replacement pair of manifolds for my 70,000 mile 1995 XJR before they fail and am considering having some fabricated (along with the downpipes).

I have tried contacting Andy Stodart for the flanges and/or the dxf files he (used to) sell(s), but no response so far.

What are other people doing now other than limping on with what they have?

Peter

[robv12]

Andy works overseas a lot

buy just in case try

andystodart@metronet.co.uk

hope this helps

Rob J

[Kember]

Andy works overseas a lot

buy just in case try

andystodart@metronet.co.uk

hope this helps

Rob J

Rob

Thank you.

That is the address I used. I think I might have his wife's email address somewhere. She certainly used to manage some of his transactions for him IIRC!

Best

Peter

[J44EAG]

I seem to recall Elite and Performance Jags and AJ6 Engineering had some answers to this issue.

Otherwise as previously said, have a chat with your local Longlife Exhausts or other local exhaust guys for bespoke solutions. My local depot in Charlshalton near Croydon are excellent. Indeed their workshop to office door handles are a pair of superb polished up, hand made tubular exhaust manifolds. Spectacular or what!

Mike K

[Kember]

I seem to recall Elite and Performance Jags and AJ6 Engineering had some answers to this issue.

Otherwise as previously said, have a chat with your local Longlife Exhausts or other local exhaust guys for bespoke solutions. My local depot in Charlshalton near Croydon are excellent. Indeed their workshop to office door handles are a pair of superb polished up, hand made tubular exhaust manifolds. Spectacular or what!

Mike K

Mike,

Thanks. AJ6 has confirmed that they no longer offer an answer. I'll follow up on your other suggestions.

Peter

[Kember]

Andy works overseas a lot

buy just in case try

andystodart@metronet.co.uk

hope this helps

Rob J

Rob

Thank you.

That is the address I used. I think I might have his wife's email address somewhere. She certainly used to manage some of his transactions for him IIRC!

Best

Peter

Just to report that Andy has replied with some useful suggestions and I am following up.

P