Brainstorming: A back to basics X100?
#61
A much better idea would be to keep the weight of things like electric door mirrors and steering column adjust and offset them by getting the supercharged version of the car.
Honestly, the OP needs to stop dreaming and just go out and buy an XKR, then fix the things that go wrong, rather than worrying about what might go wrong.
Seriously, how much faster and more reliable will the car be without heated wing mirrors, lol?
Honestly, the OP needs to stop dreaming and just go out and buy an XKR, then fix the things that go wrong, rather than worrying about what might go wrong.
Seriously, how much faster and more reliable will the car be without heated wing mirrors, lol?
And you are getting the wrong idea if you think I'm worried about speed per say. This is not the reason for it. Like I said it's about simplicity.
And things like electric mirrors go wrong all the time, regardless of how much you LOL.
It has happened to me several times. Just an unnecessary annoyance.
#62
Before the Brainstorm passes: Does anyone else fondly remember the 2000 F-Type Concept car?
https://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-jag...een-1773855349
https://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-jag...een-1773855349
Me too. I kind of like it better than the F-type we got now.
#63
Or the XK-180 that preceded it:
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...ive-flashback/
I think I have a scale model of one or the other, around here, somewhere
Granville
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...ive-flashback/
I think I have a scale model of one or the other, around here, somewhere
Granville
But the XK180 was available in 1/24 and 1/18. I have the later.
Both concepts look almost identical at first sight though. Both look very nice.
#64
Hey, nice entry! Sorry for the multi quoting. But you bring up too many good points not to address them one by one.
Didn't know it had that. Yes, absolutely. I can do without them too.
Again we are 100% on the same page here!
Yes, CATS is an absolute must go. Don't see much point in it.
You really grasp the concept. I didn't even know about all that behavior. Ditch for sure in my book.
Wow, what a write up. Thanks. Can't disagree with anything based on what you wrote.
Agreed. electronic fuel injection is welcome.
Yes but can it realistically be made less electronic? I personally prefer manual, even with all the weaknesses that there may be. But I understand you wanting to keep the auto.
Worth way more than what I paid. What can I say? You totally grasp the concept. Nice suggestions and quite a few things I didn't know about the car. Thanks for contributing!
Same with the back up sensors (which are on the fritz again!). Rarely use the heated seat feature and wouldn't miss that. If the electric seat adjustments were reliable I would be fine with them but since they really are not, manual would be fine for the added reliability.
With all the nightmarish problems it gives, a manual convertible top would seem like a good idea. The rear fog lights on mine have never been used, (by me) lose them and their button. Don't have the CATS on mine and don't want it, more complexity with minimal additional capability.
I could do without the power antenna if there was a good windshield mounted one but I will keep the nice sound system. A manually adjusted steering wheel and column would be adequate as well. I wish there was less rubber pluming under the hood (especially valley hoses) and that a lot of the hoses could be replaced with metal tubing and just use rubber for short connections, not long runs. A simple package shelf instead of the rear seats would be an improvement but doesn't really simplify anything unless you count getting rid of seat belts. The auto headlight and dimming mirror features are both overkill and I think overall reliability would be better with out them. The compass is just a toy and not really needed. The integral garage door features seems superfluous; does anyone still use them?
Make the ZF less complex and less electronic without all the adaptive nonsense. I know a lot of folks want to go with a manual tranny. No thanks! I love to drive them but in my experience most automatics last longer with less repairs than the more finicky manual clutches.
Was always having to adjust or replace clutches, throw-out bearings and resurface flywheels. I do wish the ZF was a bit more robust and reliable. I have a Dodge with an automatic that has 250,000 miles and only had the transmission repaired (not rebuilt) once!
A couple of things would need to be added also. Put a filler tube and dipstick on the ZF along with an actual metal pan with a low point drain plug, for gods sake! And real working gauges for temp, oil pressure, etc. An external fuel pump with an easy to reach fuel filter would be a huge plus IMHO. And all the XK100 's should have come with the louvered hoods to promote cooling.
My 2 cents and worth what you paid!
A couple of things would need to be added also. Put a filler tube and dipstick on the ZF along with an actual metal pan with a low point drain plug, for gods sake! And real working gauges for temp, oil pressure, etc. An external fuel pump with an easy to reach fuel filter would be a huge plus IMHO. And all the XK100 's should have come with the louvered hoods to promote cooling.
My 2 cents and worth what you paid!
