Depends, Jag Bits is great for getting parts in the US quickly. I've bought parts from Welsh Enterprises, SNG Barrett, various dealers, XKs Unlimited (as of late for the center caps), Mina Gallery (call Chris and ask for help on prices), DCR auto parts, and Jaguar Classic Parts. It depends who has the best price and availability. I've learned to always check Jaguar Classic Parts first as they aren't always indexed on Google but are often significantly less, I got my auto dimming rear view mirror for $300 from them which is a bargain. eBay always has lots of good deals too. Some parts I get from my mechanic which has I think 4 XK8s our back, 2 of which are in my exact spec, I guess that's where they all went!

Also, I didn't really drive the car when it was misfiring, but I let it warm up once then drove it onto and off of the tow truck. I picked it up today and I just noticed the bad smell is coming from MY car! Guess I need new cats. Maybe I'll buy NP Downpipes if they'll sell them for under $1,500. Any suggestions? Maybe I could just get 200 Cell Cats and get them welded in, not sure if the downpipe design will make a difference? Never ending money pit, though I don't think it's the cars fault.

 

Thanks so much for your info, as I own a 1997 XK8 I know it's a money pit but I just love the car, the style, driving it special with the top down.
Hope I can keep it on the road for a long time.
Thanks again.
Syb 🇨🇦

 

Is there any advantage to spending $1,500 on a set of pretty downpipes when I could just have my old cats cut out and high flow ones welded in?

 

Jacob,

Welcome to the world of exhaust mods for the X100. Better CATs are available, after market, and I suppose you must need to keep them for your country’s enviro regulations. Second hand, reconditioned units available on the market too.

If you want a more louder (Hmmm... enjoyable?) sound from the AJ-V8, there are plenty of options. Choice of stainless steel material options available too at that price. Fit up dead easy in our car too.

Easiest way to start is to delete the back boxes by the exhaust tips, and fit straight through pipes, and then take it from there. Some change the central big silencer, and again plenty of options aftermarket.

Really depends if you have the cash!

 

I just had my XK checked by a local exhaust/muffler shop. Independant that I used on my '84 El Camino, and '79 Corvette. We discussed replacing the pipes from the large central muffler back(leaving the LCM). using uncrimped pipe over the axles, and replacing the tips with oval ones that will fill the openings.
Should work with no problems with the O2 sensors, and give louder notes. If too loud, I can always add mufflers just before the tips. CATs seem o.k.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've already spent a lot on my exhaust system (circa $2k between the Mina exhaust and X-pipe) and am very happy with it, I only have the rear 2 Mina mufflers. Just my cats seem to be ruined and I need to replace them, I'm curious if buying downpipes, maybe from NP, is any better than cutting the old ones out and just welding 200 cell cars in their place? Definitely a lot cheaper.

 

Nice resto. Another Jag saved from the scrap heap.

One thing I can recommend is a Terraclean. However I do not know if you have that in the US. Have a read https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthre...l=1#post772704

There was also a scene in the TV series Wheeler Dealers, I know you have the series in the US, Where ED did it to his XK8, just found it for you.

 

Yeah, nice to think about, doubt anybody else would let it live on. It has a new engine (machined & rebuilt low mileage engine) so I'm not sure it will do any good, but definitely on any other old vehicles! I've seen that episode, nice car they found.

 

Has anyone found the Terraclean process in the U.S. yet??

 

Well, just ordered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, 255/40ZR19 in the front and 275/35ZR19 in the rear. Should be at the tire shop in a few days. Paintless dent removal is next, should make the exterior perfect. I may try to find somebody who can touch up metallic paint to fix some rock chips but that's about it. I'm gonna experiment with cleaning the wheel well liners and taking steel wool to the exhaust since so much of it is visible under the axle. Then I need to do the headliner, install the seat covers, and replace some switches in the interior. I may try to get the wood refinished this month when I go down Florida. I think I'm going to leave the chrome rings off afterwards. Maybe one of these days I'll get the convertible top, not anytime soon though.

 

Small error, 245/40ZR19 in the front, guys at Butler Tire said 255/40ZR19 would make the nose sit too high. Car handles so much better, it felt completely unstable at high speeds and far worse when cornering, went 90 mph and it felt better than 40 before. Definitely need to lower at least the rear. I'm curious how much effect lowering springs have on ride? Maybe need to upgrade the brakes now that they're more exposed too. :P