Rick, I know who you're referring to in the X-Type forum. He provided incredible photos of every step of the way, better than tutorial. After reassembly he had problems with the rebuild and had to back track to find the timing chain and cam timing was way off. I was a member of that forum and it was he who advized me to go "salvage" or "reman".

 

Yes that is the one, he did an incredible photo write up. I did review that thread a number of times just to look at all the detailed pics just for the hell of it. Man I need to get a life according to the wife!

 

JPNJAG, if you go with a reman or a salvage engine, send me a PM, I may be interested in your engine, depending.

 

Well the first thing I would do is drop the pan and see how much damage has been done. See what condition the rod bearings are in? If not driven too far a swap of rod bearings might get you repaired??
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OK, here's a bottom end I'm doing. This job shouldn't be out the question before considering another engine.
The knocking is classic spun bearing(s) I can't help but reiterate, a bottom end rebuild will be cheaper than a replacement.
I go back to my first post, in that simply suggesting the engine is wrecked, is not correct, and can be fixed. The checks I suggested need doing before any decision is made, and route to take.
@bfsgross - sorry to be abrupt, I just want to be clear about the engine work on these V8's - to compare an X type full rebuild to this job isn't the same. I want JPNJAG to explore all his options, and not be told the engine is blown, when there is a real chance it can be rebuilt, and possibly a lot cheaper than throwing in another lump!

 

Sean, I agree...Drop the pan and scan. Rick, we're all nuts...I do the same (pore over rebuild material). I had a 1966 Mustang with a 289. The crank bearings spun. I dropped the pan and popped in new bearings...still banged around. probably the reason I quickly run to remans or salvage these days?

 

I'd suggest you get yourself a new or quality rebuilt or low mileage used motor from a reliable vendor. The one you have is quite likely to have too many issues for you have someone repair it for you in an economic and reliable manner.

You can try rebuilding a motor with limited parts and hope for a ton of luck or you completely disassemble it, inspect, measure, machine, replace and reassemble. I've done half a dozen engines or so, every thing from flat head 6 & 8's, vintage Lamboghinis & Maseratis to modern Maseratis and even an Infiniti Q45 that was a partial in the car job. That one was very expensive and ultimately not terribly satisfactory. The lucky approach usually doesn't work too well. It's terribly detailed work. Once the oiling system goes south you're into checking most everthing. The water pump is probably safe ...

Bob S.

 

Bob, noticed yer from North NJ. Ya anywhere near Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes area? Wifes step-mother lives in Wyckoff. We're only 75 minutes north east of her (Dutchess County, NY.). There was a Jag meet at the Bear Mtn. Inn (Rockland County, NY) a few months ago. I missed it cause had to attend my nephews engagement party.

 

I'm right on the Hudson river mid way between the GWB and Lincoln Tunnel.

Bob S.

 

Ok, I know where U R. Mother in law is up the line a bit to the west not too far from Rt. 287. Do ya belong to a Jag club? I don't live too far from Lime Rock, Ct. I want to see what's up with Jag owners in that area.

 

Once again thank you all for your valuable advice. I have decided to inctall a low milage Engine.

After carfull search I found an Engine with 27K Miles ( verified through Carfax with the VIN). I was lucky that the engine was available locally at a Jaguar specialized Junk Yard. The car thatthe engine came from was totoaled ina rollover accident. I saw the car and it had a side and top roof damage but no front impact. I also saw the engne and it looked very clean and with all the componenets intact.

I had also decided to repalce the transmission with the one coming from the same wrecked car. I now have a amtching Engine and trany.

I know that you are all waiting for the punch line,

The engine cost me $3,800, Trany was $1,500, and installation of both for $1,000. I beleive this was the best deal I ever had comparing since the best abnd cheapest deal was a 35K miles engine that quoted $4,500.

I also did some body work and now I have a "brand new" STR that is now being garaged and used in the weekends. (Family memebers have been advised in no uncertain terms to keep a 10ft distance from the car at all times).

I really missed driving the car and Now My Jag is on the Prowl in sunny So. Cal.

 

Have you the leftover torque converter around?
Though not confirmed, I think mine is poor and may need to be rebuilt - having a core would be great.
For the amount of work involved, it would not be wise to just put yours in even if it appeared fine before.
Again, not absolute, but if you have yours around I would like to have it in my stash of parts
Pete

 

Thanks for the update! Hope it stays running

 

Way to go JPNJAG!

 

JPN, looks like you made the right decision! CONGRATS!

 

Pics?