Standard XK 5.0 (NA) exhaust drone

[Garry1127]

Hello all,

At low speeds (30 - 50mph) my standard (twin exhaust) XK drones from the back rather than purrs, above this speed it is fine, its not a huge problem just a bit irritating.

Just wondering if a custom back box would solve this problem (or would it make it worse?).

 

[N6 JMX]

Hi Garry, an alternative would be to replace the centre section of the exhaust with one from Paramount Performance or Adamesh (think they both provide the same parts actually). These delete the centre silencers on the NA XK, making for a fruitier sound from the engine.

Modifying / changing the back box is a bigger task and may give a note that is more irritating on a longer journey. If you visit the Paramount Performance website, they have videos, with sound, of some Jaguars with modified exhausts.

N6 JMX

[Garry1127]

Hi N6 JMX,

The drone definitely comes from the back of the car, my son squeezed in the back seats (quite a feat) and he could hear the drone from behind him so I am pretty sure its the back box not the centre silencers.

Its not a huge problem (probably normal for a twin pipe 5.0) but as I am thinking of changing the back box for a four pipe Elite and Performance Jags one at some point I was wondering if doing this might get rid of the drone as well as looking and sounding better at other times.

Garry

[N6 JMX]

Hi Garry, the back box is only a part of the entire exhaust system and the "drone" being experienced is the result of the entire exhaust system - the noise made by the system appears at the tailpipes - not in the middle. Accordingly, changing only the centre section to remove the silencers contained there, will change the entire exhaust note that emanates from the tail pipes. Changing the back box and leaving the centre section silencers in place will also change the exhaust note, but there is a chance that version will be too fruity - lots of pops and bangs on overrun.

As intimated earlier, visit one of the performance exhaust websites and check out the videos, with sound, of there various exhaust upgrade options.

N6 JMX

[Garry1127]

Hi N6JMX,

I am going to talk to and visit Elite Performance Jags (who have some interesting videos on their website of XK exhaust system mods) about what impact their options would have on the overall noise level of the XK.

As most of my milage in the XK is long distance on motorways (when the drone disappears) I definitely don't wont to create more cruising noise.

Garry

[N6 JMX]

Hi Garry, that sounds like a plan. Please report back with what you learn.

N6 JMX