Hi! I just found this on Amazon - a Timing Chain tool kit for the XJ8 Timing Chain replacement:


$54.00 (US) is not a bad deal.
And the prices of the parts is also coming in reach of my budget.

Who knows you could start a business doing this repair.
I was quoted over $5,000 (US) by my local Jag Dealer for the repair
of my XJ8 Vanden Plas timing chain.

The likely hood of my doing this repair myself is looking more
promising.

POR - Press On Regardless

 

They're $40-45 on eBay.

 

It's actually not a bad kit in itself. The main things you'll use are the cam locks, VVT retarding tool and the flywheel timing plug.
With the cam locks they can be a little high when they are in position so you might have to file the bolt stubs a little to get them completely flush across the cam flats, essential for setting the cam timing correctly. The VVT retarding tool is a bit on the weak side regarding the two pins, they do bend somewhat so be careful with those, but the flywheel plug is fine.
The wedges are fine as are the upper tensioner retainers.
If I were you, I'd take the time and attack it yourself. Give yourself plenty of room to work, plenty of time to do it and don't lose heart.
You'll learn about your engine, save a bucket full of dollars, and have the satisfaction of knowing that it really isn't as bad a job as the dealers make out.
Plus we are all here for when you need any help of course.
You can get the full timing chain kit from SNG Barrett, with the upgraded secondary tensioners and upgraded morse primary chain, plus you will need (just because you will have everything in pieces) new valve cover gaskets, complete with the spark plug 'o' rings, breast plate gasket (2 pieces), crank pulley bolt, serpentine belt.
I reckon maybe $1000 tops in parts. Thats a big saving over the dealer.

 

That kit is good value for money, there are places who want 4 times the price for the same thing. I bought the same/similar item for even less.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Timing-Locking-Tool-Set-for-JAGUAR-LAND-ROVER-3-0-3-5-4-0-4-2-V8-US-OY/273037538441?epid=20003130969&hash=item3f924e3489: g:1oYAAOSwdHBaZv5S

As others have said, the VVT tool is weak, the pins bend very easily, plus I found I had to grind and file it just to fit inside the VVT........and I ended up not needing it anyway because the VVTs don't need to be adjusted.

The cam locks are fine as-is, and so is the crank locking tool, and the wedges. The "grenade pins" are for holding the tensioners in the locked-back position when they are in place (the shipping pins get in the way of the chains when installed).

You will need the crank pulley tool. Yes it is expensive (this the cheapest place I found), but it is worth it.


I bought my chains/tensioners/full gasket set from Christophers, because it was a complete kit at a very good price.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/JAGUAR-V8-4-0L-1999-2001-COMPLETE-TIMING-CHAIN-KIT-EVERYTHING-IN-ONE-BOX/372082028567?hash=item56a1d13017:g:fMEAAOSwpDdVR9B 3&vxp=mtr