S-Type R, can someone talk to me about the J-Gate?
Discussion
I've noticed that these cars have crept under £5k now for sub 100k milers. Are they a crazy purchase at this point, or a bit of an under the radar performance bargain??
I've become quite familiar with my girlfriend's V6 petrol S-Type, but it's still not as enjoyable as a manual for me. And this is the crux of the problem. Other cars I've been looking at are a 540i Sport (Manual when one turns up), and now a 330i Sport manual. I'm aware the 330i isn't that fast, and doesn't have the power of the two V8's, but it's lighter, more nimble, and considering I am going to be undertaking some pro drift tuition, could be a decent compromise for me.
Now I'm not saying I want to take an S-Type R out drifting or anything like that, but I would like to be able to slide it around when wanted. I'm aware it's a big, heavy car, and so I'm not sure how good it is in such a capacity? How controlled it is and so on.
Also, the J-Gate is something of an unknown quantity to me. I tried to have a go with it int he V6 the other day. The V6 is just a 4 speed, or at least only shows 2, 3, and 4 on the gate. I tried shifting it down a gear and nothing happened. Then it caught me by surprise and downshifted. I didn't really like it. I suppose what I want to know is can the R be driven in a way that makes it feel much sportier than the V6, can it be as satisfying as a lesser powered but more manoeuvrable manual RWD car? The V8, the power and the way it looks both outside and in really appeal to me. It's just the gearbox and my concerns about its handling being possibly too barge-like that put me off.
Are they all 6 speed autos? Is the J-Gate much better in the R? Can I drive it similarly to a manual with the J-Gate when out in the countryside? Will it take an age to change gear and catch me out?
Many thanks for any help! And apologies if I can't type today. I feel half dead.....
I've become quite familiar with my girlfriend's V6 petrol S-Type, but it's still not as enjoyable as a manual for me. And this is the crux of the problem. Other cars I've been looking at are a 540i Sport (Manual when one turns up), and now a 330i Sport manual. I'm aware the 330i isn't that fast, and doesn't have the power of the two V8's, but it's lighter, more nimble, and considering I am going to be undertaking some pro drift tuition, could be a decent compromise for me.
Now I'm not saying I want to take an S-Type R out drifting or anything like that, but I would like to be able to slide it around when wanted. I'm aware it's a big, heavy car, and so I'm not sure how good it is in such a capacity? How controlled it is and so on.
Also, the J-Gate is something of an unknown quantity to me. I tried to have a go with it int he V6 the other day. The V6 is just a 4 speed, or at least only shows 2, 3, and 4 on the gate. I tried shifting it down a gear and nothing happened. Then it caught me by surprise and downshifted. I didn't really like it. I suppose what I want to know is can the R be driven in a way that makes it feel much sportier than the V6, can it be as satisfying as a lesser powered but more manoeuvrable manual RWD car? The V8, the power and the way it looks both outside and in really appeal to me. It's just the gearbox and my concerns about its handling being possibly too barge-like that put me off.
Are they all 6 speed autos? Is the J-Gate much better in the R? Can I drive it similarly to a manual with the J-Gate when out in the countryside? Will it take an age to change gear and catch me out?
Many thanks for any help! And apologies if I can't type today. I feel half dead.....
The auto box will always be an auto box, the J gate is just another way of doing the old low gears lock.
I had an X308 XJR, you could feel the weight, but it would slide. The X350, with air suspension, not so much.
While they are a performance bargain for power and cabin ambiance, they never feel remotely sporty.
I would suggest hunt down something with RWD, proper LSD and manual 'box, to enjoy the skills you learn in your drift tuition.
I had an X308 XJR, you could feel the weight, but it would slide. The X350, with air suspension, not so much.
While they are a performance bargain for power and cabin ambiance, they never feel remotely sporty.
I would suggest hunt down something with RWD, proper LSD and manual 'box, to enjoy the skills you learn in your drift tuition.
Perhaps the STR is for another time then. I'm only 29 so I don't have to worry about owning one just yet. 
I just hate the idea of paying similar money for just over half the power. Don't really fancy an out and out drift car like a 200SX etc. though as I have done the jap turbo thing over and over, and I do rather like BMW's from previous experience of E36 coupes.
The Jag just really appeals with that engine....
I just hate the idea of paying similar money for just over half the power. Don't really fancy an out and out drift car like a 200SX etc. though as I have done the jap turbo thing over and over, and I do rather like BMW's from previous experience of E36 coupes.
The Jag just really appeals with that engine....
Troubled Soul,
I have an S-Type V8 SE, non R. I've had it for 8 years and before then I had the earlier 4.0 V8 for 3 years. Here's my comments:
1. Avoid the earlier 4.0 V8 R. The later 4.2 has a much improved 6 speed auto box as opposed to the ealier car's inferior 5 speed, it has much improved supension, and a far more Jaguar-esque interior than the earlier Ford like interior.
