New member here, just purchased a Carnival Red, 2001, XJ8 Vanden Plas. 69,000miles

So new-to-me I haven't even taken any pics yet, here are some from the sales ad.

Things I intend to do.

1) Timing chains/tensioners
2) Stainless mesh grill inserts
3) One of those expensive gear selector knobs with a Jaguar head on it.

 

Welcome ! Car looks a treat & here's the best IMO custom Jaguar shifter knob artist around.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/Shift-Knobs...sn=zahnieblack

 

Thank you for the welcome KC, and for the link to the shifter knobs.............so many designs to choose from!


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Yes he's very talented, the pics do not do them justice, they are marvelous in person.

Also of note, Galaxy has a plethora of vintage Jag parts @ great rates, my associate scored a mint set of of the grill mesh inserts for $70 last year.

XJ8 - XJ8 L & Vanden Plas: Jaguar Used Parts, Auto Body Supplies, Salvage Car Wrecking Junk Yard

 

Welcome indeed, that color is wonderful!
I hope you will enjoy your VDP as much as I do enjoy mine.

Then, take your time to work through the work it (probably) needs, which is a bit more than only the tensioners.

Check hoses (specially those in the valley), replace the thermostat (even if it works now), change the thermostat tower for an alloy one, change liquids, and plan for a transmission oil refresh, plus a new solenoid.

Then I am sure I forgot some other issues, but this forum will tell you all about them.

 

All good advice, and all things I will do, and all things I learned about here as a silent observer. The internet, and forums like this, are wonderful things.

Thank you for your welcome, and advice.


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Welcome!!!
Beautiful car BTW!

 

" A " drum / pressure regulator mod on the transmission to stay ahead of the issue , cheap and easy . Does it apply to this year ?

 

I was not aware of the "A" drum trans mod, thank you LP for the heads-up, have researched it and will do this when I get the trans serviced.


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Lovely looking car, do you intend to do the timing chain tensioners yourself?
If not, I'm curious what they cost in Northern Cal, I'm in So Cal, and I've been quoted $2700 for my '99 VDP with 74k miles.

 

I am going to do them myself, I was quoted $3,000 by the local "Foreign Car" shop, (that included replacing the water pump and thermostat manifold). I figure I can do it myself for around $800, that counts chains, complete tensioner set, complete gasket set, harmonic puller, harmonic holding tool, replacement harmonic bolt, cam align tools, water pump, metal thermostat manifold, thermostat, new hoses, oil, anti-freeze, serpentine belt, and spark plugs.


ALSO: pm sent


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