MODIFYING AN XKR - ANY VIEWS?

[cardigankid]

Some recent threads have touched on this, so I would like to tap into the collective wisdom and get your views of the options available to the many owners of pre-06 XK8 and XKRs.

Lets say you have an 05 XKR Coupe. It is fantastic but when the warranty expires you think you would like to uprate it a bit, get more noise, more power, bucket seats, improved steering, preferably without destroying the essential character of the car.

What would you recommend?

[GR1FF1F]

For me, part of the beauty of the XKR is the Jekyll and Hyde effect. It's a real gentleman when you want it to be, relaxing, smooth and quiet - Radio 4 on wheels. Then when you want Mr Hyde you press the S button and get the higher rev's and delayed gear changes. Even makes a half decent noise when you crank it up.

Admit that it might be fun to have some sound effects at higher revs, a la Vantage, but I don't think I'd want it all the time.

Just my view

[triple7]

She is a truely lovely beast, so cosmetic changhes are out in my book. Definately get a new rear exhaust section for more noise, Racing Green do do the best imho, excellent quality, noise and no resonance. Be about £1500. The power upgrades are a waste of money, you've got 400BHP, if you think 50BHP is worth a couple of grand fine, but Jag have got it right. Other than that what else would you want to do?????

G

[ParanoidAndroid]

Must admit, not keen on any of the body kits, much prefer the standard lines. Again only things I'm thinking of are a bit more of a rumble from the exhaust but nothing to much, and possibly changing the indicators to the clear type.

Graham

[cardigankid]

No, absolutely no bodykits, I agree, or new radiator grilles or extra air intakes or badges. But I'm told that you can lower the suspension without any effect on the CATS system. If so then perhaps a little more firmness would be nice and it may look good without any physical changes.

Power is not exactly short, I agree, and with any more I wonder if there are going to be traction issues. But is more power a bad thing? And you will get some anyway with a sports exhaust.I do think that the exhaust note could be a little more prominent.

Grippier seats? Assuming that you don't have the Recaros and I assume can't easily fit them aftermarket.

Just interested to see what you think or would recommend.

[triple7]

Cardi, have you bought the XKR yet?

If not, by one with the Recaro's, you can also buy the Coupe XKR with the Jag 'Handling Pack'. This already has lowered suspension, retuned steering feel and more dynamic CATS setup.

Seriously have a word with Chas at Racing Green or look on their website to give you some ideas. www.racinggreencars.com/modern/upgrades.asp

G

[goodlife]

Racing Green modified my 99 XKR. I had the suspension lowered and widened which completely transformed the slightly barge-like handling to something much more sporty. Also had the ECU performance upgrade from Racing Green.

To get some more induction noise & power I bought this air filter from here.

It was very simple to fit and JagXP are very helpful, plus with $2 = £1 there are some bargains to be had at the moment.

[avos]

If you want more power (and I mean more), then have a look here:
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/jagu

I started with my post as there I give already actual experience. Of course there are many different levels of power to be gained, but if you are serious, then this might be of interest to you.

All the best,
Andre.

[cardigankid]

Yes I have as it happens.Its not a huge problem, but I'm interested in the possibilities. I haven't actually sat in one with Recaros but I do notice that the seats aren't as supportive as the standard ones in my XJR which surprised me a bit. Its got the CATS and whats referred to as Supersports Suspension.

[tvron]

I recently bought 05 XKR Conv with standard seats but returned it to dealer after few weeks due to being sold incorrect car. Then bought pre reg XKR 4.2S no miles and fitted with Recaro Seats. What a difference in seats. The seats in first car were not as supportive as my S Type sports but Recaros really are worth extra as they a probably best seats I have ever used

[shar2]

I had my XK8 modified by Paramount Performance with everything except a bodykit. Cat back SS exhaust, new induction kit, lowered suspension, ECU upgrade and de-limited not to mention cosmetic stuff like smoked crystal rear lights, smoked reflectors, interior chrome pack, oh and a custom hand made grille. Ok it's not an XKR, but since the ECU upgrade she puts out more power than a 2005 4.2ltr XK8, not bad for a 10 year old. Give them a call, they are alwasy ready to haggle as well, so you can actually get a really good deal. Racing Green are good, but if Chas isn't there I found they don't like to make a deal.

[cerby4.5]

This is always a very 'personal' choice among car owners:

I have a few subtle upgrades to my 4.2 XKR, like a black mesh grille, uprated exhaust system, better headunit and i-Pod kit etc.

