Recently replaced all cooling hoses on my 04 XJR with the 4.2L supercharged engine.

Removing the supercharger to replace the "valley hoses" was an **** pain.

I am looking at a very low mileage 2020 F Type for my wife. Does the Supercharged V8 in this car have the same cooling hose scenario as my XJR?

Since we are approaching 80, we're not exactly speed demons; point being, that if the maintenance on the big engine is significantly more difficult than the smaller, I might want to hold out for a similar vehicle with the smaller power plant?

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated,

Steve S

 

Upon reflection and a little common sense, I think that I have pretty well answered my own question. I think it is quite obvious that the simpler the gas powered engine the easier its maintenance should be. Hence, I will look for the P300. The only fly in the ointment is that it does not come in all wheel drive which would be a nice to have feature with our road conditions.

 

Why do you think the 4-pot would be simpler than the V6 or V8? Just fewer cylinders? Or the turbocharger instead of the supercharger?

 

Great question, SCM. Fewer cylinders for sure. The only turbo I've owned was in a Mercedes and I sold it before it was out of warranty; so, I never had occasion to tinker with her.

My original motivation in considering the issue had to do with the size of the job in removing the supercharger in my 04 XJR. There are many parts between the air intake and the throttle body elbow which need to be removed & not just on the engine! Requires an endoscope and all sorts of weird implements of destruction to accomplish the task.

Having said all that, it is a very worthwhile and satisfying accomplishment if one has the time. Fortunately, I didn't need the car and was able to accomplish the task in a 5 month time frame while also replacing water pump, cam covers, etc. along the way. It is really nice having a 20 year old car that is like new and is the only one like it in the neighborhood and in the club parking lot!