While perusing various online sites, I came across an ad for a 1997, 135k mile XK8 convertible.
Started as needing a "cam sensor and tranny service". It has now evolved to "tranny slipping" from his new advert.
I can do the work myself, and have asked as to the condition of everything else. If everything else checks out, sound reasonable for a max price of $1500? Looks clean in pictures, but anything can.
As far as my abilities go, we have a total of 3 Range Rovers, one that I installed a Chevy LSx engine and 4L60E into, a stock 1998 and a BMW powered 2003 MkIII. Then we have the wheeling rig, a Heep on 37's fully locked etc. Non have seen a shop in my time of ownership (8 yrs total). So doing the work myself is a non issue. If I need tools, I buy them. If I need parts, I either make or buy them, and so on.
I know I can get a later one (non Nikasil) for @$8k and up around me. Earlier ones are in the $4-6k range. I wouldn't buy a normal priced on though, just saw this one as a cheap deal to mess with.
Thoughts?

Martin

 

It's dirt cheap - get it, you can always part it out. Just make sure the rust is minimal - otherwise walk away. As a mechanic, the rest is tear n replace, with a bit of programming stuff needed via software. Once you wrap your head around the Jaguar way, its pretty easy, just tedious.

I saw a 4.0 engine / trans longblock on ebay for 3100 a few weeks ago - probably are more available in your neck of the woods - so for 7K total, you could end up with a beautiful, eye-turning car for weekend rides.

 

If the compression is good nikasil is not a problem, but pull the injector fuse while checking to avoid cylinder wash.

 

I can certainly take the compression gauge and some sockets etc to test the compression. When doing so, I ALWAYS pull the fuel pump relay/fuse, so that isn't a problem.
i guess if it all goes downhill fast, it can get one of these, like what is residing in my 1998 Range Rover..
Excuse the wiring mess. I changed intakes to a LS6 one, to lower the height of the engine, and now need to redo the wiring etc. Shame since it was running and driving before the intake swap, but such is the price for "progress"....


Anything else you guys can think of, please let me know.
As an after thought, are there any aftermarket diagnostic machines out there for the Jags? I have a Faultmate from Black Box Solutions, as well as a TekPro, for the Rovers. Those allow me to get into every system, change settings, and so on. Can actually do more than the dealers can do.
Martin

 

AutoEnginuity - and JLR Mangoose ( see the spelling ) for a bootleg clone, JLR Mongoose has the real deal.

 

Auto Enginuity is not a bad price, and even more of a bargain if you bundle the European vehicles! For just over $200, a bargain for the Jag systems when compared to my other diagnostic machines....
Is one meant to be better than the others as far as makes etc go?
Waiting on a reply to an email I sent the seller. I asked for more pictures earlier this week, and got "Come see it for yourself" as a reply. He is @30 miles from it apparently.....But I am right at 100 miles from it!
Martin

 

Ive been researching the SW tools - and found ( please experts, chime in if I'm off here, as getting HARD info is like pulling teeth )

listed in order of functionality
Dealer - IDS SDD

JLR Mongoose

AutoEnginuity

JLR MAngoose ( demoted, due to lots of reports of crappy cables, and lets face it, its pirated )

standard OBD2
( you will learn to keep one cheap wireless one plugged into your port ALL the time - just find one with an on-off switch - you are gonna be reading Jag codes in your sleep )

 

So running the over complicated Range Rovers is good practice then?
11 ECM's on the pre 2003 ones, after which they went can bus, which is so much simpler.....not.

Martin

 

this is a perfect car for you to learn on - giggling! I had an OLD rover when I lived in Algeria, the only tool needed was a monkey wrench, rocks served as our hammers.

( I love them, I would buy it, if I didn't already have 3 projects in the shop )

 

It is better to pull the fuel injection fuse when checking compression. That way residual pressure in the rail will not put fuel in the cylinders.

 

Here are the only foto's I got of the car.



Chrome rims aren't really my "thing", but beggars cant be choosers...

Martin

 

at that price if you have the money to do the LSx swap that is out there now for 97-2002 I would do it.

 

I never realized there was an actual company making a "kit"..... After doing all the stuff on the Rover myself, I would be very tempted to throw the $1900 at it to make life easy!

Martin

 

yep, a nice write up on this forum - seems to work quite well.

 

Jaguar Specialties

 

"With this work completed we now offer a kit and related parts for any customer to do a similar conversion on his/her XK8. The conversion is basically a bolt-in: there is no drilling, cutting, or welding required on the car. The conversion is designed around any LS engine (car versions of 5.7L-6.0L-7.0L, or truck versions of 4.8L-5.3L-6.0L; please contact us for details). The transmission of choice is the 4L60E or 4L65E 4 speed auto overdrive transmission"

 

This was my first Rover, a 1950 P4-75, wonder if they make an LS kit for it?





Dave

 

No one makes anything for a P38 Range Rover neither......But here I am with a LM7/LS6 combination in my own! Had to make everything, but its there and works.
Buy it back and get 'er done mate!

Martin

 

Martin,
It sounds like you're in the Columbia, MO, area? I've been watching that CL posting and would buy it for spare parts if I had a place to keep it. I don't think you can go wrong buying it. As has been suggested, you could part it out.
I am currently replacing the secondary tensioners on my '99 XK8. That's a piece of cake compared to what you've done to your Rovers.
(I was considering buying a Disco recently, but was scared off by the issues they typically have: the Three Amigos, etc., so I waved-off.)
Good luck with the XK8!

 

Jim,
Just outside of Jeff City, so you were close!
After repeated attempts at contacting the seller, I get told it's now sold....Something fishy.
Will keep perusing though!

Martin