I'm looking at a very low-mile XK8 and XJ8, both of the vintage where they need their plastic timing chain tensioners swapped for the metal upgrade. While they are low mile cars, I'd still want to immediately swap out those tensioners.

Can Los Angeles members recommend a mechanic/shop that they know has done this swap for a decent price? I have one offer for $3,000 which would be the absolute high end of what I'd expect a shop would ask for this work. My reading in the past about the issue seems to dictate to me that the swap can be done for about $800 - $1500.

Any recs with first-hand experience?

Thanks very much. It would be nice to--by simply solving a design hiccup--keep this otherwise pristine examples on the road.

Apologies for putting this in the General Maintenance thread, but since it pertains to a problem found in both K's and J's, I figured this was the best thread for the post.

C

 

My mechanic's shop in Northridge, Sako's Automotive (818) 701-7772. did mine. I bought the kit on ebay for my 2002 XKR, and he installed. Total price with kit did not exceed $1500 as I recall. Ask for Sako, the owner.

 

I will take additional shop suggestions, if people have them to offer--thanks!

 

I hope these vehicles are in perfect cosmetic and mechanical condition otherwise that you would want to dump $$$ into.

 

Since it's specific to the LA area, putting it in the US Western Region forum would have been a better choice.

Graham

 

Yes, abonano.....cars are 15K to 35K miles on odometer. Creampuffs of 1995-1997 vintage and after the 2001 tensioner update tend to disappear after a day or two online...those with the tensioner issue last longer online.

Graham--great idea...I'll try it!

 

Nice, very nice examples indeed worthy of investment... best of luck and keep us apprised of your progress and pics!

 

I used Just Jaguars in Sherman Oaks to do this repair some years ago. It was pricey about $3K as I remember, but the owner of the shop showed me an engine identical to that in my XJR and that owner was looking at $12K for a new one. You sound like you're convinced to get the work done and this is a good, competent shop, dedicated to the marque, though expensive.

 

Just for comparison, full replacement quotes in the Sacramento/Bay Area are 4,000 (Sac), 3,200 (Dublin) and 2,800 (San Rafael). The last quote is J&G Automotive. Shop is immaculate, expensive Jag's in progress, pleasant owner willing to answer
my questions.