XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) 1997 - 2003

New member, pictures of my xjr

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-11-2011, 06:58 PM
2000JagXJR's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default New member, pictures of my xjr

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
 
Attached Thumbnails New member, pictures of my xjr-2011-08-10_13-47-11_488.jpg   New member, pictures of my xjr-2011-08-10_13-47-38_522.jpg   New member, pictures of my xjr-2011-08-10_13-47-58_212.jpg  
  #2  
Old 08-11-2011, 08:38 PM
Cigar Guy's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Brandon, FL
Posts: 623
Received 43 Likes on 43 Posts
Default

That's just pure sex, glad to see the pics and really glad you joined us here on the forum!
 
  #3  
Old 08-12-2011, 12:12 AM
dsnyder586's Avatar
Veteran Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Posts: 2,134
Received 542 Likes on 423 Posts
Default

+1 I have a 2001 XJR (purchased a month ago) and am in love.

The XJR is just damn sexy.
 
  #4  
Old 08-12-2011, 04:31 AM
Cadillac's Avatar
Veteran Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Planetarium
Posts: 11,384
Received 640 Likes on 442 Posts
Default

Your ride is an excellent one , pics can give give you a clue on this , happy drivin'
 
  #5  
Old 08-13-2011, 11:35 PM
joeinthedark's Avatar
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Looks wonderful! I hope I can get my car looking like yours some day.
 
  #6  
Old 08-27-2011, 02:25 PM
plums's Avatar
Veteran Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: on-the-edge
Posts: 9,733
Received 2,183 Likes on 1,623 Posts
Default

What is the process of ordering custom valved Bilstein shocks?
 
  #7  
Old 08-27-2011, 04:29 PM
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,683
Received 448 Likes on 333 Posts
Default

2001 XJR here too, great car!

Welcome to the forums!
Vector
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Forcedair1
XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 )
37
05-14-2023 03:28 PM
FeralJag
New Member Area - Intro a MUST
9
01-11-2016 05:07 PM
aarahim
New Member Area - Intro a MUST
9
09-07-2015 03:12 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: New member, pictures of my xjr



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:12 PM.