Tuning the X300/308

[Bisonhead]

Hi all, I am going to be picking up my first big cat next Tuesday. It is a XJ8 4.0 (x308) in black with the Celtic alloys...I cant wait!

I was wondering if there were any tuning options or 'de-riguer' items that can be fitted to these models. Im not looking to add power and wings etc. just subtle mods to allow the engine to breath a bit more easily and be more vocal when the situation arises.

I have had a good trawl on the internet today and cant seem to come up with anything other than Arden and BlueFlame or whatever it is.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Bisonhead]

Jaguar steve said:

I'd suggest you'd be much better putting whatever time and money you're prepared to spend on making sure the car is in as good a standard condition as possible before you even consider tuning it. If it were mine I'd put a few hundred towards a full fluid change including the gearbox and diff, have the third gen timing chain tensioners fitted and have a 4 wheel geometry alignment check and reset done.

It'll make a difference to the car's drivability if the breather system is clear, the throttle body and airflow meter are spotlessly clean and all the usual things like tyre quality, condition and pressure are attended too. Running a diagnostic scan to check everything is set up as it should be and investigating and clearing any stored fault codes is also worthwhile spending money on.

XJ's are hard on brake and suspension components so any failings or weaknesses here will need to be looked at as well. I'd also give thought to having a thorough rustproofing done.

Car detailing obsessives say quite rightly you can't polish a turd - I have the same view about tuning or sticking after market bits on, and that is there's absolutely no point in doing so if the car itself is not performing as well as it possibly can in standard factory specification first of all.

Thanks Jaguar Steve. This is the thing, a lot of that work has been done in the last 5000 miles. It has been maticulously maintained by the previous owner with receipts to prove. Air flow meter and throttle body im not so sure about, are these easily done at home?. It is also personal preference as well. Im not looking to release the devil within or change it beyond recognition, simply enhance the experience with a few basic changes. The V8 is very muted and I dont want to boot it everywhereto enjoy the sound (saw 4.2mpg instant consumption on the test runs!!)