I am also getting the suspension lowered and a few 'unique bits' done at Paramount Performance.

Whilst I like the look of the 'Arden' body kits, I am not a big enough fan to warrant the cost of them.

In fact on my way to Paramount yesterday I saw an older XK convertible that had some sort of bodykit (not Arden or Paramount) on it, along with different 'very bling' alloys and completely blacked out windows. To be honset it ruined the whole look and presence of the car, and ended up looking tacky!!

I prefer the way the standard bodywork looks (particluarly once the car is lowered)

Scott

[ParanoidAndroid]

cerby4.5 said:

I have a few subtle upgrades to my 4.2 XKR, like a black mesh grille, uprated exhaust system, better headunit and i-Pod kit etc.
Scott

Hi Cerby4.5,

When you say you have an Ipod kit, and better headunit did you need to swap to the better headunit to allow the ipod functionality?

I've always used an i-trip in the tvr's which seemed to work reasonably well but want something a bit more integrated in the XK. Do you know if it's possible keeping the existing headunit?

Also what exhaust did you go for?

Cheers,
Graham

[cardigankid]

Any pics cerby?

[Flange head]

Hello all,

thought i would junp on the band wagon, i have had my new XKR converted by Paramount a few months back and love her to bits, i spoke to Gerald at Paramount before i purchased my new car about converting and 2004 model i was looking at and he showed me one of there customers car which had been full converted and it was fantastic in both looks and sound, i then purchased my new XKR and went down to Paramount and got the works done on my car, exhaust suspension upper pulley and a remap, they really know there stuff and the customer service is second to none. give them a call for a friendly chat and check there web site.

www.paramount-performance.com

Flange Head

[shar2]

Flange head said:

Hello all,

thought i would junp on the band wagon, i have had my new XKR converted by Paramount a few months back and love her to bits, i spoke to Gerald at Paramount before i purchased my new car about converting and 2004 model i was looking at and he showed me one of there customers car which had been full converted and it was fantastic in both looks and sound, i then purchased my new XKR and went down to Paramount and got the works done on my car, exhaust suspension upper pulley and a remap, they really know there stuff and the customer service is second to none. give them a call for a friendly chat and check there web site.

www.paramount-performance.com

Flange Head

[cerby4.5]

ParanoidAndroid said:

Hi Cerby4.5,
When you say you have an Ipod kit, and better headunit did you need to swap to the better headunit to allow the ipod functionality?
I've always used an i-trip in the tvr's which seemed to work reasonably well but want something a bit more integrated in the XK. Do you know if it's possible keeping the existing headunit?
Also what exhaust did you go for?
Cheers,
Graham

Hi Graham,

The std headunit is pitifull! It amazes me that they put such rubbish in a car costing as much as they did new?? I wanted an overall better sound quality as well as the ability to use my i-Pod, so I junked the std headunit in favour of the JVC multimedia unit + the JVC I-Pod interface. I have also had a sub installed which really bolsters the front and rear speakers! The sound quality is amazing, although will be changing the front tweeters next as the std units are very weak (for better tonal control on the higher frequencies).
N.B: I did try the i-Trip, but if I say it ended up in the bin, you will know what I thought of it!

The exhaust was a custom job done by my friendly local Powerflow dealer. I believe (?) it will be featured in the next XKEC Growler magazine as a (cheap) alternative to most over the shelf systems which are usually close on £1000 or more. But am happy to give you a few more details if you require.
Cerby4.5
I have posted a couple of pics below:
Headunit:
Car showing Grille:

[cerby4.5]

cardigankid said:

Any pics cerby?

See above!

Cerby4.5

[ParanoidAndroid]

Wow Cerby4.5 that looks amazing, I'll have to take a look & listen to your setup if there's ever a meet. Mine sounds pretty good (to me anyway!) however does have the Alpine speaker upgrade + sub, although I think the headunit is the same standard one. Major downside is the lack of Ipod connectivity.

Out of interest where does the ipod sit? Presume you just connect it in and it charges?

Cheers,
Graham

Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Friday 18th May 19:15

[shar2]

There's a Surrey/Hants lunch meet this Sunday in Chertsey if you're interested?
I've posted the details on the XKEC forum.

Twynersh House
St Anns Road
Chertsey
KT16 9EG

We.re meeting there between 12 - 12.30