Greetings from Carmel, CA
#1
08-09-2011, 02:23 PM
Greetings from Carmel, CA
Finally took the time to join. I have used this forum many times and have learned a great deal from it! Hopefully I will be able to contribute back on the same level.
I have a 2000 XJR Black/Black that I bought used ~5 years ago. It has been a 2nd car, but it does get plenty of use. I bought it with a used car warranty, and during the first year the warranty paid out more in repairs than I did for the car! I was probably a little hasty in purchasing this particular car, but the looks and price was right...
Once sorted out, it has been a joy to own. It looks incredible, and of course is FAST for such a heavy car. I think the 308 will prove to be as much of a classic as the 1972 xj6 is - really nice lines.
In preparation for the Monterey Historic's week here, I've spent a little time on the R. I also have a 1963 e-Type which is next in line for the detailing. Both cars will be out and about!
On the R, I enjoy the power, but having driven BMW's most of my life (favorites were a '93 325IC, a '91 e30M3, and an 02 330ci - all enjoyed plenty of track time) I find the handling & brakes to be weak almost to the point of being dangerous. This car is a cruiser.
I set out to improve that a bit in my limited spare time. I replaced the rotors with slotted and vented at all 4 corners and upgraded the pads. If nothing else, the rotors look great behind the wheels. It did improve it a little. Next is SS brake lines to try to get a stiffer pedal.
It took me a couple of months of a night here and there, but I JUST finished replacing the shocks, springs, and every single suspension bushing under the car. This was not an easy task, but it was doable with the help of a shop with presses. I installed Mina Gallery springs (brand new 2nd hand off ebay for $350) and Bilstien sports with custom valving that increases the compession settings by about 20%. I cleaned and detailed the suspension pieces and everything was removed, and it looks like new behind the wheels.
The improvement is huge! I am sure an M5 would still out corner it on the track, but it is actually fun to drive now and I think the stance is much improved. It is about an inch lower in the rear and 1.5" lower in the front. The average person wouldn't think it was "lowered" but it just looks "right".
Sorry for the long post, I am looking forward to particpiating. Again, this forum has been literally invaluable for keeping this beast running. THANK YOU.
upgrades/repairs:
timing chains & tensioners
wheel bearings
both head gaskets (blown out by downshifting under braking due to no blowby valve on the SC - don't make that mistake)
rotors/pads
springs/shock
all suspension bushings
4 wheel allignment, maximum camber setting to reduce tramlining
3 headlamps & 1 fog due to rocks @ ~$160 each
various sensors & modules due to lights/no-start
interior dash lamps
sunroof headliner repaired
I have a 2000 XJR Black/Black that I bought used ~5 years ago. It has been a 2nd car, but it does get plenty of use. I bought it with a used car warranty, and during the first year the warranty paid out more in repairs than I did for the car! I was probably a little hasty in purchasing this particular car, but the looks and price was right...
Once sorted out, it has been a joy to own. It looks incredible, and of course is FAST for such a heavy car. I think the 308 will prove to be as much of a classic as the 1972 xj6 is - really nice lines.
In preparation for the Monterey Historic's week here, I've spent a little time on the R. I also have a 1963 e-Type which is next in line for the detailing. Both cars will be out and about!
On the R, I enjoy the power, but having driven BMW's most of my life (favorites were a '93 325IC, a '91 e30M3, and an 02 330ci - all enjoyed plenty of track time) I find the handling & brakes to be weak almost to the point of being dangerous. This car is a cruiser.
I set out to improve that a bit in my limited spare time. I replaced the rotors with slotted and vented at all 4 corners and upgraded the pads. If nothing else, the rotors look great behind the wheels. It did improve it a little. Next is SS brake lines to try to get a stiffer pedal.
It took me a couple of months of a night here and there, but I JUST finished replacing the shocks, springs, and every single suspension bushing under the car. This was not an easy task, but it was doable with the help of a shop with presses. I installed Mina Gallery springs (brand new 2nd hand off ebay for $350) and Bilstien sports with custom valving that increases the compession settings by about 20%. I cleaned and detailed the suspension pieces and everything was removed, and it looks like new behind the wheels.
The improvement is huge! I am sure an M5 would still out corner it on the track, but it is actually fun to drive now and I think the stance is much improved. It is about an inch lower in the rear and 1.5" lower in the front. The average person wouldn't think it was "lowered" but it just looks "right".
Sorry for the long post, I am looking forward to particpiating. Again, this forum has been literally invaluable for keeping this beast running. THANK YOU.
upgrades/repairs:
timing chains & tensioners
wheel bearings
both head gaskets (blown out by downshifting under braking due to no blowby valve on the SC - don't make that mistake)
rotors/pads
springs/shock
all suspension bushings
4 wheel allignment, maximum camber setting to reduce tramlining
3 headlamps & 1 fog due to rocks @ ~$160 each
various sensors & modules due to lights/no-start
interior dash lamps
sunroof headliner repaired
#3
08-09-2011, 09:59 PM
Veteran Member
Hello and welcome to jaguarforums.com. I know that you are anxious to get started and we are anxious to meet you and talk about your car. We have a baseline / criteria that must be met before full access can be granted. Please enjoy the forum and be patient once the baseline has been satisfied full access will be granted. Please continue to post and accept my welcome to the forum.
If you haven’t already you need to put your car details in your signature. I am speaking of the Year, Make & Model. Without it you may not get the input you are looking for. To do this go to, User CP, Edit Signature, Add Vehicle Details and such and Save Your Signature.
Please take a moment and read the information provided to you explaining the rules. Be patient and enjoy the site.
Also, should you have questions related to your vehicle please post it in the section for your model year (MY) car. This way you will reach all the members that are familiar with your MY car.
If you haven’t already you need to put your car details in your signature. I am speaking of the Year, Make & Model. Without it you may not get the input you are looking for. To do this go to, User CP, Edit Signature, Add Vehicle Details and such and Save Your Signature.
Please take a moment and read the information provided to you explaining the rules. Be patient and enjoy the site.
Also, should you have questions related to your vehicle please post it in the section for your model year (MY) car. This way you will reach all the members that are familiar with your MY car.
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08-10-2011, 05:42 AM
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08-10-2011, 12:47 PM
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08-11-2011, 06:38 PM
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08-11-2011, 06:44 PM
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