Looking to increase X-type performance

Any aftermarket device you fit will allmost certainly invalidate both the warranty and your insurance

Thanks... I live in the USA (just outside of Boston) so I'm assuming this invalidates a US warranty. It seems like this is a grey areaa because obviously there is a "line" that gets crossed. If I completely rebuild the engine, install a Nitrous system and throw a supercharger on it I wouldn't expect it to be covered under warranty.

But somewhere "any aftermarket device" should be considered okay? For example... if I get aftermarket wheels, or an aftermarket K&N air-filter or aftermarket plug-wires this should be okay. But somewhere there's the "line" between what will and will-not be acceptable as a modification.

It almost sounds as if you wished you bought the typr "R'R with the V8.

The type-R would be nice... but living in the Boston area the AWD of the X-Type sure comes in handy during snow storms (like today). My wife normally drives the car anyway so she wouldn't notice much of a difference. But me on the other hand.... RRRRrrr..

When I was a kid, friends used to boost the power of their engines. They then started having problems with the drive train. The drive train is matched to the torque output of your engine. If you exceed that over the drive train margin, you may start loosing differentials, etc.

Al

I would doubt that an air filter or 'wires' would give any noticable difference - the air filter may cause a different sound that may convince you of performance, but a millisecond will not be noticable. Re chipping will be noticable, but will invalidate the warranty - in the US or UK. There are I recollect some devices that can easily be removed, should you wish to have your vehicle examined by a dealer. I assume these are available in the US.

Modern engines are likely built to better tolerances but it used to be the case that rebuilding the engine, and balancing all rotating components gave a significant improvement to both economy and performance. - but I doubt you want to go there!

PS I rebuilt a std E Type 4.2 that was timed at 160mph between Falconwood/BlackPrince A2 - in my youth, before PC!

Sorry, but you are wrong there. A free flow air filter can certainly make a noticeable difference, particularly when teamed with an improved exhaust system..

I have driven an X-type with Arden mods to inlet and exhaust systems which was certainly a significant improvement over the standard 3.0 litre V6 petrol. Still didn't have anything like the torque of of my Rex, though. No doubt turbocharging would be the best option for this engine.

Talk to Chas at Racing Green Cars -

I know he is in the UK and you are not, but he is up to speed on what is available for these cars. He may even be able to put you in touch with Arden's US agents, if they have them.

David Betts ( snipped-for-privacy@motorsport.org.uk) The Classic Car Gallery:

830847103&n98038677

I'm not necessarily trying to get a lot more horsepower and torque. For example, if the torque curve were flattened or if the available horsepower came earlier in the power-band then I would have more

*usable* power available to me (at lower RPM) without exceeding the maximum power.

Thanks David... I will check them out.

- Larry

If you want to change the torque characteristics of your engine, you may have to change your camshaft.

for more info.

Al

Certainly interesting... but it's a lot more of a modification than I'm willing to make. I was thinking more along the lines of cold air intake, performance exhaust, perhaps 'chipping' the car. I don't have any plans to replace major engine components.

The performance is acceptable as is. A little more would be "nice" but if I'm not trying to turn this car into something that it's not.

You might try writing the the "Technical Correspondence" editor, Tom Wilson at "Road & Track" magazine. He might find your request interesting enought to put an answer into his column.

emial: snipped-for-privacy@hfmus.com

Or write to:

Technical Correspondence Road & Track

1499 Monrovia Drive Newport Beach, CA 92663

Include your first and last name, hometown and state.

I think they take more kindly to written correspondence. I have seen good answers for questions similar to yours.

Good Luck!

Al