A better engine???

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 13, 2016 | 08:44 AM

oldjaglover

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 877

Likes: 79

From: Rocklin, CA

A better engine???

Regarding the old vs. new cam chain tensioners: Were the supercharged engines of the first generation (1997-2002) built any better than the XK8 engines? Do they, or do they not have the same susceptibility to breaking apart?

Sep 13, 2016 | 08:50 AM

RJ237

Veteran Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 8,834

Likes: 2,924

From: Douglasville Ga.

The only significant difference that I can recall is the pistons which give a lower compression ratio to compensate for the boost pressure.

Sep 13, 2016 | 08:52 AM

JimmyL

Veteran Member

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,837

Likes: 458

From: Virginia Beach, VA

They didn't have VVT, so they were a little simpler.

Sep 13, 2016 | 08:53 AM

bladerunner919

Veteran Member

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 1,065

Likes: 535

From: Berks, UK

The components that cause concern, mainly the tensioners, are the same. Do the engines have a susceptibility to breaking apart (not including the tensioners)?

Sep 13, 2016 | 10:48 AM

RJ237

Veteran Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 8,834

Likes: 2,924

From: Douglasville Ga.

No, but the 4.0, especially the SC version are subject to head gasket failure, especially if overheated. Replacement with the 4.2 mls gasket is the cure.

Sep 17, 2016 | 05:52 PM

oldjaglover

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 877

Likes: 79

From: Rocklin, CA

All great answers. Thank you. I had asked a lady who was selling a 2000(?) XKR if the CCTs had been changed, but she said her mechanic told her "it wasn't worth doing" because it was a "better engine". I thought the CCTs were the same. I'll pass on it.

Thanks again.