I'm about a month in to my 1998 Jaguar XJR restoration project and here's what I've accomplished so far:

New parts:

-8 new Bosh spark plugs
-Valve cover gaskets repaired/replaced
-Spark plug wells, coils and throttle body cleaned
-Fresh oil change with full synthetic oil
-New oil filter
-New fuel filter
-New air filter
-Driver's side rear axle replaced
-New rear wheel bearings (both wheels)
-4 brand new struts/shocks
-New front tyrod outers
-New front lower and upper ball joints
-New copper/brass brake lines
-4 brand new rotors and brake pads
-Calipers painted with VHT red paint
-Two brand new headlight bulbs
-Rear spindle bearings replaced
-5% tint all the way around, with window strip, lifetime warranty
-New red Jaguar center caps for all 4 wheels
-All fuse boxes checked
-New Bosh windshield wiper
-Fully detailed inside and out
-Hood and fender bondo applied to protect air filter from sucking in water


Things needing fixed:

-Sunroof needs repaired, not motor just put back on its track (I broke it trying to apply sealant)
-Telescoping steering wheel rod needs replaced (won't go in and out, only up and down)
-Small electrical issue where steering wheel, side mirrors, and interior dome lights won't function (fuse blew once which fixed the problem, replaced, now issue is back)
-Needs new windshield washer fluid tank (fell down while driving, removed it)
-Needs new hood for aesthetics
-Needs new passenger side fender for aesthetics
-Needs new paint and some rust removed
-Needs center console repaired or replaced (cup holders are gone, tear in leather)


About $3,200 deep just for repairs so far.. Should I keep going or stop and sell?

Car has 90,000 miles on the motor and tranny.

 

did you replace the upper tensioner, thermostat, thermostat housing, water pump, transmission oil and filter? these items are the major concerns. Depend on the price u paid for the neglected XJR. .

 

Tensioners, radiator, and water pump will be replaced within the next month.

Everything I have already replaced was major concerns, simply due to the fact everything was rusted, the engine kept dying, and there were absolutely NO brakes at all.. The brake lines were so rusted they started leaking in 3 different spots.

I paid $2,500 for her.

 

The x308's are a tipping point IMO now where a person buys one for $2,500 or so and has to put $3-8k into it to make it run correctly or spend $9-13k on one in excellent condition. the divide is growing. I think the x308/XJR may turn out to be the rarest model in many respects. No oil in the airbox? When it is running and you remove the oil cap do you see any smoke?


The laundry list of what to do 1st to a neglected XJR is expensive and time consuming.
-Consider switching to royal Purple 10/40 and adding one or two engine restores going forward.
-Change the coolant temp sensor, it is short money and will prevent a p1638 code ($24 off of Amazon)
-if you have access to a lift, your model may have the drain key on the AT-pan. A lot of debate about the use of OEM fluid, but the stuff of Amazon that Shell Puts out is the exact stuff. Run a case of fluid then put Two Lucas AT conditioners. and every oil change going also remove the AT drain key. Preventive maintenance
-check the drivers side breather hose if it is blocked
-importantly I recommend replacing the alternator. $200 buck Denso off of Amazon and it will save you hours upon hours of Ghost Codes.


just my $0.02

 

I think I understand your post pretty well, but just how would "service records" have helped? On a car this old, a long list either means it was well taken care of, OR it was dogged and abused and needed much repair!

 

Service records would have told me what was already replaced, so I'm not scrounging around seeing if the tensioners, water pump, etc are new or old. This car's oil hasn't been changed in probably 40,000 miles (swear to god, it was blacker than black itself).

The only thing that isn't rusted on the undercarriage is the frame itself. Everything else has had to been replaced.

Screws, bolts, nuts, you name it..

I guarantee once I get done with it, you won't find a better "restored" XJR in KY!

Haha.

 

Thanks for the recommendations on what to replace next!

I smell some oil from the front when I run the car hard, but I haven't seen any oil in the box. I will test for smoke tomorrow.

Yeah, it's a shame people neglect such a beautiful car.. It's basically the same concept of neglecting an animal, or a human being.. This car is too beautiful to let die..