Recommend the best performance upgrades and accessories for a Jaguar XKR.

Question

So I just picked up this 2011 Jaguar XKR and I honestly have no idea what I'm doing. It's the most expensive thing I've ever owned and I'm kind of terrified of breaking it but I also want it to sound a bit meaner and maybe go faster? I keep seeing people talk about pulleys and remaps on other sites but I dont really understand what any of that actually does to the car. I'm in Orlando so it's super hot here all the time and I'm worried about the engine overheating if I mess with it too much. My budget is like 3000 dollars right now and I'm hoping to get some stuff done before a big car meet next month. Is there like a starter kit or something for people who aren't mechanics? I just want it to feel a bit more special when I take it out on the weekends. Are there any accessories that make the interior look less like an old mans car too? Sorry if these are really basic questions I just really dont want to ruin the engine by buying the wrong parts from some random website. What are the best first steps for someone who has literally zero experience with car mods but wants their XKR to be a bit more beastly?

rwzrvvroet · Accepted Answer

Like someone mentioned, heat's the real beast in FL. Compare Eurotoys Jaguar 5.0L Auxiliary Intercooler Radiator for safety vs QuickSilver Exhausts Jaguar XKR Supersport Exhaust System for sound. TL;DR: Radiators protect, exhausts just scream.

mlwxpnduzs · Answer

Saw your post earlier and wanted to weigh in. Honestly, it's a bit disappointing how dated the XKR interior feels for a car that goes this fast. If you want to ditch the old man vibe, you have to be careful. I had issues with some cheap carbon fiber stickers I found online that peeled within a week in the heat. Unfortunately, they just looked tacky and cheapened the car. Instead, look at the Mina Gallery Jaguar XK Carbon Fiber Dash Trim Kit because it actually replaces the wood. It's not as good as a bespoke custom retrim, but it makes a massive difference in how the cockpit feels for the price. On the performance side, if you're worried about reliability in Orlando, skip the generic suspension mods. I was disappointed with the ride quality on some budget lowering kits, but the Spires Jaguar XKR Performance Lowering Springs are actually tuned for this chassis. They give it a much meaner stance without ruining the ride quality. Most alternatives just make the car feel crashy on the road. Practical tip tho... before spending all that cash, check your cooling. These 5.0 engines are notorious for overheating. I'd grab a Jaguar AJ813909 Water Pump Assembly and have a tech swap it out. It's boring, but unfortunately, these cars are known for catastrophic failure if that specific part goes. It won't make it go faster, but it'll keep it from blowing up. That should be your first priority before any car meet.

iiniwirvnp · Answer

TL;DR: Grab a pulley and tune combo first. Congrats! You need the VelocityAP Jaguar 5.0L Supercharger Pulley and ECU Tune right now. It adds massive power and that supercharger whine is amazing! To keep things cool in the heat, definitely look at the Mina Gallery Jaguar XKR Performance Intake Tube too. It makes the engine bay look way better and sounds fantastic. Trust me, its the best starter kit for an XKR!