The weight distribution is fairly similar to the Jag 4.0. And other than a new driveshaft, no mods to the rear end (yet).

My1997 XK8 has 156,000 miles - no piston problem and runs wonderful.

Glad to hear it runs well. Congrats on the mileage. Does the 156k include strong acceleration and manual shifts at higher rev's? There are so many sad stories about the 5 speed transmission. Did you do the fluid change at around 60k?

Our 98 Xk8 4.0 has 101110 now.... Had to do the whole heating and cooling system this summer.

Doing fine at just 70,000 miles. Never had any truly major issues, but the smaller issues are getting harder and harder for my mechanic to find parts for. Currently drive it only 500-1000 miles a year.
My 16 year old is going to need a parking space pretty soon, so not sure which way to go with it, if she’ll take it over or I’ll need to basically give it away for $5-6k, only to spend 10k on some used Hyundai to take its place. It’s starting to stress me a out a bit. I kind of feel like maybe it’d be best to just let her have it.

Let the kid have it. you’ve likely raised a responsible young person.

Z

175,000 on my 2002 XKR and 187,000 0n my 2010 XKR. I don't drive the 2002 much anymore because I'm not willing to give up driving my 5.0L XKR, it's that good!

Nope to everything. I have always just left the xmission in auto. Recently had the Jag dealer do a condition inspection.
Did not recommend any repairs. I believe driving normally the XK8 should at least get to 300K miles. I also drive a 1988
full-size Ford Bronco, Has 250K miles. never had the eng head off and does not miss-a-beat. Good Luck.

XK8Bill - that's great. Congrats. It's helpful to hear these success stories. So with reasonable use (not J-gate to redline all the time), at least one 5 speed has done the distance. Am guessing you changed the ATF (and filter) at 60k and maybe again at 120.

So, the engine let go. The #1 rod bearing spun. All is well, replaced with a junk yard doner. On the road again! Adding more miles.

any clues why ? Do you know the maintenance history ? Type of oil used , oil change intervals, etc.

Bearings usually have a precipitating cause for failure.

Z

Ohhhh yes, I know exactly why! First of all, I got my car at an auto auction for $850.00 after stalking it on Craigslist. It was a rescue cat that has NOT been taken care of but I will admit the nail in the coffin was my fault. I am a modestly good mechanic so, I wasnt really afraid of it. It got Mobil 1 synthetic since Ive had it but I started to notice a very slight ticking as I would be next to a building or highway divider. Ever so slight but it was there. I thought it might be the injectors since my hood doesnt have the sound insulator. It wasnt getting worse so I didn't think twice about it. Then I did the dumbest thing. I thought I would try Engine Restore. I had no idea it was so thick! I started to pour it then was surprised. I was unsure but in for a penny, in for a pound. Turns out the pound was the sound that happens when you alter the viscosity of your oil and the #1 rod is the last one that gets oil. I ended up changing the engine and would like to share some little things Ive learned. Is there a thread that addresses engine changes?

^^ Are you sure your odometer is accurate?

Yes. I have owned the car 11 years. 103000 when I got it. Been across the country over a dozen times and up to Alaska.

Impressive mileage, mine is only at 82000 miles and change. It would be nice if people changed their attitude to car mileage and isntead of wanting low mileage cars they wanted the highest mileage cars.

True! Every car is different, but a maintained higher mileage vehicle is probably a better option. I have replaced a lot on the xk8. Still good part availability. Hit twice parked!

If they haven't been driven, low mileage cars aren't so great. These cars like to be driven. I'd take a higher mileage car that's been driven regularly and well maintained.

Hope your insurance company was generous. Mine sure was. My 03 got smacked while parked in the street. Insurance company gave me 9k. I sold the car for 5k. First time an XK8 has been good financially.

How far between timing chains and tensioners replacement.?

Hits were nothing terminal. 100 -125 on chain interval. I am on engine #2. At 243 I bent a valve being stupid. The Italian tune up on a 243000 mile engine was a bad move. The original engine was repairable, but for 850 I got a 71000 mile engine with a vin very close to mine. As a precautionary tale, before installing I did the chains etc. Had to remove the sump to clean out all the plastic pieces.