So since the weather is warming up, it's time for me start driving my 99 XJ8. This year though, I need to preform some upgrade and handle some issues:

1) I'd like to install a modern single din head unit. Does anyone have suggestions for kits?
2) Upgrade to LED headlights
3) I've been noticing that it has not been throwing heat very well, and am smelling burning oil through the heat on occasion. The last time I had it in the shop,
I was told that it was leaking oil at the very front of the engine. Timing cover perhaps? Any or all suggestions would be appreciated.
4) Also have some body work that needs attending this summer, any advice as to who/where would have the pieces I need to fix this right, would be great.

 

For body panels, you can get the part numbers off SNG Barrett to search, they themselves do not sell the parts anymore though. You may find some with a parts search though. Other than that, your either looking at a body shop with metal skills or finding parts online in scrapyards.

For a possible oil leak on the front, the two most likely culprits will be your main seal and/or your dual oil line hookup. Both are rather common. Another could be the cam covers.

An oil smell from the heater?...easily could be cruddy dust buildup on the coils or if your using external air, it's drawing the smell off your exhaust burning it, which points at the cam covers again as a possible leak. See if it dissipates if you put it on cabin recycle.

Here's a link to the single DIN fascia I found a few years back and still use today. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...5/#post1491946 The Clarion pop out screen has recently been discarded for a sweet Pioneer DEH-S6220BS. I love Pioneers, great sound...absolutely do not recommend Clarion, I only got it for the screen for navigation 14 yrs ago. I also upgraded my speakers to Rockford Fosgate R165-S and picked up new connectors for them as well...Metra 71-017C. I'm using the Alpine/Jaguar amp.

 

Sounds like a great project! For the head unit, check Metra or Connects2 for install kits. LED upgrades work well, just ensure proper CANBUS compatibility. Oil smell could be the timing cover or valve cover gaskets, worth inspecting. For body parts, check eBay, junkyards, or specialists like Jaguar Heaven.

 

For body panels such as those you require, first inspect closely the extent
of damage your car has. (Rust, at the point shown on your car almost always
extends far beyond what is showing) Then you will have a much better idea
of to what extent you need to acquire from a doner Jaguar.

 

Regarding the oil issue. Really the best thing to do is get under there and look around. If you're smelling burning oil inside the cabin, that suggests it actually leaking out and hitting the hot exhaust at some spot. On my 01XJR, I have a leaky spot at the lower rear bolt on the left side cam cover (even after I replaced the gasket set) and I'm currently in the middle of getting my front mounted oil cooler lines recrimped to eliminate a significant oil leak there. Get it up on some ramps, open the hood and run it for awhile. Eventually some oil will leak out and you should be able to follow first the smoke and then the drip.

Rust, I'm in the same boat, but lucky for me a bit less bad. Its on my list for this year to try to either address it or accept that eventually its going to rot out from under me and best to enjoy it while its still unperforated.

 

How you are plannig to mount the led headlight bulb ? I'm asking cause the mounting system is not as normal H7 bulb has. You have to manufacture bulb holder or bodge bulb in to place.

 

These guys have quite the variety of LED's, here's the headlamps and read the yellow highlight... https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehi...sid=I0UMDoSESg

Now I have found possibly because of the CANBUS, ...LED's don't necessarily work as advertised. I've had a few of my dash ones go out, but I haven't pull the dash to see if by chance the lock lug isn't doing it's job.

 

Highhorse, did you have a wiring harness, or did you have to DIY that?