XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) 1997 - 2003

Are these the only 2 needed upgrades?

Old Jan 4, 2012 | 07:39 AM
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Default Are these the only 2 needed upgrades?

Hi,

Buying a 2002 XJ8 and am new to this forum.

Am I correct that if I upgrade both the tensioners and the clutch drum then there is nothing else that would "regularly" fail to cause the car to self destruct?

Could I then reasonably expect 100K trouble free miles with simple oil/fluid/filters changes etc?

The car I'm looking at is a 2002 with 36K original miles.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 08:14 AM
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2002's don't usually require metal timing parts, as they're already fitted. If the engine was manufactured after mid August 2001.
The plastic thermostat tower fails, but can be replaced with an aluminium unit.

The gearbox benefits regular fluid changes, again, the 2002 might have an A drum revision.

Generally the later, the better. 2002 is a good vintage of the XJ8.

Hope you get it cheap, they're amazing value.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 08:56 AM
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To add a note to what Sean posted, my 2002 was built in June '01 and had the plastic tensioners, since replaced. I don't know about the XJ series but my XK has a label on the driver door 'B' column with the manufacturer date. As Sean said, if it is after August there is an excellent, but not guaranteed, chance that the tensioners are the later metal ones. If it shows August or you want to be certain you need to ask a Jaguar dealer to determine the engine serial number from the VIN. The serial number encodes the manufacture date of the engine. August 13, 2001 is the conversion date you are looking for. That would produce a serial number of 010813xxxx (YYMMDDHHMM) or later.

Or you could pull a valve cover and visually verify that the metal ones are there.

Sounds like you may have found a jewel! Post pictures.

. . . and welcome to the forum!
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 11:33 AM
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WOW!

I am SOOO happy to hear this. Thank you!

Jeff
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 11:36 AM
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Sorry, double post
 

Last edited by sparkenzap; Jan 4, 2012 at 03:20 PM.
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Sean B
2002's don't usually require metal timing parts, as they're already fitted. If the engine was manufactured after mid August 2001.
The plastic thermostat tower fails, but can be replaced with an aluminium unit.

The gearbox benefits regular fluid changes, again, the 2002 might have an A drum revision.

Generally the later, the better. 2002 is a good vintage of the XJ8.

Hope you get it cheap, they're amazing value.
Where would I get the aluminum thermostat tower??

 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 11:38 AM
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I have a MY O2 XJ8 with 170,000 miles. Tensioners (unneeded, as my originals were metal), brakes, water pump, metal thermostat housing, ABS re-solder, failed SCLM (fixed myself), and a st of plugs is all I remember. Oh yeah, a handful of vacuum "pipes" and some hoses, and front shock tower bushings. And many of these things are ttime rather than mileage related. The two radiators are another story- the radiator is the first thing that hits somethning in the road or a parking curb!

Thats about it, other than fluids, tires, and a belt ot two, SO I will not say 100,000 "TROUBLE FREE" miles, but certainly say as good as any euro sports sedan. And working on it yourself for the simple stuff will save a bundle.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 01:40 PM
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The aluminum housing is available from any number of the on-line Jaguar parts suppliers. Usually $80 or less and some include the thermostat. That issue is a soft fail and I would not bother replacing it unless you are just looking for a love present for the car. It will fail by starting a slow leak that shows up with a 'low coolant' code and dried coolant around the base of the housing. If you replace it consider painting it as the bright aluminum sorta stands out on an otherwise black engine .

At the top of this forum is a check list of everything to verify when purchasing a car. The interior electronics are one area that I would encourage you to verify in detail. All the switches, seat controls, memory function, climate control, EVERYTHING else. Lack of use can be as big a problem as worn out.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 02:04 PM
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Default Woo hooo , has the upgrades by 3 days

It was made 3 days after the updates started!!


Originally Posted by test point
To add a note to what Sean posted, my 2002 was built in June '01 and had the plastic tensioners, since replaced. I don't know about the XJ series but my XK has a label on the driver door 'B' column with the manufacturer date. As Sean said, if it is after August there is an excellent, but not guaranteed, chance that the tensioners are the later metal ones. If it shows August or you want to be certain you need to ask a Jaguar dealer to determine the engine serial number from the VIN. The serial number encodes the manufacture date of the engine. August 13, 2001 is the conversion date you are looking for. That would produce a serial number of 010813xxxx (YYMMDDHHMM) or later.

Or you could pull a valve cover and visually verify that the metal ones are there.

Sounds like you may have found a jewel! Post pictures.


So this one was manufactured LL010815xxx so it was the 3rd day of the upgrade !! How happy am I?!!

Thank you for the info

. . . and welcome to the forum!
 
Attached Thumbnails Are these the only 2 needed upgrades?-2002-xj.jpg  
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 03:18 PM
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Beautiful car! 36k miles, congratulations!

One other thought; is those are original tires they need to be replaced tread or not. They are now 10.5 years old and you never know when you might drift up to the upper end of the speedometer out of pure pleasure.
 

Last edited by test point; Jan 4, 2012 at 03:22 PM.
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by test point
Beautiful car! 36k miles, congratulations!

One other thought; is those are original tires they need to be replaced tread or not. They are now 10.5 years old and you never know when you might drift up to the upper end of the speedometer out of pure pleasure.
The tires are supposedly 4 years old, but look a little dry. I consider it a serious safety issue so I am going to buy new tires, but am having difficulty finding a good tire in the 225 60 16 size.

I want something with relatively quiet but very good dry traction, w/stiff sidewall, and decent, but not phenomenal wet traction ( I drive carefully in the wet, but sometimes like a little high speed drift once in a great while when the weather is warm and the road is clean and dry )

Any suggestions? Mileage is not a big concern for me.

By the way, the price was $10,000 even. I'm happy with that, I don't think I over or underpaid.
 

Last edited by Newby; Jan 4, 2012 at 10:50 PM.
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 09:50 PM
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That was a very reasonable price, esp. considering the low miles.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2012 | 01:06 AM
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If the overall condition is appropriate to the miles you got a very good deal.

TireRack.com is a favorite because of good prices and an excellent web site that includes user ratings of the tire brands. Check here: Tire Search Results

I guess I should mention treadepot.com as they are a sponsor of this forum. Great prices also. http://www.treadepot.com/tirelist.ht...size=225/60R16
 

Last edited by test point; Jan 5, 2012 at 07:25 AM.
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Old Jan 5, 2012 | 01:54 AM
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newby,

There is a code on the tyres for the date of manufacture. If the tyres are over 6 or 7 years old, or if you drive through corners with enthusiasm (like I do- not torturing the tyres to the point of screaming, but I am quick point to point), then i would suggest replacing bthem as they can burst without warning.

Personally, I'd look at Michelin. They do make tyres in that size, but ask around to find the best country of manufacture (there are differences in life & performance)' the best used to be made in Spain, but I don't know if that is the case still.

Cheers,

Languid
 
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Old Jan 5, 2012 | 06:34 AM
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I'll add, fit only assymetric tread patterns, the X308 chassis is very sensitive to symmetric treads, they tend to track and wonder about with these fitted.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...82/#post444718
 
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Old Jan 5, 2012 | 07:32 AM
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Yes, these cars are very sensitive to tires, balance and alignment.

I was unhappy with the high end asymmetrical tires because of low mileage, flat spotting and high cost. In fact, I changed the front set with lots of tread left because you couldn't leave the car parked for more than a couple days without running a flat spot out for 10 miles. Moved to symmetrical H rated tires for nearly $100 less per tire and have been very happy for 6-7k miles.
 
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