Thanks! The Penta wheels are 18x8 with a 33mm offset (Jaguar Part Number: MNC6118AA). I wrapped them in 255/40R-18 Sumitomo HTR all-seasons (which were surprisingly low cost). Ride-wise I'd say the lower profile tires reduced the ride quality ~20%, so nothing drastic.

Side note: King Charles, I see you're from New Bern, NC. I grew up in New Bern, graduated from ECU and my Dad still lives in that area (Arapahoe).

 

Well, actually two days ago (Wednesday) but I finished my chains and got the engine running - instant start up and stable idle



Great to hear the engine running with less to no chain chatter... No worries now of it being the last engine start up...

 

Small world ehh, After paint on mine I may look into getting her some new shoes err wheels lol. My experience w/ cars of this caliber has been so varied as far as ride quality after going bigger w/ rims. Albeit none of those were of the factory up-sized type. I had to deal with spring sizing,shocks etc.

Godspeed

 

Had the Jag's tensioners looked at. They are as I suspected: plastic. My mechanic said they looked good; so I have time to save up to replace them ( they're very expensive ) too bad I don't know a mechanic who'll do it do as a side-job.

 

About a week ago, noted as I backed out of my driveway that there was a spot of some fluid or the other on the pavement under where the car was parked. Hmmm...stopped backing out, and went to examine. Was a bit of coolant. Hmmm...I said again.

Popped the bonnet, checked the reservoir...was full...wonder where it came from.

So, hied myself (and the car...) over to my wrench. Now...was going to be spending the week in Dallas, so, having the car at the shop for the week was not going to be a big deal. So, left it with Ross (my wrench...) to suss out.

Turns out, after pressurizing the system, it was a loose hose clamp on the bypass tube at the top front of the engine. Tightened back up, safety wired the head of both, pressure tested, no leak. Topped the reservoir to account for the missing coolant...all is well in Southern Bucks County at the house of British Motoring.

Car's back in the driveway...and I'm still chuffed with how it drives. I love the XJ8, SWMBO likes the XF (as do I...don't get me wrong...but they're two different expressions of a theme), but enjoy both, depending on the day or circumstances.

Not a bad Jag-u-ar day.

 

Pulled enough of the twist metal back out for a little working room to get the radiator and condenser out from being impaled by the engine pulleys.
Reset the inertia switch and she fired right up..
The rest of the pulling with be left for the frame shop..

 

And replaced the supercharger belt and tensioner on the 98.

 

Cleaned the wheelarches / wheel wells using degreaser then applied some corrosion -x to protect from any rust. It's a messy job but it should be worth it in the long run. I'll be applying it every 3 months.

 

Seems as if "low engine coolant" lights & the likes is a trendy scenario around these parts lately. As I got one today doing a brisk passing session on an extended freeway trip. I will have all connections checked & run a pressure test, I suspect it's as my other X308 was & is the t-stat housing.

Godspeed

 

Each Winter that I have had this car I notice that radiator hoses get loose. I suspect it is the cold weather shrinking the plastic connectors. This morning found I could tighten the main clamps nearly 180* (19*F this morning).

Two winters ago, the upper hose loosened so much that it blew the hose off.

so, pressure check will ID the problem.

 

Got the new left upper shock mount from Parts Geek today; took about twenty minutes. Both sides now quiet when it is cold (19*F this AM).

Right side made by Uro $53, from Rock Auto; left made by Meyle $76. Meyle unit seems better built, thicker foam.

 

Removed and replaced the fuel tank, replaced the tires and changed the oil. Then drove the car on two long trips...1600 miles in a week. Ran as reliably as a Swiss watch the entire time. Only problem....the windshield washer froze in the 16oF morning temps. Didn't think of that living in Florida..chuckle

 

Replaced the filter, gasket and fluid on my 5hp24... Christ, like a nee transmission! Easy process as well...

 

The pictures of my "oil change story"... The sump was rather clean... Oddly... Used some "cheap but cheerful" Mannol AG52 (better than the cruddy ZF LifeGuard 5 stuff, that costs about 2 human kidneys and a chicken per liter!) and a MANN kit... Total costs: around €45!

And going by the fluid colour, it is about time!
















Result? The car drives like new now! No more head banging changing gears. No second waiting time for the kick down... Great tranny! Simply great!

 

Just decided to put my 02 xjr100 up for sale. 98k asking 12,500

 

I shouted and swore at my XJR, and locked it in the garage in disgrace!


She threw her toys out the pram today and blew her diff!

 

Did plenty today. Added an oil additive ( only a little ), topped off coolant, detailed the exterior, and cleaned / conditioned the seats!

 

Of course...that would have nothing to do with the way it has been driven
would it ;o]P

 

That is quite a statement ...

 

Been there, done that...

FYI the guys at SNG Barratt were awesome in helping me get a reconditioned diff and sending it half way around the world. Hopefully you're able to find something a little closer to home though, through a wrecker etc.
And of course, there'll never be a better time to look into one of those Quaiffe LSDs

This is a good reminder to everyone to make sure their diff is healthy! Especially the breather at the top that gets blocked so easily