Hi guys, I broke tensioners on my VDP 4 years ago and it ended up destroying the engine. So the car has been sitting for about 4 years and I want to get it fixed now. So I got few questions regarding that. I understand that I can put any 4.0 engine from 99-03. First of all is that correct? Secondly If I get a 02 or 03 engine. Do I still have to replace those tensioners? And how can you be sure that engine is indeed from a 2002-03 model year? Are all 2002 model year engine the same or did they change it half way through?
I also understand that you can't put a SC engine in a non supercharged one, but can you buy a supercharger later and install it on the non SC engine? What else do you think I should replace since the car has been sitting around for 4 years?
Lastly If I remember correctly my Traction control light was on and it wasn't working. Is that an cheap fix or expensive? That's all I can think of right now, if I remember more I will ask.
Thanks for your help.

 

There's in-depth threads here that explain the engine's VIN#'s & how they correlate w/ the changes in tensioners etc. use the search feature, good luck.

 

This can be triggered by anything from dirty ABS sensors, broken sensor wire (both quick and easy fixes) right up to ABS module or other more serious failures. A search on the ABS/TCS warning light issue will tell you the various things to look for.

 

Thanks guys. So I searched the forums for engine compatibility and stuff, but I still can't figure it out if I have AJ26 or AJ27. I think I have AJ27 but I am not sure. If I upload the pictures of my engine, can you guys confirm for me that if it is indeed AJ27.
And what about what other stuff should I replace since the car has been sitting around for 4 years, and I mean in terms of engine. Not brake pads, shocks and that stuff, because I am going to change that anyways. Thank you for your help.

 

You have an AJ27 engine (TB, VVT socket, MY) but that sure looks corroded. I would have a good look at the sills and subframe mounts for rot before I bothered with the engine.

 

Thanks bud for the info. Now my question is if the subframe mounts are indeed corroded, can it be fixed relatively cheap or should I just forget about it? Secondly I'm not sure what are sills?

 

Under the doors!

 

hastile - have you been advised on the subframe mounts and sills being corroded? I suspect the car has been parked on grass?

You are looking for an AJ27 4.0 and they fit XJ8/XK8 from your 99-03 dates. The metal tensioners update was from midnight August 18 2001 But this is not set in stone, be at least Sept/Oct 01 to be certain.

Other items to consider are the metal upgraded thermostat tower and a new thermostat.
The plastic ones fail, and the T-Stat is pennies to replace, why do it twice

Hope this helps

 

I think it was parked in a garage for most part and if not I the garage then on a paved parking lot. If the sills are under the door at the bottom of the car on the outside, then it's not too bad. Just very minor rust and overall the body is in very good shape. I brought up subframe issue to my mechanic, he doesn't think it should be a problem. But he says you can only find out by taking the engine out or putting it up on a lift. So I'm gonna go ahead and order me an engine in couple weeks and hope for the best. And again thank you everybody for their help.

 

The are some engine computer compatibility issues with the various years. Coventry West near Atlanta is knowledgeable and they sell used engines.
XK8's use the same engines and usually get wrecked with lower mileage.