I have a 1997 XK8 with 49,000 miles on it and I need to replace the timing chain and tensioners. But I don’t know what is a good brand to buy. Does anyone have suggestions on good quality parts at a reasonable price ? Thanks for your help. Mel H.

 

Try SNG Barratt for genuine Jaguar parts. They will have the upgraded versions. If you
place your order by phone you can get a 10% discount by identifying yourself as a forum member.

https://www.sngbarratt.com


Z

 

I always buy mine Ebay. No issues, I think they come out of the same factory in China, you just pay for the label.

 

Most of the parts I purchase from SNG Barratt are made in England. Where there is still some degree of quality control, so far I’ve been satisfied completely with their customer service and parts quality. As I recall, the boxes have been marked “made in England”.



Can’t say the same about eBay sellers. Ebay is a crapshoot. There are some legitimate sellers. But many / most of them are selling junk or items that are in counterfeit packaging, like the transmission parts I purchased for my XKR. They were advertised as genuine Mercedes Benz parts, but were knock offs, and now I’m getting spurious Transmission error messages when there is actually no faults.



Time and space doesn’t permit me to list all the Chinese crap from eBay that I’ve been stuck with. Suffice it say that in the long run, Chinese parts are no bargain.



Z

 

I have found several Jag dealers selling on ebay, but sng barratt is the safe bet for something as important as chains and tensioners. When I had my 97 I used Ford/Lincoln tensioners but did not replace chains.

 

At 50,000 miles, the chains should still be serviceable?
All other components should be replaced.

 

...and that's not just for car parts.

This is a critical area where you don't want to be fitting cheap tat - wherever it comes from. OEM (dealer), SNG Barratt, or you could investigate the Lincoln (Ford) route as RJ suggests.

If you're intending to do the full Monty and fitting new chain guides, make sure you are supplied the correct ones for the early cars. Some of the kits (& SNG has been guilty of this) come with the wrong slipper guides.

Was going to say I'd be 50/50 about the chains with only 49K, but I see Bob's beaten me to it. Only if you can guarantee any replacement is OEM.

 

I have NEVER seen an aftermarket kit that contained the correct primary guide rails.

 

You find a factory in England that makes chains... I bet you can't😁

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eurospare but they cost more than the entire china kit