And how much is a new timing chain?

* PROJECT * 1999 Jaguar XK8 Coupe w/ 63k Original Mileage *

 

The tensioner kit is about $400 plus a couple of thou to get it installed.

 

That would a great candidate for the V8/6sp conversion if I got it.

 

If the tensioners went south and that's why it won't start, too late for that engine, so like brgjag said, LT1 here we come. Price $2000, parts are worth take if it doesn't go as planed.


Wayne

 

+1 on the conversion assuming you are REALLY wanting to take on a project.

Very likely worth more as a parts car as is, so better go very low. This is an interference motor, so a bad timing chain would destroy the engine if it slipped more than a tooth or two.

I would at least see if the motor is free and can turn over manually. Better still... pass on this one and look at working cars. Less money in the long run.

 

Damn shame, guy buys a nice car like that then runs it into the ground. Probably never changed the oil, obviously never waxed it. Don't believe he word he says.

 

So what's this car worth now?

 

Hundred bucks I'd bet if you put new tensioners on it that it'll start. According to the story...If somebody drove it home one night and the next morning it wouldn't start.... It broke during the cranking engine over process. As long as the engine rpm's were on the low end, (when driving down the road) such as 1500 or less for example, in my experience working on these cars it'll be fine.

 

I'd pay 3K

 

This sorta happen to us with our first Xk8, a 97. Drove it home from hospital (30 min drive, all good) on the HWY stopped off at store. Came back out and I cranked it and heard the dreaded slap, shut if off right away. I had it towed how and admittedly started it a few times and let it run for a few seconds, ran total dog ****. Then washed down the cylinders then no start. Had shop look at it, no bent this or that, new timing chain stuff and off and running fine again.

 

find another motor for it that is a known good runner and out it in. If you are looking to get in on a jag on the cheap, that is the WRONG reason to get a Jag. You WILL pay more in the long run, get out of love with it, want to sell it and not get what you put in it.
If you want one spend the cash and get one you can find that has some maint history. This in not a car you want to get an not know ANY history on it unless you got cash to fix up. You want want to buy and cant find much main history then get an 03 or newer as the bugs in the 97-02 have been worked out, no timing chain issues, Nakasil motor gone.

 

if you do your own work i would plan on a complete motor job. i would stay at 2500 or less

 

hmmm, if you can't hear it run, no way to tell what condition the engine is in.


on top of that, the transmission could be bad.


I would pull the codes and see if anything's there and if so, what they are. look under and see if you see any fluid anywhere around the transmission. pull the dip stick and look at the oil, the color and the SMELL.


if you're in love with it otherwise, I wouldn't buy it unless you can get it for the proverbial song & a dance.


i'd say $12-1500, tops! if anything goes way south, you could probably recover your money by selling parts.


if the individual won't take that, bite your tongue and walk away!!!

 

Another Leaping Leopard on the hood !

 

+1

Makes me nervous. There are no cheap Jags, just some that cost less to buy.

 

too scary for me. He could have it it fixed for maybe $1200 and did not do it.

 

Really depends on what you want to do with it. If you wanted to get it in presentable running condition to sell at a profit, likely that is not possible.


If you want a car to put in a Chevy Trans and LS motor and then vinyl wrap it perhaps then it is an appropriate candidate but don't expect to get your money back on it.


If you are willing to put in the work to part it out, then perhaps 1/3 to 1/2 of the parts value.


A similar situation 2003 XJR started at $3,000 or so, and finally seller accepted $200
from a scrap yard just to get it out of the driveway. I think for owners who don't work on their own cars, they are afraid of putting several thousand dollars into it and then still being stuck with a non-running car. (The XJR owner spent about $1200 before giving up, so that money just got thrown away), if I had extra garage space I would have paid him $1500 on a gamble I could fix it (could have been as simple as a fuel pump when I saw it).