Daimler Super V8 advice

[THEROCKETMAN]

Good evening all! I am VERY close to purchasing car in link below. Should I have any concerns? Aware it is probably of the NIKASIL/Timing chains era??

Any other observations most greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261303445876?ssPageName=...

[THEROCKETMAN]

I agree ref. the alloys. I would be looking to source correct Daimler alloys and bring back to original. What sort of price would you say I am looking at to upgrade tensioners- £1k ?

Thanks for your reply.

[D4MJT]

Nothing to say other than buy it, and enjoy it. It looks fabulous. I had a Daimler V8 many moons ago, and loved it, I'd have a Super V8 in an instant, the x308 shape just seems to get better and better, especially amongst such large new cars these days.

[Jaguar steve]

The upgrade may already have been done. If you have a reciept you are confident relates to that car for 1x C2A1511 and 1x C2A1512 and 4 bolts then it has the metal tensioners fitted.

If not remove the RH cam cover - the LH is a PITA to get off - and locate the secondary chain tensioner between the two cam sprockets. If coloured red or orange it's the original first gen one, if it's cream or yellow the engine may have been either built with a second gen one or had a second gen one fitted under recall as a result of a complaint of start up rattle and if it's a light grey colour it's the ultimate 3rd gen metal bodied one from the later 4.2V8 that will have been retro fitted at some point.

The first and second gen types can fail over time and mileage risking potentialy serious engine damage. The first gen one usually causes a warning chain rattle on cold start up, the second gen one often fails silently. If the 3rd gen tensioner has been fitted then you have no need to be concerned.

Providing the rest of the timing gear like chains, sprockets and guides are not worn or stretched it's fine to just change the tensioners. Parts in region of £150 including gaskets and garage labour no more the 3 hours max.

Tensioner change is easy enough to DIY. Timing tools can be hired from the JEC and parts sourced fom ebay. There is an alternative method not using timing tools and instead removing the exhaust cams whilst retaining the chains on the sprockets with tie wraps but I've not done that yet so can't comment if it it's a sound procedure or not.

[anonymous-user]

That's an awful lot of money for an X308, especially an early one. I'd expect absolutely everything to be done and sorted for that much.

[THEROCKETMAN]

dme123 said:

That's an awful lot of money for an X308, especially an early one. I'd expect absolutely everything to be done and sorted for that much.

I was wondering about price. Having not been in the market before I am finding it hard to get an accurate value. The seller will be putting a new MOT on. He assures me there are absolutely no timing chain rattles whatsoever. He has also said the car will be presented without any issues or faults and is in better condition and far more striking in the flesh than in the pictures. He does sound very genuine and informative.

Million dollar question is; what do others who know these cars think of the asking price? (There is some negotiation to be had!). Thanks for all replies, your time is well appreciated :-)

[Jaguar steve]

THEROCKETMAN said:

dme123 said:

That's an awful lot of money for an X308, especially an early one. I'd expect absolutely everything to be done and sorted for that much.

I was wondering about price. Having not been in the market before I am finding it hard to get an accurate value. The seller will be putting a new MOT on. He assures me there are absolutely no timing chain rattles whatsoever. He has also said the car will be presented without any issues or faults and is in better condition and far more striking in the flesh than in the pictures. He does sound very genuine and informative.

Million dollar question is; what do others who know these cars think of the asking price? (There is some negotiation to be had!). Thanks for all replies, your time is well appreciated :-)


Compare with other X308

Compared with other X308s on the market then yes that looks expensive, especially as it's a pre 2000 car with 90k on it. Factor in it could potentially need tyres and timing chains, a new battery and a gearbox oil change as well as anything else that may be amis with a 14 year old car then you're looking at another couple of thousand on top.

If you want a black Super V8 right now than you'll just have to pay whatever you and the vendor meet on. If you're not comfortable with the price then before you close the deal have a look round the XJ8 market and take your time to view and drive several other examples.

Once you've gained that experience then you'll be in a more confident position to spot a good car when you see it and how much you should pay to get it. Personally I'd avoid dealers and look for an enthusiasts car in a private sale. Have a look on carsandclassic, classic cars for sale, Jagads and in the Jaguar World magazine.