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XK8 Rebel (03-21-2018)
#65
Glad you liked my rambling Jaegar. There's more that could be done on that topic since there are so many bells and whistles on these cars. Like the coolant fill bottle and the hidden overflow in the fender area. One larger bottle out of better material would be a vast improvement on the existing one that seems to rupture every two or three years. Or make a replacement out of aluminium or steel. I really didn't get in to the side mirrors (I like the powered ones), climate control and I'm sure many other items that could be simplified.
My dad always believed that having less "stuff" on a car meant having less things go wrong and lower repair bills. He even went so far as to special order a car back in 1997 to get the manual roll up windows because he didn't want the power windows and that's all the dealer had in stock!
I do think the ZF6 could be made more reliable with less electronics or perhaps just better programing so that it behaved more conventionally. But I'm certainly no authority there. I've had at least 3 American made automatics that all went over 250,000 miles with almost zero problems or odd behavior. The repair on the Dodge was probably at about 150K and only to fix a leak. Others cars, mostly but not all American, that had less miles on them, have required only basic servicing. I'm amazed at how reliable a good automatic tranny can be!
I'm sure others can come up with ways to add utility, reliability or simplify the existing platform without de-clawing our beautiful cats or altering their essential nature.
My dad always believed that having less "stuff" on a car meant having less things go wrong and lower repair bills. He even went so far as to special order a car back in 1997 to get the manual roll up windows because he didn't want the power windows and that's all the dealer had in stock!
I do think the ZF6 could be made more reliable with less electronics or perhaps just better programing so that it behaved more conventionally. But I'm certainly no authority there. I've had at least 3 American made automatics that all went over 250,000 miles with almost zero problems or odd behavior. The repair on the Dodge was probably at about 150K and only to fix a leak. Others cars, mostly but not all American, that had less miles on them, have required only basic servicing. I'm amazed at how reliable a good automatic tranny can be!
I'm sure others can come up with ways to add utility, reliability or simplify the existing platform without de-clawing our beautiful cats or altering their essential nature.
Last edited by XK8 Rebel; 03-22-2018 at 12:38 AM.
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Jeagar (03-22-2018)
#66
Like the coolant fill bottle and the hidden overflow in the fender area. One larger bottle out of better material would be a vast improvement on the existing one that seems to rupture every two or three years. Or make a replacement out of aluminium or steel. I really didn't get in to the side mirrors (I like the powered ones), climate control and I'm sure many other items that could be simplified.
My dad always believed that having less "stuff" on a car meant having less things go wrong and lower repair bills. He even went so far as to special order a car back in 1997 to get the manual roll up windows because he didn't want the power windows and that's all the dealer had in stock!
I do think the ZF6 could be made more reliable with less electronics or perhaps just better programing so that it behaved more conventionally. But I'm certainly no authority there. I've had at least 3 American made automatics that all went over 250,000 miles with almost zero problems or odd behavior. The repair on the Dodge was probably at about 150K and only to fix a leak. Others cars, mostly but not all American, that had less miles on them, have required only basic servicing. I'm amazed at how reliable a good automatic tranny can be!
How do you feel about brake upgrades? Is there anything out there for the X100 or perhaps something that can be retrofitted from the newer cars? And how would that play with the ABS? ABS is something I would like to keep.
What about a stand alone management system ? I get the feeling many problems are caused by the X100 management system, triggering false responses and sensors. Could a stand alone unit leave out all the stuff which gives grief frequently?
#67
Jeagar, I don't know that a lot can be done with the brakes. The upgrades I've read about here are mostly just different rotors (drilled and/or slotted) different pads or different calipers (ala Brembo). I understand they can improve braking and stopping distance but I haven't done any mods myself yet and I don't really think those mods would simplify, or de-clutter the XK8. And if you want to keep ABS you're going to have to keep something similar to what it has anyway. If a better method to monitor the wheel speed could be devised that might help cut down sensor errors but short of redesigning the sensor or reluctor ring to have or allow more "slop", I don't see a lot to gain, or rather lose here. Not to mention additional "slop" could make your ABS less responsive than you would want.
I think there are probably improvements to be made to the existing management system. Heck, if it would just be more tolerant of low battery voltage situations/issues that would cut out a plethora of bogus sensor errors alone! And a different hierarchy of error codes (especially the ones that can trigger the "restricted performance" mode) would probably help too. But a stand alone system is more in the tuners realm and that's not in my wheelhouse. But with the lack of tuner apps and goodies available, I don't think there is much margin of improvements there.
A lesser use of plastic throughout the car would help with breakage issues of various nick-nacks but would probably add weight.