2. Also, the 4.0 V8 has well know engine timing chain tensioner failure problems which were sorted out for the 4.2 V8 which is fitted with the thrrd generation all steel tensioners. If you did go for the 4.0 V8 make sure the tensioners have been done if its getting near 100,000 miles, the Jaguar recommended limit. Cost of replacement is around £1200.
3. The only thing going for the 4.0 V8 is it has an overtly more sporty external appearence, in my view.
4. I have the S-Type brochure for 2004. It indicates that the 3.0 V6 comes as an auto as standard and that a manual is a no cost option, but there is no similar option for any of the V8 models including the R. This confirms what I've read before relating to the XK 4.2 V8 model range where a number of people have tried to source a bespoke manual conversion. So, you won't find a manual S-Type R.
In terms of my S-Type I have no problems about using the auto. 300 BHP gives sufficient performance as far as I'm concerned. I do use the sports mode and the J gate sometimes, otherwise leaving things as normal give impressive performance (for me) anyway.
R.
I have an S-Type V8 SE, non R. I've had it for 8 years and before then I had the earlier 4.0 V8 for 3 years. Here's my comments:
1. Avoid the earlier 4.0 V8 R. The later 4.2 has a much improved 6 speed auto box as opposed to the ealier car's inferior 5 speed, it has much improved supension, and a far more Jaguar-esque interior than the earlier Ford like interior.
2. Also, the 4.0 V8 has well know engine timing chain tensioner failure problems which were sorted out for the 4.2 V8 which is fitted with the thrrd generation all steel tensioners. If you did go for the 4.0 V8 make sure the tensioners have been done if its getting near 100,000 miles, the Jaguar recommended limit. Cost of replacement is around £1200.
3. The only thing going for the 4.0 V8 is it has an overtly more sporty external appearence, in my view.
4. I have the S-Type brochure for 2004. It indicates that the 3.0 V6 comes as an auto as standard and that a manual is a no cost option, but there is no similar option for any of the V8 models including the R. This confirms what I've read before relating to the XK 4.2 V8 model range where a number of people have tried to source a bespoke manual conversion. So, you won't find a manual S-Type R.
In terms of my S-Type I have no problems about using the auto. 300 BHP gives sufficient performance as far as I'm concerned. I do use the sports mode and the J gate sometimes, otherwise leaving things as normal give impressive performance (for me) anyway.
R.
^^^^ WHS
The wifey has an 07 V8 Sport, and I can definitely say it handles very well with the sports suspension package. The J-gate I don't find a problem as it's a long time since I had previously driven an automatic and they were all like that then, none of that flappy paddle or tiptronic nonsense! In sport mode, it improves further still
If you want 400+BHP and a manual gearbox/mechanical LSD, buy a certain Chevy powered coupe from Australia
The wifey has an 07 V8 Sport, and I can definitely say it handles very well with the sports suspension package. The J-gate I don't find a problem as it's a long time since I had previously driven an automatic and they were all like that then, none of that flappy paddle or tiptronic nonsense! In sport mode, it improves further still
If you want 400+BHP and a manual gearbox/mechanical LSD, buy a certain Chevy powered coupe from Australia
Ideally you want an XKR for the lower stance and "sportiness" but that said I love the STR too.
Slap a larger pulley on and get much more power lower down the rev range, this will also help the issues with the gearbox and only costs £150.
The Auto box will learn your driving style, so if your partners petrol SType is sluggish or changes slowly, its because thats how she drives it.
I use my J gate manually quite a lot as it gives great control and the only delay is when your pushing flat out & change up but the car knows its quicker to stay in the lower gear (cos your foots flat on the floor)
NB. The gearbox shows 1,2,3,4 because 5 is in the D position, it is still a 5 speed box.
My XKR does not have a 1st gear, if you put it in 2nd slot and stop (while Sport is pressed) it automatically selects 1st then 2nd.
If I were you - go and test drive one. But be warned, it took me a couple thousand miles to get used to the gearbox and get the best out of it.
Back in the year 2000 most magazines said it was the best Auto box on the market (the Mercedes 5sp)
Anyway have fun hunting, try youtube clips
Slap a larger pulley on and get much more power lower down the rev range, this will also help the issues with the gearbox and only costs £150.
The Auto box will learn your driving style, so if your partners petrol SType is sluggish or changes slowly, its because thats how she drives it.
I use my J gate manually quite a lot as it gives great control and the only delay is when your pushing flat out & change up but the car knows its quicker to stay in the lower gear (cos your foots flat on the floor)
NB. The gearbox shows 1,2,3,4 because 5 is in the D position, it is still a 5 speed box.
My XKR does not have a 1st gear, if you put it in 2nd slot and stop (while Sport is pressed) it automatically selects 1st then 2nd.
If I were you - go and test drive one. But be warned, it took me a couple thousand miles to get used to the gearbox and get the best out of it.
Back in the year 2000 most magazines said it was the best Auto box on the market (the Mercedes 5sp)
Anyway have fun hunting, try youtube clips
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff