Living in Somerset with an interest in non boring vehicles. Daily drivers are 1993 Saab 900 turbo, 1959 Land Rover S2. Also a good 1984 BMW R80RT motorbike (soon to be offered for sale) and on stands a 1971 Volvo 1800E converted back to carbs.

Hankering is a V8 again, for the sound really but may as well have some performance too !

As an armchair expert (I have stood outside one with owner revving it for me, and sat in a couple at auctions) I have the following comments re XK8:

1. Its about the most beautiful modern out there.
2. As standard, the V8 sounded like a Ford Mondeo from outside. Inside it must be even more muted and rather bland in sound. Nothing compared to a TR8 and so tame compared to any TVR V8. Is it just the exhaust and mild cams?
3. I'd like manual. The only serious conversion I heard of never became commercial as it was going to cost a good £7k+ between fitting the gearbox and tweaking the ECU
4. Cars like this have too many sensors of dubious quality, causing false alarms, causing the car to go into limp home mode when it doesn't even have a real fault. Range Rovers of this vintage are even worse, and Mercedes similar (I tried both!).

So I have a ghastly armchair solution seeking comment from the wise ... does it make sense to buy one and when it gets the electrickery gremlins take out the engine & box, remove the airbags and fit another V8 & box .... perhaps a Rover unit, perhaps a TVR tweaked, perhaps even a 1960's Jag/Daimler 2500 V8?

I have read that MOT emissions tests should be taken from the provably oldest of either engine or body, so emissions won't be a major issue. My aim is to achieve a great body with a manual V8 and relaiable, simpler electricks. I don't really care that much about safety airbags and even ABS I see as 'nice to have' rather than a must. I don't seek ultimate speed/accelaration but do want manual with a V8 burble that can be heard by the driver.

Any thoughts?

 

Welcome to the forum Michael,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

I can see you have already found your way to the XK8/XKR tech section to ask these questions so there is no need for a link to it from me. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top there is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

You can also visit the UK Region forum by following this link UK - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in this country.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

welcome to the forum- you'll find plenty of info and support here - enjoy!!

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums Michael,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

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