Would appreciate any help I get with this decision. Wife and I have always loved Jags. We bought a 96 XJ6 VDP years ago and 3 years ago a 2000 XJ8 VDP w/75,000 miles on it and still love it.

Always loved the XK8's and ran across one (1997) that was such a deal we could not pass it up. Overall in great shape but has the typical problems with seat switches, cup holder etc. (also some paint crazing). While looking for parts on Craigslist I found a 2000 XK8 with 150k miles that was being sold whole for parts. Went to look at it and it is in beautiful condition (not perfect) with the parts I was looking for plus lot more (even has a custom fit plastic cover to go over the convertible top when it is sitting). Even has the chrome factory rims (with truly new tires) and navigation system. Paid $1800 for it after speaking with the original owner (only owner prior to me who bought it new and have all paperwork to show). He said it overheated, he planned on fixing it but never got around to it so it sat in his garage for 3 years (his other cars are a Bentley and MB). His mechanic hates Jags and told him that it was not worth fixing.

My dilemma. Do I use it as a parts car or repair/restore? The engine turns but no compression. Have not dug into it yet. I will do a lot of small stuff myself but would definitely have someone doing this type of work.

Any help and/or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

I have attached 2 pics of the 2000 XK8 that I am trying to decide what to do with.

 

You got a deal, looks like Apollo wheels on the car in the pic, very rear and worth more than you paid for the car not mention the tires. Now you just need to decide which car you like best, make one whole one and sell on the other for a profit.

 

If the car overall, is in better shape then your 97, since your going to pay to have things done, I'd pay the guy to put the 97 engine in the 2000-----you know it runs and is basically the same (4.0) engine.

Chuck
05/XK8 Conv.

 

The AJ26 Engine in the 1997 is not compatible in a number of areas with the AJ27 Engine in the 2000.

 

The original overheating problem may be simple like the T-stat or pump. The compression problem may be that it just needs some oil in the cylinders if it sat for 3 years unused.



Dave

 

thats a steal!

 

True about the possibilities of the overheating situation, worth a try.

On swapping the engines. Shut my mouth. I didn't know there was a difference. Both are 4.0 engines. Both don't have cylinder sleeve's, what could be so different, except maybe the AJ26 would just need up gradings that the 2000 may already have. I ask only for information reasons, not in a rebuttal sence.

Chuck
05/XK8 Conv.