Buying an XKR to fix up?

[AceOfHearts]

There is a local 1998 XKR for sale that has a blown head gasket. I think i could probably get the car for around £2500. Do you think it is worth a punt to fix up and possibly turn a profit (or if it seems good possibly keep). My main concern is that the head gasket is hiding other (expensive) issues with the car that i obviously cannot check with the car not running.

What do you guys think?

[NormanD]

Yes you could make a nice car of it but it could also run away with the money

If you take the heads off, best to do both sides, the later 4.2 gaskets fit and are better
Then as you have that stripped best to change the timing chains, tensioners a guides to the later ones
As the water pump will be off, replace that for the later one as well as the thermostate
Inspect the water pipes, diffinatley change the Valley pipes, the ones under the supercharger

You will nead some special tools, they can be hired from the JEC if you are a member

What sort of mileage has it done, things like gearbox seeled for life is rubbish,
Change the oil and filter every 60,000 miles

I would say join the XK8R enthusiast club www.xkec.co.uk you will get a lot of advice off their members only forum

Edited by NormanD on Friday 2nd March 08:28

[AceOfHearts]

Thanks for that

I will have to figure out whether i can afford to put the money into it atm but it is sorely tempting.

Is it ok as a DIY job? I have done headgaskets before but only on hatchbacks etc so not sure if the Jag has any special drawbacks?

[NormanD]

AceOfHearts said:

Is it ok as a DIY job?
I have done headgaskets before but only on hatchbacks etc so not sure if the Jag has any special drawbacks?

I know some in the XKEC that have done it in their drive
After all it is just a car, a nice car though, you will have a grin on your face

We have a meeting at Brooklands this Sunday if you would like to come and have a chat