as I reported before, a major engine disaster occurred when a secondary timing chain broke in my 1999 XK8. After removing the affected head I discovered a broken valve seat dropped in the cylinder and its walls seem to be beyond serviceability. I have found another engine on the Ebay, but it is a newer model
(not a Nicasil bloc)... when I asked a salvage yard about compatibility, the response was that it would not be compatible with my car. Can anyone help me with this issue? What else I would have to replace to make it compatible?,,
thanks

 

Didn't see you model year but:

'97 - '98 AJ26
'99 - '00 AJ27 Nikasil
'01 - '02 AJ27 Steel Sleeve

It is, of course, easier to swap into same year but several have made the jump within the engine type with success. Going beyond that is a lot more difficult. There is a discussion link in the FAQ sticky above and several that can be found with a search.

 

Here some more info, that should give some idea:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...08&postcount=1

 

My is 1999 - VIN SAJGX2046XCD33975...and I found on Ebay engine with this info:
XK8 01 (4.0L), XK8, (VIN C, 8th digit), from eng #0108130000 XK8 02 (4.0L), XK8, (VIN C, 8th digit).. can anyone tell me whether this engine is compatible with my car?

 

It would appear to be an AJ27 as yours is. Also a steel sleeved engine.

[edit] Something strange about the engine serial number. Encoded in the number provided is the date of the conversion to steel sleeves but all engines have digits other than '0000' as the last 4. Serial numbers are 'yymmddhhmm'. Don't know if they are trying to say 'steel sleeved' or something else but the number is suspect.

 

I have chance to get 1998 AJ27 with 80k miles or 2001 steel sleeve AJ27 with 122k miles for 500 USD more...what would be your preferred choice...I cannot make my mind yet and will appreciate any input...