Hey guys. English cop now living in upstate New York. Been looking for an XK8 for a while, and found a '97 convertible 'project car'. Doesn't seem too bad but the passenger side cat got hot and damaged a module and some wiring above it. I think it's the ignition/windows module, not sure yet. Does that make sense? Only had one quick chat with the guy, and getting more info later. Any thoughts? It has an Arden body kit and non-standard but not too horrible big rims. (anyone got a set of Detroits? LOL). It's fairly cheap, or am I

Thanks K9

 

Welcome to the forum!

The principal modules directly above the right hand cat are the Engine Control Module and the Transmission Control module. That is a little scary if they are involved.

Does the car run?

These cars are not difficult to work on with the help of all your new friends here on the forum. Find out the details of the issues and post back for additional input.

 

Thank man. I just had a very quick chat with a tech at the shop where it is. he said it runs fine, but it cannot be switched off without pulling all the fuses under the hood. I'll speak to the boss of the shop tomorrow and update here. Are those modules specific to each car or can they be used second hand?
Thanks for the reply, will try and post pics.
K9

trying to add a pic...

 

Some modules are plug and play with matching part numbers but the ECM and TCM need to be part number specific PLUS VCATS extension specific PLUS there have been a number of updates/reflashes since '97. If you get into ECM/TCM replacement you will probably have to visit a Jaguar dealer at some significant expense.

Based on your limited information the problem could be as simple as a stuck relay of which significant ones are located above the right cat also. Following are the relay and control module layouts for the car.

I would also suggest that the window issue has nothing to do with the running problem you describe.

 

Excellent, that's just the sort of information I need. Thank you very much. What sort of expense are you thinking of? Any ideas?
K9

 

Pick a number as far as the dealer cost of updating the ECM/TCM modules ($400) which I assume you will be using in price negotiations. The new ECM/TCM cost at the dealer is going to be at least $5000 ($3000/$2000).

You can buy the ECM/TCM modules used for $100 - $400 on line if you are an effective negotiator. Used parts are priced at what ever the guy on the line can get for them. I bought a TCM on line then on phone for $100 after we started at $850.

 

test point, the forum wouldn't allow me to open the attachments... am I too new?

K9

 

Yeah, go to the new member sub forum and give 4 folks a hug and you will get by the forum restrictions on new members.

 

Would one of the mods let this guy in. He does not seem like much of a threat.

 

thanks test point, but I'll do the steps required, just couldn't find out how to 'hug' anyone. I'm no threat at all, unless you got dope on you... LOL

K9

 

sorry, limited powers here, just need two more posts k9 and you'll be seeing all the hidden goodies.

I just read on another thread the passenger side cat can't be found anywhere in the US new, and the driver side was over $1k from the dealer...looks like if you want a cat, it'll be a salvage.

Man I'd be worried about neglect that led to burning up a cat. Obviously a coil or plug went bad and the previous owner continued to drive it while it misfired and killed the cat...pun intended. What else could have been also? All I can say, is I hope it is REALLY cheap.

 

I found them on ebay new @ $251... no good?
car is $3k as is with Arden kit and 20" rims..... works for me as a toy. not seen 'complete' cars for less that $6k yet....
I'll get busy with the posts...

K9

 

I don't think the xk cat cannot be a weld on product, I think I read brutal (a resident tech) mentioned that.

 

so does that mean @ $251 cats are no good? Sorry, I don't understand....

 

The Jaguar cats are pretty unique (expensive). Never heard of anyone swapping out to an universal cat. A $251 eBay one is not going to be a Jaguar version which are in the $700 -$1000 range. If the right one heated to the point to cause problems it is not going to be useable.

A good, complete list of what is going to have to be done is really necessary at this point.

Incidentally, the $3k you mentioned is a pretty standard part out price Jaguar specialty recyclers would pay for an insurance total car. If you have the interest and skills to DIY . . . and the engine/transmission are usable that is a great place to start on a true project car.

 

Sounds good. I'm fairly Ok with some of the skills required. I had my own business building kit cars before I was a cop, and I despite being AR and English, it doesn't have to end up as a pristine 'all Jaguar' example. So long as the Check engine light stays off (for State Inspection) and it runs and drives, that'll be fine..

I'll know more when I speak to the owner of the shop, that has the car at the moment, on Monday morning.

K9

p.s. and if you like the Jag, you'll love the other car I have to bring in from the UK...:-

 

If you don't have emissions checks, you could go with Nameless Performance down pipes without cats. I don't see him on their website right now, but I know they made them in the past.

 

cool. Thanks. I think it's just the CEL that's checked for the inspection, i';ll check.

Thanks, K9

 

It has yet to be seen, as far as I know, if the NP cats will pass smog or not. At least, when I got mine, nobody else from Cali had purchased them, at least from what the guy at NP said. They may, but if you buy them, make sure to keep the OEM ones.

 

Thanks for that, I'll keep them anyway. xenophobe helping a limey in the US? That's unusual... LOL

K9