What is the group consensus of the reliability/durability of a '97 XJR vs. '97 XJ-6? I have owned several XJ-6's and I have found that, once they are sorted- they are virtually bullet proof. Considering a well-sorted '97 XJR but have no experience. Thoughts?

 

Virtually it's the same engine and pretty much the same car, with just few add ons (like supercharger and few supporting it parts) so should be the same, bullet proof But I think the best people to say something about this matter would be Andy, the ECU guru and Doug, who keeps modding his XJR

 

As with my previous Jags I've found the engine *itself* to be the least troublesome part of the car :-).

Water pump, thermostat, coils...the usual AJ16 stuff. Nothing specifically related to it being the "R" model. No problems with the actual supercharger.

The supercharger and associated equipment *does* increase the repair difficulty in some cases. Small price to pay for 80 additional horsepower.

The 4L80E trans is as good as any other.

I did have to replace the diff at about 75k miles. The XJ40/X300 diffs are not as stout as the older types. I suspect the "R" horsepower....I use it fairly regularly....tips things over the edge.

All other known X300 problems apply, naturally.

Cheers
DD

 

At least on the six, there doesn't seem to be a need for routine removal of the SC or else there would be a whole bunch of moaning about it. On the eight, pop a knock sensor ... remove the SC, pop a heater hose ... remove the SC. Eight hours minimum.

 

On the XJR6 it's lower radiator hose and t/body that are labor intensive. Water pump, alternator, anything on the right side...no problem.

Cheers
DD

 

I wouldn't consider the XJR6 to be any less relaible than a std XJ6, it is just harder to get to some parts, as Doug has said.