New forum member. Recently purchased a red 2000 XKR convertible with 54,000 miles. It was a 1 owner car from Florida. Everything seems to be decent shape.

Replaced the spark plugs and noticed an oil leak in a couple of the spark plug tubes on the drivers side so already had the valve cover off to replace the gaskets on that side. The upper timing chain tensions appear to be original so will be back in there on both sides to replace them in the next few weeks.

Funny how every make seems to have it's own special weakness. On our early XK's it is the tensioners. On the Porsche 996 (911) it is the Intermediate Shaft Bearing. The tensioners are much cheaper and easier to replace than the IMSB on the 911.

The 2 cars are both great with their own unique ride and handling. I love how the XKR just glides down the road effortlessly and is a decent handling car.

I'm sure I'll have questions as I dig into my new driver and looking forward to sharing ideas and experiences.

Kevin

 

Enjoy the XKR. Funny, I have a 2000 XKR and a 99 c2 cab (6 speed) also. It is really just cruising comfort (GT) vs a more nimble tactile driving experience (sports car). The XKR is a far more comfortable car to drive on a regular basis in my opinion. The 996 is just a little too tight for me and I don't like getting in and out of it as much as the XKR. I would say the XKR has less issues.

They are both pretty good for what they are, but if I want a sports car I want more speed so I think I am going to do an lsx swap on the 996 instead of doing some needed engine repair. The XKR is similar in terms of acceleration but that is more forgivable for a GT (It is still not a slouch in stock form) and you can get a lot more mid range power for cheap if you want it.

 

I would not wait too long on the upper tensioners. The link listed below in one I developed when I replaced mine at 40,000 miles. There are pictures and detail instruction. Car running good at 60,000 now.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ics-how-52653/

 

Looks great. To my mind, the early shape really is the best. Enjoy.

+1 for not even starting it again until the tensioners are changed. Wish I hadn't started mine when I dragged it out from under a hedge. The right side secondary chain tensioner slipper fell off, got chewed by the chains and ended up mostly in the oil pump pickup tube in the sump. And that's a '99 4.0 with 54k miles on it. Cue two months of spare time, stripping, cleaning and rebuilding the top, front and sump of the engine. Looks good now, but I still count myself lucky.

 

The car looks great. Enjoy your "new" XKR!

 

EZDriver

I've read your write up on replacing the tensioners - thanks for that. I will be ordering the 3rd gen replacements this week.