And I'm not sure how to address this but for some reason the Jags seem to have lots of poor electrical connection issues! My airbag light came on again last night when I pulled in. I know exactly what the problem is because it happens every few months. I can reach under my seat, open and close the connector a few times, restart the car and POOF, airbag error is gone. Using contact cleaner can help, as can dielectric grease but the error will inevitably return in weeks or months. No big deal but an annoying niggle nonetheless. This same type of issue seems to occur many times where there are electrical connections, including the fuse box. Hence the re-seating of fuses that can sometimes make the issue go away, for a while. It seems like it's the metal used, or maybe it's that the size of the contact area isn't optimal for maintaining good electrical connections without having some sort of contact issues come up from VERY minor dirt or corrosion. And that by itself can lead to erroneous codes and all the fun chasing those can lead too. But short of completely re-wiring the car (cost and labor prohibitive) I don't know how you can really solve that situation. Just have to deal with those issues as they arise. And they certainly will!
I think there are probably improvements to be made to the existing management system. Heck, if it would just be more tolerant of low battery voltage situations/issues that would cut out a plethora of bogus sensor errors alone! And a different hierarchy of error codes (especially the ones that can trigger the "restricted performance" mode) would probably help too. But a stand alone system is more in the tuners realm and that's not in my wheelhouse. But with the lack of tuner apps and goodies available, I don't think there is much margin of improvements there.
A lesser use of plastic throughout the car would help with breakage issues of various nick-nacks but would probably add weight.
And I'm not sure how to address this but for some reason the Jags seem to have lots of poor electrical connection issues! My airbag light came on again last night when I pulled in. I know exactly what the problem is because it happens every few months. I can reach under my seat, open and close the connector a few times, restart the car and POOF, airbag error is gone. Using contact cleaner can help, as can dielectric grease but the error will inevitably return in weeks or months. No big deal but an annoying niggle nonetheless. This same type of issue seems to occur many times where there are electrical connections, including the fuse box. Hence the re-seating of fuses that can sometimes make the issue go away, for a while. It seems like it's the metal used, or maybe it's that the size of the contact area isn't optimal for maintaining good electrical connections without having some sort of contact issues come up from VERY minor dirt or corrosion. And that by itself can lead to erroneous codes and all the fun chasing those can lead too. But short of completely re-wiring the car (cost and labor prohibitive) I don't know how you can really solve that situation. Just have to deal with those issues as they arise. And they certainly will!
#68
Jeagar, I don't know that a lot can be done with the brakes. The upgrades I've read about here are mostly just different rotors (drilled and/or slotted) different pads or different calipers (ala Brembo). I understand they can improve braking and stopping distance but I haven't done any mods myself yet and I don't really think those mods would simplify, or de-clutter the XK8. And if you want to keep ABS you're going to have to keep something similar to what it has anyway. If a better method to monitor the wheel speed could be devised that might help cut down sensor errors but short of redesigning the sensor or reluctor ring to have or allow more "slop", I don't see a lot to gain, or rather lose here. Not to mention additional "slop" could make your ABS less responsive than you would want.
So the brakes might be better of left alone perhaps.
I think there are probably improvements to be made to the existing management system. Heck, if it would just be more tolerant of low battery voltage situations/issues that would cut out a plethora of bogus sensor errors alone! And a different hierarchy of error codes (especially the ones that can trigger the "restricted performance" mode) would probably help too. But a stand alone system is more in the tuners realm and that's not in my wheelhouse. But with the lack of tuner apps and goodies available, I don't think there is much margin of improvements there.
And I'm not sure how to address this but for some reason the Jags seem to have lots of poor electrical connection issues! My airbag light came on again last night when I pulled in. I know exactly what the problem is because it happens every few months. I can reach under my seat, open and close the connector a few times, restart the car and POOF, airbag error is gone. Using contact cleaner can help, as can dielectric grease but the error will inevitably return in weeks or months. No big deal but an annoying niggle nonetheless. This same type of issue seems to occur many times where there are electrical connections, including the fuse box. Hence the re-seating of fuses that can sometimes make the issue go away, for a while. It seems like it's the metal used, or maybe it's that the size of the contact area isn't optimal for maintaining good electrical connections without having some sort of contact issues come up from VERY minor dirt or corrosion. And that by itself can lead to erroneous codes and all the fun chasing those can lead too. But short of completely re-wiring the car (cost and labor prohibitive) I don't know how you can really solve that situation. Just have to deal with those issues as they arise. And they certainly will!
By the way, something totally out of the blue happened today. I was not looking for a project car at all. My intention was finding the best X100 I could find for a fair price. But I got to know about a car today which might turn out to be an interesting buy. It's a non running XK8, which according to my contact is in good shape. He doesn't know why it's not running but he knows where the car is and can get to the owner. I'm tempted to pursue this. If the car is not a mess, with trees growing through it or something, it might be a fun project to do some of the things we spoke about in this thread. I know it has been seating for a while. Not sure how long. Let's see how it develops. It will all depend on condition and especially price. But even if I get it, since I will only buy it if really cheap, I would still keep looking for a well sorted X100. I might just end up with 2 then.
