i recently bought a 1983 xj 6 s3. i've seen many pictures of other ones and mine looks alittle different i was wondering what the vanden model is. i have an all wooden sterring wheel all wooden trim i believe on the door panel to but not 100% sure. in the rear the back end extends far underneath the car and the exhaust pipes only stick out maybe 4 inches from the rear plate. i only got it for 1500. the owner thought he blew out cylinder 5 come to find out the lifter retainer (exhaust side) heated up and fell out. so i'm gonna get that fixed and replace that and the cam possiably. if the cam lobes are damaged. i have another xj6 behind my work with a good trans and motor the guy told me i could have anything i want out of it so i'm gonna strip the motor and trans. but i was wondering if their is anything else i should look for problem wise (besdides wiring i already am aware of that). it has a 4.2 6 cyl. thanks for ur time rory

 

vanden plas was just a name for having a few extra trim pieces in the interior and exterior. Basically an extra trim package that was offered.

If your engine is bad, I'd consider replacing it with something else. If you have technical ability, putting in a small block chevy v8 will make owning that thing cheaper. The XK engine only gets 8-10mpg on a good day. If gas goes up to $5-6/gal which it will in time, might be better.
A FI chevy engine with a good trans T700 could get 30 hwy and be as fast or faster than the XK 6-cyl. There are pros/cons to both.