Upgrading my XK8
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
that is a big number on a stock high compression engine. You honestly may need to go to XKR pistons, at that point you are either rebuilding your block or swapping it out. If you swap it out you get the better pistons and oil jets (not sure the XK8 had them). It might we worth a discussion with a head gasket maker to see if you can have an MLS gasket made that is a little thicker to help lower compression. I am in the middle of building an engine and I will tell you first hand, to do it right is NOT cheap or easy. Forged Aston Martin crank ($ first born son), forged rods and oversized forged pistons ($5000), block work ($2000), head work (no idea, not there yet), gaskets, bearings and misc parts ($1500-2000).
Either way, document your progress for the forum, there some brilliant folks in our ranks. These cars are finally at the age and price where people are not afraid to push the limits.
Either way, document your progress for the forum, there some brilliant folks in our ranks. These cars are finally at the age and price where people are not afraid to push the limits.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 158
Likes: 109
From: PNW - Washington
Mainly because my car has a red title, it's resale is nothing. For me realistically, it's cheaper to swap it than to try and sell mine or trade it to a XKR. So for all of my upgrades I'll be out 2500 to 3500 at the most. Even with selling my car and putting 3500 with it, I won't come close to getting a XKR with as low mileage and in as good a shape as what my car is in. Not to mention I'll have to drive 200 miles in one direction just to look at the closest XKR in this specific model. I looked extensively before buying my car, for an XKR in my price range. I have all the tools necessary for the job at my place of work to swap everything and the help of some experienced mechanics. So after all things considered. This was the best course of action, at least in my mind.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 535
From: Berks, UK
100%. If this was an upgrade achievable in that price range this wouldn't be the first time someone's had a go at it.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 190
Likes: 298
From: Indiana
Hey, I admire your vision and hope you go for it. It's your car, do whatever you want to it.
It is a great joy to have an idea on how to improve a car, make it happen with your own hands, and have a great outcome.
And, be sure to let us know what you learn along the way.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you invest a bunch of time and $$$ into this project and you get hit by another car, the red title may mean the other (or your) insurance company will only pay salvage (~10%) value for your car. To add insult to injury, there will probably be absolutely no or even negative value given for your modifications. I learned this when I converted our Audi Cabriolet with a weak auto transmission into a manual transmission. That conversion made it into a magnificent little commuter car that we used for years. The pic below was on my daily commute. But, when it got rear ended by some inattentive kid, the other insurance co wanted to lower the claim value because it had a major modification that never existed as a stock option.
It is a great joy to have an idea on how to improve a car, make it happen with your own hands, and have a great outcome.
And, be sure to let us know what you learn along the way.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you invest a bunch of time and $$$ into this project and you get hit by another car, the red title may mean the other (or your) insurance company will only pay salvage (~10%) value for your car. To add insult to injury, there will probably be absolutely no or even negative value given for your modifications. I learned this when I converted our Audi Cabriolet with a weak auto transmission into a manual transmission. That conversion made it into a magnificent little commuter car that we used for years. The pic below was on my daily commute. But, when it got rear ended by some inattentive kid, the other insurance co wanted to lower the claim value because it had a major modification that never existed as a stock option.
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
It's not the stock pump, I had to replace it. I'm just worried the pump might break. I don't mind going that route if I'm not going to be replacing the fuel pump every year. With that, do these cars have fuel pressure regulators? if so would the stock FPR be enough or would it be smart to upgrade it as well?
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