My 1999 XJ8 recently failed its MOT because of body rot along the join of the floor and the sill. The cost to do the welding will be in the region of £1000.
With the cost in mind to do this, I managed to buy a 2001 XJ8 for a good price. It has a great body, but the mechanicals aren't in the best of condition.
My thoughts were to use the good body and transfer relevant mechanical parts from the MOT failure to the good body.
The main areas I want to transfer are, the front and rear sub-frames, with the relevant suspension etc.
I would also like to transfer the "old" engine and gearbox into the "new" body. This is the area I am not too sure about. I realise that the various control modules will have to follow the engine and gearbox.
My main question is, would the engine/gearbox transplant be a feasible DIY project? or what would be the likely cost of having this work done by a garage.
Although I feel quite confident with the sub-frames, I am not sure about the engine/gearbox.
Any advice would be most welcome. Thanks Bill W.

 

Bill you might be in luck, just confirm if your 99' has an AJ27 engine, if it has then it'll go in the 01 with no problem if you have an engine crane you're halfway there. They're designed to come out so don't get overfaced. What I wouldn't do is put it into a garage as the bill will be higher than a mint 2002 car when done = pointless.
Take the box out with the engine, I've suggested using a trolly jack under the box to help slide it as you bring the assembly up and out, although you can remove it along with the front sub. Done it both ways, feedback from my suggestions on out the top have been positive from other forum members who've carried out similar jobs.
All the original modules stay put, it's the sensors on the engine that need to match the engine, modules just tell it what to do.

 

Thanks Sean,


The engine in the '99 XJ8 was replaced by Jaguar in June '04, because of the Nikasil problem and the gearbox was replaced in June '07, as the original failed.
Engine has done 98,500 miles and the gearbox, 33,700 miles. I know the 'V' mounts need replacing, and I replaced them on the '99 a year ago.


Is it a feasible option to, in simple terms, undo everything that attaches the front sub frame, engine and gearbox to the body, trolley jack under the gearbox and then lift the front of the body up and haul out the front sub frame complete with engine and gearbox. Do the same with the '01 and do a swap???
Times like this I wish it was my old '60's VW Beetle. a nice easy engine and box swap. Those were the days

 

In short Bill yes. I've used a pallet and pallet truck to drop the front sub. leave as much on as possible, as complete and label/take plenty of pictures.

My car is based around a new shell, so a bit more involved. The great thing about this is a new front and rear end, you can detail and renew as you go and the car will feel 'factory fresh' sat on new bushes. Look at the front upper shock mounts produced in the USA I'm sure one of the stateside guys will put you onto them they're a rare thing in that they're better than oem.
Spend the time to find a top draw alignment specialist and you'll be staggered at how smooth and beautifully compliant the car is and invest in good tires. After the expenditure you're left with something you have intimate knowledge/satisfaction and can fully trust/enjoy it. I overspent, so what I love my car

 

The way I remove an engine from the X308 is to drop the entire engine/gearbox/subframe from the car.

I use steel rolling tables and lift the body clear of the powertrain.

You could place the cars side-by-side on 2 lifts and place the bad powertrain on the table and then onto the floor, then 'wheel' the good 'removed' powertrain under the good body.

Then lift the old powertrain back onto the table and roll it under the old body for salvage.

I have 2 lifts so this is how I would do it to save time/labor.

The control modules should work fine as the powertrains are both AJ27 and all the connectors are the same.

Engine cranes and trolly jacks will take more time and effort but if that is what you have to work with, then.....................

good luck

bob gauff