Hey all,
I'm obviously a new member, but have used this site more times than I can count, so, thanks!

I'm a mechanic in a small farm town who grew up with Chevy pickups and motorcycles but in a strange turn of events ended up with a 1997 Jag Vanden Plas that I have a love/hate relationship with. Had to install a second engine that was somehow available locally, quickly realized getting parts is a nightmare, as is any decent information and most days I want to push it off a cliff.

But it drives nice, is black and I've never seen another one so I kind of have to keep it.

Just like any new (to me) car, it's been interesting seeing the differences in how they built this thing vs other rides. I was surprised at how many things were seemingly so well thought out. Other times I'm horrified and just want to rip the drivetrain and wiring out and install a Chevy 350 and build a new harness.

It's not ideal, but I'm trying.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome to the Forums.

Oh, the LUV we have for our Jaguars.

The Black would be a winner for me also.

Good luck.

 

Welcome to the forums Anotheredbeard,

1997 was a model change year from the straight 6 X300 to the V8 X308. As you've been using the forum, I'm sure you will already have found the relevant model forum. The "sticky" threads at the top of each are a good place for information on regular issues.

Please add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also use the US Western Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/western-us-ak-ca-nv-ut-hi-wa-id-38/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

I cant deny, she's beautiful. If only california smog laws were reasonable

 

Thanks Graham. Yeah, it's X300, so I feel a weird obligation to continue my nightmare as it's the last real Jag motor, from what I've read anyway. I'll check out the regional info. Cheers! Right?

 

Welcome to the forums.

 

X300 and X308 are certainly the last Jaguar saloons that were instantly recognisable. Take the badges off the current XJ and it could be the product of any European manufacturer.

Sorry to hear your X300 is "challenging". It has a widespread reputation as one of the most reliable models from Jaguar. I sold mine with over 162K miles and it was still running faultlessly. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for the black X308 that replaced it!

Stick with it. As one of our members has in his forum signature - "Because its a Jaguar. And ----- even if your pushing it down the street --- Everyone feels better in a Jaguar"

Graham

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!!!

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Anotherredbeard,
Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

Hello,
I also have days, I think we all do, when I want to Kill my Jag!
I have threatened more than once to stuff a rag in the gas tank and light it off.
Then husband reminds me it would take the garage with it.
He sort of objects to that.
Can't imagine why.

Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

I also understand the love hate thing. My solution is to set that one aside and take a different one. Welcome and good luck.