Ok, I have had my '92 XJS for about 7 months and I love it. A bit about the car condition:car body / frame is 100% 0 rust, interior is 85% (Could use recarpeting and upholstery) Top is 100% (Need to fix leak in one hose in pump, but is minor). The engine runs, however, it appears that is overheating and therefore it shut down on me about 2 weeks ago. Took it to mechanic and tells me Catalytic converters are plugged, getting exhaust into coolant, therefore recommends cats + head gasket job. Total cost about $8,000. However I asked if we were going to do the head gasket and put 8K into the car why not rebuild engine. Car has 125K miles. He says it has good compression and does not appear to need it.
Would you do the whole rebuild? Still trying to figure out different places that could rebuild the engine.
I am not there yet... on lumping the car, but could be an option if the #'s dont work out (I would have about 18K after refurbishing and rebuild)
Appreciate any input

 

It might be cheaper to stick a replacement engine in if you can find a good one.

 

The cats, you might as well just gut them. Or use different downpipes. No sense buying them from the factory for an arm and a leg.

The engine isn't hard to rebuild. I did my orignal rebuild for around 1000.

I don't know.if you're doing your own.work or if someone else is doing it, so that would influence my input.

 

I did mine about 3 years ago in my XKE, and did it all myself. I spent around 3500. But I did a valve job, all new exhaust valves, all new springs, one valve seat, all new exhaust valve guides, teflon seals. I put total seal rings, all new bearings, timing chain tensioner, gaskets, bearings. It was a big job. Takes a lot of space (for me anyway). It wasn't that complictaed, once I broke it down to managable componants. I would do it again. I don't mind the LUMPS, but for me, the V12 is just a matter of sense of satisfaction to own and drive that which not many people dare to try. We are a different breed of car guys (and women) I think

 

I dont know what the cost of the cats are, but 8K is a huge amount to put head gaskets in. I would be looking for another opinion, and another estimate.

 

I agree 8k for head gasket is over the top. Get a second opinion also are you certain the gaskets gone? Do a quick compression test, also is there any sign of coolant in the oil or vise versa.
If you do decide to replace the head gaskets I take it's a v12? I wouldn't attempt to do it while in the car, it might sound like a bit of overkill but remove the motor and box and do it out of the car, while they are gone it presents the perfect opportunity to do anything else on the front end. e.g lower arm control bush's springs mounts ect/ect.

 

Find a decent used engine and drop it in !

Cheers
DD

 

Which could run into *thousands* if you wanted to go with new, high grade, professionally installed leather.

A new interior can easily cost more than fixing the mechanicals!

Cheers
DD

 

Punt, cut your losses they will only compound. Sell it to someone who needs parts or can manage a DIY fix. Then if you have to have one, buy another with lower mileage that was better maintained to start with. High mileage and poorly maintained V12 XJS' are for those who are experienced DIY'ers or those with deep pockets.

 

First, thanks to all for your input. I really appreciate it since sometimes when making decisions about a car we dont think with the head but with the heart.
So, after getting the estimate from the mechanic, decided to pick the car up and bring it to the house while I decide what to do with it. Called another mechanic and will get a second opinion.
In regards to selling it, it would be an option, I have about 8K in the car, and I think I would get a buyer at that price. However, will have to consider, what can I get into for 8K or 18K (Cost of XJS plus what I would put into it).
Since I do not have a lot of spare time, working on the car, except the small stuff, requires me to take it to a specialist, so my maintenance costs will be high and I will have to consider that into future costs of ownership.
So for now, I will listen to that second opinion and go from there.
Again, thanks for your input.