I know the title sounds funny. Been considering another XK, 2010+ and am wondering if there are any suspension/steering upgrades that will make the XK steer and handle more like a Lotus or Aston. Considering the double wishbones all the way around, the suspension and steering were the weakest points on my XK.

Anything out there to really transform the car? Is the XKR a lot different in that regard than the XK? Never drove the XKR variant.

 

The Lotus will always feel much more sprightly as it's half the weight and much more stiffly sprung, that's gonna be tough on a larger/heavier car without active suspension and ruining the ride quality way beyond the point of being worth it. The Aston should be very similar though, so that's a reasonable goal. The suspension on the cars is decent, but if it's older and the bushings are soft/worn, upgrades there would be in order. There's also a matter of geometry, I would have to look up specs but if your Aston has more Caster for example, it will have a better 'on center' feel than the other car and may not be matchable without custom parts. The XKR does have different dampers and feels sportier, but that's a subjective feel. What wheel/tire setup did you have on the relative cars? A larger wheel/shorter sidewall with a grippy tire does wonders for most cars. It takes the 'lag' out of the steering response and makes the car feel more direct in every movement.

 

The bump steer was awful on my XK. I thought it had 19" wheels. Been a good decade since I owned it.

 

Speak to the guys at swallows, they know how to make an xk handle.

https://swallows-jag.co.uk/

 

I installed xkr shocks/springs into my 2008 XK. Compared to my friend’s 2007 XKR the XK’s handling is almost a match. Not totally as responsive but on the streets it is close enough for me. The installation transformed the handling toward my desired goal.

At this point, shedding weight would probably be the best way to improve the handling of the XK.

I’m happy with what I have as to handling.

wj

 

I am happy with the acceleration in any of the XK variants I'd get. My '07 was plenty "fast". I think the springs were too stiff in the XK. Are there any coil/shocks or coil over packages that will change the feel? Replacing the bushings (not necessarily with poly) is something I'd do either way.
My mechanic is down on poly bushings in general to their shorter life span.

 

Just to give you an idea of the car I am after, would be 2010+ XK/XKR convertible for under $25K in a neat (to me) color like Cashmere Gold or something else ritzy.

Wife has an NC Miata, and I'd like the driving excitement to remain in the XK as much as possible. Budget is not there for a V8 Vantage Roadster or we'd just get that.

 

Just as the best way to make an XK have the horsepower of an XKR is to 'sell the XK, buy an XKR'....
The best way to make an XK(R) handle like a Lotus is to 'sell the XK(R), buy a Lotus'.

 

Look into spherical ball joints to replace, rather than poly bushings. They will last much longer if sealed, and allow full range of motion with zero play. Fantastic upgrade for any car. I have gone custom where they didn't have options, even as far as selling sets to other people, and have always gotten great feedback.

 

Depending on your budget and how far you want to take it, I'd take a good look at what Jag did to the XKR-S GT. Which was basically to bolt on F-Type suspension components and the F-Type rack. You'll get a wider track and also slightly lighter components (I believe?). Your steering ratio will be quicker for a better turn in. This is all bolt in (not sure if you need to calibrate rack). If you can find a wrecked F-Type that could be a worthwhile project.

 

But, a Lotus Evora feels nothing like the Aston Vantage.

I would argue the XXR could never feel like the Lotus. Too heavy.
As the the Vantage, maybe… but you’ll spend more money and much more time than just going out and getting the vantage.

besides, at this price point, I think our cars are brilliant. Probably the best ROI on handling, performance, value and features out there.
of course that is 100% dependent on the maintenance extended to the car.
Letting bushing, tie rod ends, tires, alignments, brakes, bearings, filters, fluids, suspension, fuel… (you get the point) go and you’ve missed the mark. (Or is it marque, yuc yuc, yuc)

Despite the slush on the shoulders, the roads were mostly dry and above 4c today. I had to take her out to lunch.

 

Need to find a way to drop 1200lbs to make it handle like a lotus.

Lightweight exhaust
carbon body panels - doors, hood, roof.
coilovers
Lightweight battery and wheels.
Full interior strip - carpets, dash, sound deadening, hvac system, install Recaro seats. Lexan windows.

 

How much was @jahummer able to shed when he stripped his down for track use?

 

I saw Chris Fix on Youtube pull everything out of a...... can't remember what it was, but he only shed 400 pounds. Seats, carpet, some air bags, headliner, interior lights, all the trims except the basic door cards because he needed them to tech to hold possible glass breakage.
400 is a LONG way from 1200.
Get to that point and you may as well go buy a shifter cart.

 

I've done something similar on a coupe, managed about 500 pounds lighter and the difference can be felt a lot. Probably could get another 100 pounds or so removing climate, infotainment, alloy front cradle and a few other bits but not worth it to me at this time. There's a fabricator in Australia making carbon doors, panels, etc but very expensive. Custom lexan glass replacement very costly and scratches easily. Keep in mind these are nose heavy and more you shed, the more the handling will change. Lowering the engine and moving it more rearward will help.

But what's your intent? IF it's just for fun, then go for it but if you're after competitive racing there's better platforms to start with.

I did mine for fun as well as improving track performance but it's not a full race car build. The X150's a great GT and isn't the worst platform to make a race car - it's been done by RSR, Swallows, Frey and others in GT2 and GT3 sanctioned races with massive racing development budgets.

 

The R-S GT rack is quite different, different ratio and different assist valving. I fitted one to mine and the difference was substantial, heavier, more precise better handling. Then of course I've got customer sway bars, multiway adjustable digressive coilovers and custom suspension links and Powerflex poly bushes.

 

Have you driven a good 2010+? They are not as soft as the 4.2 cars. Put on a set of good modern tyres and you might be pleasantly surprised. The suspension on the XK is actually very similar to that of the XKR on the 5.0s.

 

V8 vantage roadsters..low mileage...

Low 30s!

 

I test drove a 2010+ when it was new, but that was so long ago. What I wanted in a car then and now has changed. I need to drive one again.

 

Not one that is worth getting. Plus, I like the looks and updates on the 4.7. A proper Roadster is like 45K+ IMO.