So it seems like the STR guys take more interest in things dealing with hard driving and performance in general. Unfortunately, my post over at the X350 section isn't getting that much attention so I figured I would cross-post it here!

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It's good to be back from my extended hiatus from posting on this forum.

Three weekends ago, I took my XJR to Willow Springs International Raceway for a track day. The event was held on the Streets of Willow which is a tighter road course compared to the normal big track.

Understanding that the car weighs almost 4300lbs, I went in hoping that the car would keep its composure against the field of "true" sports cars: S2000's, 350Z's, 370Z's, E92 M3's, WRX STi's...you get the idea. My goal was to stay in sight of and hopefully pass an E92 M3. I am happy to report that I was able to do so! Unfortunately, this happened on my first outing which was not on video.

The video I did take was my second and my last outing. During my first round, I developed a massive exhaust leak. I spent the rest of the day trying to figure out where it was coming from...to no avail. Oh well, it was still pretty fun!

Here is a link to the video I threw together. At the end, you can hear people clapping and cheering for the old gal! Everyone seemed to get a kick out of seeing an XJR being driven hard and drifted on the track!

EDIT: The exhaust leak was from the drivers side catalytic converter. The housing cracked at the seams. Thankfully, it is getting replaced under warranty!

Jaguar XJR | Laps around the Streets of Willow Racetrack - YouTube

 

I have noticed that people are very inquisitive once you start to throw down good performance numbers. It looks like you had a lot of fun! I want to take my STR to the track one day.

 

It was definitely a lot of fun! I'm sure you'll enjoy it when you take your STR out as well

 

That is one thing I miss from Florida, a lot more car events. All we have here in KY is a drag strip.

 

Awesome Patrick. The 4.2 s/c can run, huh? Wish I coud have as much fun as you with my 03 STR. Still trying to determine the source of CEL with Restricted Performance. Replaced both exhaust manifold gaskets, MAF sensor, EGR tube, cam cover gaskets, and cats.

 

That thing ran really well...how many miles are on your car? I think i could hear the fans running on high hehe. Just goes to show the R cars were designed around racing. I don't get the feeling that my car would handle well on the same track though - if I take turns really hard I can feel the sidewalls rolling over on themselves.

 

Great track video...I've Auto-X before but never in the Jag...I know my rear suspension is gone; not sure if I want to try it or not, but you're motivating me to...lol

 

The motor is quite stout! The whole car is quite impressive really. Even though it wasn't the fastest on the track by far, it definitely shows that the engineers developed the car to handle track abuse. Due to the nature of the track I was running, putting power down was tough but I am sure if I had stickier tires that I would not have had that issue.

What code is your CEL throwing? Seems odd that you have not figured it out yet even after replacing so many parts!

Yeah the car did great! I currently have 66,xxx on the car. I have always driven the car pretty hard and am a firm believer that driving a car to its potential helps its longevity. Cracking the cat is the first major issue I've ever had! And luckily, it is covered under warranty!

The fans were definitely running overtime that day! And I'm sure every car in your stable would do just fine on the track! Especially that C6 Z06...I am thinking about picking one up soon. There is just something awesome about that LS7 and the car in general...

I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised at what the car is capable of doing! Good luck in repairing your suspension!

 

I'm mulling over NOT fixing them...I'll get less speeding tickets that way

 

I bet if you changed the suspension it would feel even better