I REALLY want to replace my current XJ8 with a 5-speed manual 3.0 X-type sport.

I can't find one local. What I can find is a GORGEOUS black on black 2.5 5-speed and a nice white on tan 2.5 5-speed sport.

The black car is tons prettier. Are wheels, tires, and springs the only difference in the sport? Searching some say brakes are different, some say no. If a set of springs and wheels would make the black one the same as the white it's a no brainer for me.

 

Wes, the Sport came with 17" (minimum) wheels where the base model came with 16" (minimum). Then you have the slightly shorter springs to give the car a slight drop (1.4"). Honestly, I think you are going to find that both cars are going to handle about the same. The "Sport" package was more of a cosmetic thing than anything that really improves the performance. Both vehicles used the same exact motors.

 

As for the brakes, there was a change in the brakes, but that was from 02-04 and then 05 and on have different rear brakes. it isn't so much it is a Sport/Non-Sport difference. It is a model year difference.

 

I have a 2003 sport. The seats are different, there is a spoiler on the trunk (boot), and the grill surround might be painted the same as the body...not chromed.

 

And also the fins in the bumpers were body color instead of chrome in the sport models. Also in 2005 they offered the carbon fiber dash and leather/alcantara seat option package.

I could be wrong, but I do not think I ever saw a white X with the sport package. The ad you are looking at might call it a sport sedan or sport model, when it actually does not have the sport package.

 

I don't know if it's any different to a base model but the sport also has a small S button to change the gear change setting and when pressed, it sure does make the car liven up abit.

 

The S button is on the automatics only. And it is on all the automatics; it has no relationship to the SPORT model. The SPORT has a stiffer suspension, and a plainer interior (less wood, different seats), less chrome on the exterior (almost none), etc. Given that the "normal" X-Type already has a firm suspension, the SPORT suspension is uncomfortable for some people especially when couple with the much larger wheels (I am not referring to the 17 inch wheels). The 2.5 5-speed manual is a lovely car to drive, particularly if it has the revised clutch fitted - much lighter and, oddly, the gear change is much smoother. This clutch can be retrofitted to the earlier cars (that is pre-2005). I have done it on two 5-speeds. It transforms the car.

 

The S button I believe changes the throttle response a bit to make it more aggressive and also holds the RPMs longer before shifting to the next gear.

 

About how much does it cost to put on the newer clutch?

 

The revised clutch is part number C2S 33393. I bought the clutch from Coventry West; the cost was about $175, and I had my dealer install it, their price $1300 which included new transmission fluid, new nuts, bolts seals etc. Worth every penny.
I cannot emphasize enough how different this clutch is: lighter and smoother and it completely eliminates the original clunky 2-3 shift - why, I don't know. But I had this clutch put in two 2002 cars and both were utterly transformed in exactly the same way. Shifting is a one finger effort now. I used to go from 1 to 3 to avoid the 2-3 awkwardness. The revised clutch just makes these manuals a delight.
You ,might want to check the exact date of the introduction of this clutch though to make sure that yours doesn't already have it.

 

That's not a bad price for the part. I'll look into it, I don't think mine has the new one as it is a bit clunky. I'd be tempted to try it myself though. I don't like spending too much money