Hey all,

First understand that I do search and read posts however I have a bit of confusion when it comes to this car...Im sure ill catch on.

From my understanding the larger 14" rotors and factory upgraded calipers as found on the later model xkr's will not work with my factory 18" rims..However I kind of like them. Someone had mentioned spacing the rims out allow them to fit. Now another popular mod seems to be spacing the rims out 20mm with spacers. Then I read something about using the rear rims on the front as they are 9" instead of 8??? I guess I am just having an issue gathering all teh relavant informatiom. I will keep searching and create a build thread once I start modifying the car however hopefully helping someone in the future

So some questions,

1) Well can I do this? If its a no dont read beyond this point!

2) Will spacers give me clearance for the larger brakes if it can be done?

2) The rear rims are a 9" can can be used up front if lowered? Can the spacers be used with my car lowered. Also using spacers on the front...Will it affect my handeling

2) What exactly do I need to upgrade besides rotors and calipers.(believe it or not the 2004 jaguar xjr type rotors and calipers will bolt right up to my thunderbird SC). Do I need different spindles or anythig major?

As alway I appreciate all the help. Im really digging this car and I have big plans for it once I figure it all out.

Thanks!

Damon

 

My 2003 has 18" hydra wheels and the Brembo brakes. You couldn't use 17s but the 18s are fine if they are OEM.

Going by the offsets a rear 18x9" wheel will sit slightly further out than the 20x9, maybe 10mm or so. I have put the rears on the front of my car before and drive it that way, so it will work. Car isn't lowered on purpose but the front springs are sagging a bit, so it is accidentally lowered.

Spacers could change the handling characteristics, but probably depends more on whether you get a good alignment after all the work is done.

I recall that somewhere along the way there was a change in the way the calipers mounted, so that is something to watch for. Sorry I can't recall what year it was, but for later cars where Brembos were available, it should be a bolt on.

 

Thanks Charlie. Thats great news on my rims clearing. Now I need to find out if the 2004 xjr type calipers will work. I can get them at a relatively good price. Or if I need to change spindles ect to properly mount. Ive been trying google to search for answers and its not working any better for me then the forum search

 

There are several threads on this topic. Here's one: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ers-xk8-87322/

Short answer? It can be done.

 

Mike thats a good one. Next is brake lines. Anything on using the rear brakes?

 

There are only a couple 18" wheel styles that will clear the Brembos without spacers. All others will require spacers.

X350 XJR or S Type-R Brembos won't work. Only those from the X100 XKR and X308 XJR will work. You will need to tap threads in the front spindles. Or if they're the earlier bracket type Brembos, that won't be necessary. The dust shields will have to be trimmed or replaced with the proper ones. You'll need to buy the stainless brake hoses if they don't come with the calipers.

 

I saw about trimming the sheilds, I saw about tapping spindles (allthough I dont undestand why you just couldnt get proper bolts) and I am totally confused as to the differences in calipers. I'll have to look into that. Again many thanks. I have this on my list of thinsg to do and its at about 5 so I have plenty of time

 

Because there is no thread at all in the spindles for the Brembos to bolt to. The threads are on the brake carrier on the standard brakes.

Shouldn't be confusing on the calipers. All the ones from your body style XKR and X308 XJR will bolt on and the X350 and STR caliper won't; because the mounting spacing is different.