How should the trans shift? Smooth or harsh. Been a while since i've driven one, but I recall that when not in sport mode, it takes off in 2nd gear. True? My 02 xj sport is at 2,250 rpm at 70 mph. Should the R be the same?

This one has CATS. Can you delete that system and use regular shocks? I know to check out for coolant and oil leaks as well. The timing chain and tensioners should be good, as it is an 03. So should I be concerned of the tensioners?

If I'm missing anything, please feel free to chime in

 

It's a fairly smooth shifting transmission, and yes, the sport button engages a first gear takeoff instead of 2nd. It also raises the shift point to around 3k RPM if I remember, where normal non-sport mode is lower.

And yes, you can remove the CATS shocks and change them. You'll need new mounts because the shaft diameter of non-CATS shocks are different, and you'll need to remove the CATS module from the passenger footwell to eliminate error messages. But you'll have no issues with drive-ability. Bilstein green sport shocks are a very good choice, about $100 per. I have an 03 with 220k+ miles, never had a tensioner issue myself, and should already have the upgraded option.

Depending on the mileage, you'll have other things too. The supercharger cooling pump, for example, which isn't awful. Supercharger oil change. Different climates can mean different possible things to look at, so hard to say without more info, but it sounds like you're on the right track with questions.

 

220k miles, that's awesome man. Big time props. This is a 2 owner car in Florida. 130k miles. Good point on the supercharger oil and IC pump. I know the knock sensors tend to go out at this mileage as well. If they are original that is. Which I'm sure I could do myself.

 

What happened to your 03 R1?

 

Still have it. Here she is. Been kinda iffy on selling it cause I'm kinda tempted to pull the heads myself.



Update on the car I was looking at. Dealer wasn't taking my seriously, I guess because I am out of state. Who knows. Wouldn't call me back like they said they would. They were supposed to let me know what the CEL was. And they were going to fix. I guess they sold the car.