My 89 is pure stock at the moment but I'm going to eventually put in a stick shift and, with that, there will be no reason to keep the rest of the car stock.

I would like to seriously firm up the ride and handling. I've read some here and there on the suspension options these cars have and I've searched a bunch of threads, but what I'd most like to know is...

1) How far can you go?
2) How expensive (ballpark estimates are fine)?
3) How difficult for a shop that doesn't usually specialize in Jags to do the work?
4) Will I like what I get in the end?

I prefer to really be able to fling a car around on curvy roads but I want to be safe at the same time. Typically, I put more resources into brakes/suspension than engine performance. I figure if the car won't go, that's one thing, but if it won't stop, that's entirely something else.

I've seen the car in JagZilla's signature but have never seen pictures of the build. I'm interested to learn more.

Any input is appreciated.

Jess

 

Here's my 2cents.

The brakes on the XJS are pretty good, unless you are going fling it round a track for 5-10 laps, then they will fade rear will go first. So for a road car a good set of pads and slotted rotors is all that is needed.

As the XJS already has a very low COG (centre of gravity) lowering is not needed. Lowing a car without good engineering will reduce peak corner speed ie grip.

Stock front springs with good dampers and a 25mm swaybar with poly mountings, just keep them greased so they don't squeak. Heavy duty standard ride height rear springs with no swaybar and good dampers, I used Bilstein TWR spec valving, NOT Jagsport. But there are other good dampers around.

Poly rack bushes

Stock rubber bushes in the upper and lower wishbones.

I have poly in the front subframe and rubber rears.

New rear subframe mounts.

My car handles brilliantly and is still reasonably smooth.

One thing that does need attention is chassis stiffening, the XJS even in coupe form twists. I plan on adding the convertible type under body X bracing to the front and rear.