I will be getting into my XK8 later this week and would like to get an exact part number list going for my car etc.

I have read that some parts won't fit with different years, can you guys help me with a list for my 1998.

And maybe a list of some of the best priced suppliers?

Also how many hours should it take to do all of the work? I am very inexperienced etc. Thanks!

 

Your '98 has the AJ26 engine which has a different gasket set than the '99 on engines. The tensioners and bolts are the same for both engines and the Ford part numbers for the '00 Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird are in the FAQ sticky above. Two tensioners, four bolts.

On-line Ford and Jaguar dealers are the places to find the best prices but your local Ford dealer can get the parts overnight if you are pressed for time.

The AJ26 gasket set can be ordered from a number of on-line Jaguar parts outlets.

While reasonably hobby level experienced in auto work I had never changed Jaguar tensioners before. Using the 2 lock down bar tool set I got everything back together in 4 hours and was doing engine detailing as I went.

 

Tensioners are C2A1511 and C2A1512. Bolts JFB10607E(4 required) - Don't know the gasket set part number for your year - mine's a later car.

 

I used the zip tie method and it took a little longer. Close to a hour was spent cleaning the varnish deposit from the old cover gasket mating surface with solvent and a rag.
I would suggest stuffing a rag in the gap between the cylinder head and the body. I dropped a socket and it did not fall through, but is somewhere on the subframe. If it had been one of the cover bolts I would have been very unhappy.
I also changed the spark plugs while I was in there. A couple of the coil connector lock tabs broke, so when I reassembled I put a dab of high temp RTV on the joint after sliding the connectors on.
I will buy some replacements to have on hand if this does not hold up.

 

You might want to replace the chain while you do the tensioners. I had mine done at the dealer last week.

 

Caution: Replacing the (Secondary) Cam Chains would require complete teardown of the front engine cover and Primary Chains, Unless the Secondary Chains were replaced with Chains that have a Master Link.

This would require a very large amount of additional time and labor and proper tools.