#69
Reading what you all would like to change/modify on your XK's makes me think back to the good old days. I miss my 59 948 cc frogeye Sprite. No Power anything, no electronics to break, just a fun car to drive. And, it could be fixed with a couple of screwdrivers, a few wrenches, a roll of duct tape and a hammer.
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Jeagar (03-25-2018)
#70
#72
Didn't want to start a new thread only for this, figured people who have posted in this one would know, and it's not totally off topic as we did talk about engines and transmissions swaps in the thread.
#73
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Jeagar (04-03-2018)
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Jeagar (04-03-2018)
#75
Jeagar,
Thought of something else you could lose in your quest for a less complex XK8. The headlight washer/spray nozzles. I've used them once, by accident when I forgot they were there and hit the window washer/sprayer!
Thought about your idea when I saw an older white (pre-2000) XK8 at a local garage today. It had some front end damage on the left headlight area and had obviously been left outside far to long. In rough but probably restorable shape. But supposedly it was now running after having the fuel pumps repaired. A good candidate as probably a lot of stuff isn't working anyway! But the fellow that owns it doesn't want to sell and is planning to try and do a restoration. He's going to have his hands full!
Thought of something else you could lose in your quest for a less complex XK8. The headlight washer/spray nozzles. I've used them once, by accident when I forgot they were there and hit the window washer/sprayer!
Thought about your idea when I saw an older white (pre-2000) XK8 at a local garage today. It had some front end damage on the left headlight area and had obviously been left outside far to long. In rough but probably restorable shape. But supposedly it was now running after having the fuel pumps repaired. A good candidate as probably a lot of stuff isn't working anyway! But the fellow that owns it doesn't want to sell and is planning to try and do a restoration. He's going to have his hands full!
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Jeagar (04-03-2018)
#78
OK. I thought it would be strange if they had moved the engine when they changed to 4.2. They are probably the same size externally. The Coupe blueprint says 1999 and the Convertible's says 2003. So probably just an inaccurate blueprint.
Looking at the blueprint, if they had put the engine just a little bit more backwards, the car would be mid engined. Would probably make quite a bit of difference in the handling in a positive way. But it's not bad the way it is. At least it sits on the front axle instead of in front of it as some cars. Actually the X100's engine position seems to be biased towards the rear bit,which is good.
Looking at the blueprint, if they had put the engine just a little bit more backwards, the car would be mid engined. Would probably make quite a bit of difference in the handling in a positive way. But it's not bad the way it is. At least it sits on the front axle instead of in front of it as some cars. Actually the X100's engine position seems to be biased towards the rear bit,which is good.
#79
Jeagar,
Thought of something else you could lose in your quest for a less complex XK8. The headlight washer/spray nozzles. I've used them once, by accident when I forgot they were there and hit the window washer/sprayer!
Thought about your idea when I saw an older white (pre-2000) XK8 at a local garage today. It had some front end damage on the left headlight area and had obviously been left outside far to long. In rough but probably restorable shape. But supposedly it was now running after having the fuel pumps repaired. A good candidate as probably a lot of stuff isn't working anyway! But the fellow that owns it doesn't want to sell and is planning to try and do a restoration. He's going to have his hands full!
Thought of something else you could lose in your quest for a less complex XK8. The headlight washer/spray nozzles. I've used them once, by accident when I forgot they were there and hit the window washer/sprayer!
Thought about your idea when I saw an older white (pre-2000) XK8 at a local garage today. It had some front end damage on the left headlight area and had obviously been left outside far to long. In rough but probably restorable shape. But supposedly it was now running after having the fuel pumps repaired. A good candidate as probably a lot of stuff isn't working anyway! But the fellow that owns it doesn't want to sell and is planning to try and do a restoration. He's going to have his hands full!
That car sounds like a good candidate indeed.The one I spoke about before, with the engine not running, the seller wants 3 grand for it. I think this is too much. It would have to be cheaper than that for me to be interested.
#80
Looking at the blueprint, if they had put the engine just a little bit more backwards, the car would be mid engined. Would probably make quite a bit of difference in the handling in a positive way. But it's not bad the way it is. At least it sits on the front axle instead of in front of it as some cars. Actually the X100's engine position seems to be biased towards the rear bit,which is good.
Granville
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Jeagar (04-03-2018)