I have less than than 20k miles on my XKR. I'm sure at sometime my water pump, timing chain tensioners or another component on the front of the engine is going to fail. When I need to access the front of the engine to replace one of these known parts which fail I'll replace the belts, tensioners, water pump etc while everything is apart and open for access. When servicing these components is it recommended to remove the hood and bumper for easy access. It would be a project I take on over the winter months.

 

When I did chains I had radiator, radiator shroud, aircon condenser, power steering cooler, cross brace & top lock all out to provide full access being supercharged you'll also have heat exchanger radiator .

Front bar stayed on for me but yes hood off

 

With the hood out of the way it makes a massive difference.