Hi all


Advice pls from the masses.


My new to me 99 xkr requires a new block - the current one is shedding its lining.


My options
1, I get a replacement XK8 engine from a breaker and put my super charger bits back onto it , coming in currently at around £450 - no long term guarantee that the engine wont have the same problems but easy one out one in .


2, I get the current block relined to steel with 'racing green' coming in at £1200 , more expensive but a better long term option , having to rebuild the engine will prove a test to me in my limited experience.


3, A new engine from Sng is coming in at a few of £K ,and more than the car is worth - not really on the table , but put down so you don't put it down as another option.


4, I get rid of the car and wlk away 4k worse off

 

1) You can't use a short block from an XK8 for an R, if that is what you are meaning, the pistons and compression ratio are different.

1a) if you can find an R from a breaker, that might be an option, although the cost of a supercharged engine may approach #2

2) Seems like not a bad choice, if the rest of the internals are in good shape. Is probably what I would do.

4) It's hard not to love these cars, even when they are sick. Personal choice and depends on your priorities, but I wouldn't give mine up for anything.

 

1. the economic answer in the UK is put in an engine from a breaker where there's good availability at a reasonable cost.

2. the 'right' way to do it is reline the block to maintain originality.

I'd have a hard time convincing myself to go with option (2) given the current values of XK8/XKR. Depends on the overall condition of the vehicle.

One piece of good news is Classic & Sportscar magazine feature the XK8 in the February 2015 edition as a good buy and future classic.

Graham

 

Ouch, that is a dilemma. Option #2 seems to be the best. Prepare to dedicate yourself to seeing it through. Take lots of pictures from lots of angles as you go thru the tear down. You going to need some shelves to store your pieces safely while progressing. Plan ahead often, because life does go on, and it is too easy to get side tracked and derailed. Not trying to discourage, but, If you're not too experienced, or tooled up, or don't have proper workspace for that matter, finishing complicated things in a timely manner will be a test not just for you, but for family and friends too. Sell the car and walk away from it, because I got a feeling there's more wrong with any 16 year old car than just the liners.

 

Thanks for the responses so far guys - invaluable


I was unaware of the difference in the compression rates in the engines , so have asked for a requote on xkr engines from the breakers - hopefully this will reset the snag.

 

Replacement XKR engines are easily sourced in the UK. Contact Design XKR Leading Independent Jaguar specialist The Big Cat Workshop based in Andover they can source you an engine (probably http://jagspares.net/ £950 on e-bay 07950377255 would collect and fit engine to car ) and they can probably better the Racing Green quote if you want to "reline" your engine. Why do you think it needs re lining ? How have you damaged it ?
If you wanted an upgrade you can use the 4.2 block with the 4.0 ancillaries. Want a third quote try www.tomlenthall.co.uk

 

+1 for an engine from a breakers, swapping an engine is going to be a walk in the park compared to rebuilding.


I did a V8 engine swap as pretty much my first auto diy job a few years back and it worked out just fine.

 

If you have access to the GM cars with the LSx motors, do the conversion, it is pretty much a direct bolt in, no fab work. MORE power and reliability.

http://www.jaguarspecialties.com/xk8-lsx.asp

 

Thanks all


Update


Have spoken to Trevor at Jag spares in Penge , and he has a steel lined 2001 block good to go - and has priced very well. I am 99% going to go down this route , but am currently trying to find out under the radar if it will change my veh tax rate for the car - big jump post yr2000 to £500 a year , currently only on £230.


only a small thing to consider but over time (Yrs) this will add up.


Any one any thoughts?

 

Well, on this side of the pond, it would still be whatever year the VIN said it was. Parts replacement doesn't effect the year.

 

Whilst you need to inform the dvla of the engine number change it will not change your tax.

 

ok - car will be in Penge with Trevor from next week - hopefully the right foot induced smile will soon be back on my face.


thanks for all the advice gents - will let you know the score and put up a pici or two when I collect

 

Got the good news in the week, car ready for pickup, following some not great stuff last week , second hand engine , as already discussed , new abs sensor , roll bar , bushes also required.
Anyway we don't dwell on the cost ...... But a fantastic drive back from penge to deepest Dorset today trying to keep it below 3k on the revs purely on advice from Trevor
I did manage todo it for the first 2 hours ! , however we touched 5k a number of times and I'm happy to report the smile is back on the face

 

how many miles on the new engine?

 

60 k on a 2001 block

Donor was impailed by a fence, not a good look