I'm looking at a very low-mile XK8 and XJ8, both of the vintage where they need their plastic timing chain tensioners swapped for the metal upgrade. While they are low mile cars, I'd still want to immediately swap out those tensioners.

Can Los Angeles members recommend a mechanic/shop that they know has done this swap for a decent price? I have one offer for $3,000 which would be the absolute high end of what I'd expect a shop would ask for this work. My reading in the past about the issue seems to dictate to me that the swap can be done for about $800 - $1500.

Any recs with first-hand experience?

Thanks very much. It would be nice to--by simply solving a design hiccup--keep this otherwise pristine examples on the road.

C

 

How do you know the vehicles need new timing chains and tensioners? Did anyone remove the cam covers and have a look?

Most of the cars still running have had the primary and secondary chains, guides and tensioners replaced. Of course, it is entirely possible that's not the case with vehicles having low miles.

 

I know because I was able to get in touch with the original owners, and both were runaware of the tensioner issue.