Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 14]
Discussion
With recent Jaguar appearances on here I thought I’d give a quick Barge update from a thread purchase of the 1999 X308 XJR.
Bought in 2015 at 74k off an old-timer; seemed like a well looked after example with a good pile of history receipts, but ready for a refresh and preventative work.
Hence spent a fair chunk of cash in 2016/17 on :
4th Gen tensioners and chains
Water pump, valley pipes
Suspension refresh inc. new CATS dampers all round, new springs (slightly lower; I’m sure the purists will disapprove but think it works with the long, low profile of the XJ)
Supercharger tensioner, pulley, belt
Preventative gearbox and diff oil change
New headliner and some leather refurb
Some bodywork and paint due to tinworm
Penta wheel refurbishment
Managed to pick up some cheap but tatty X300 XJR wheels recently off the Information Super Highway.
Always liked the design of these, like mini XJ220 wheels, and knew they would fit the X308; although what I thought would be a quick and cheap modification soon added up in costs.
Had full restoration at Lepsons and looked for a nice tyre choice.
I’d had Pilot Sport 3’s fitted to the Penta’s previously and the Z4MC has PS4’s, so preferred the Michelin product.
The X300 wheel is an unusual size though at 255/45/17, so few options in the mid range (£150 ish).
Some PS4’s advertised at independents, but could only find 3 with mixed manufacturing dates.
Plumped for Continental ContiSport 5 in the end for a change.
Wheels required new OEM centre caps as the plastic clips on the supplied ones had deteriorated. £85 for 4.
On fitting the refurbished wheels realised they needed shorter bolts to the ones on the Penta wheels. £85 for a set.
Anyway, they are on now and happy with the aesthetics and ride.
The slightly deeper sidewall (45 as opposed to 40 on the 18” Pentas) make for a more compliant ride and offsets the change in springs nicely.
Continental tyres seem fine, if a bit more road noise than the PS3’s. Let’s see what they are like in the wet.
Next jobs :
Rear bumper valance needs repainting after Euro schlep scrape (what is it with French parking…); the clear coat is peeling off around the brightwork anyway, so needs doing.
Need to check a slight oil leak as MOT advisory.
Odd bits and bobs inc. replacing a cracked glass OSF fog lamp.
Really want to sort out the steering though at some point. Had a switchable ‘weighted’ modification done but ideally it needs a quicker rack. Not sure if the XK rack would fit, or maybe a custom build.
Now on 90k and very happy as a thread purchase for occasional weekend/Euro use. Definitely a keeper.
Thanks
S
X300 XJR wheels :
X308 Penta wheels :
PS. It came with that 'personalised' plate. I think all XJ's do....
Bought in 2015 at 74k off an old-timer; seemed like a well looked after example with a good pile of history receipts, but ready for a refresh and preventative work.
Hence spent a fair chunk of cash in 2016/17 on :
4th Gen tensioners and chains
Water pump, valley pipes
Suspension refresh inc. new CATS dampers all round, new springs (slightly lower; I’m sure the purists will disapprove but think it works with the long, low profile of the XJ)
Supercharger tensioner, pulley, belt
Preventative gearbox and diff oil change
New headliner and some leather refurb
Some bodywork and paint due to tinworm
Penta wheel refurbishment
Managed to pick up some cheap but tatty X300 XJR wheels recently off the Information Super Highway.
Always liked the design of these, like mini XJ220 wheels, and knew they would fit the X308; although what I thought would be a quick and cheap modification soon added up in costs.
Had full restoration at Lepsons and looked for a nice tyre choice.
I’d had Pilot Sport 3’s fitted to the Penta’s previously and the Z4MC has PS4’s, so preferred the Michelin product.
The X300 wheel is an unusual size though at 255/45/17, so few options in the mid range (£150 ish).
Some PS4’s advertised at independents, but could only find 3 with mixed manufacturing dates.
Plumped for Continental ContiSport 5 in the end for a change.
Wheels required new OEM centre caps as the plastic clips on the supplied ones had deteriorated. £85 for 4.
On fitting the refurbished wheels realised they needed shorter bolts to the ones on the Penta wheels. £85 for a set.
Anyway, they are on now and happy with the aesthetics and ride.
The slightly deeper sidewall (45 as opposed to 40 on the 18” Pentas) make for a more compliant ride and offsets the change in springs nicely.
Continental tyres seem fine, if a bit more road noise than the PS3’s. Let’s see what they are like in the wet.
Next jobs :
Rear bumper valance needs repainting after Euro schlep scrape (what is it with French parking…); the clear coat is peeling off around the brightwork anyway, so needs doing.
Need to check a slight oil leak as MOT advisory.
Odd bits and bobs inc. replacing a cracked glass OSF fog lamp.
Really want to sort out the steering though at some point. Had a switchable ‘weighted’ modification done but ideally it needs a quicker rack. Not sure if the XK rack would fit, or maybe a custom build.
Now on 90k and very happy as a thread purchase for occasional weekend/Euro use. Definitely a keeper.
Thanks
S
X300 XJR wheels :
X308 Penta wheels :
PS. It came with that 'personalised' plate. I think all XJ's do....
Could I ask the MB-beard collective, the front of my engine is a little rattly (belts, tensioner etc, rather than timing chains or block innards).
Is there an accepted list of replacement parts when doing this overhaul? A sort of, “whilst you’re there, also consider...”
W201, M102 engine in 116,000 miles.
Many thanks.
Is there an accepted list of replacement parts when doing this overhaul? A sort of, “whilst you’re there, also consider...”
W201, M102 engine in 116,000 miles.
Many thanks.
golfer19 said:
king arthur said:
Any barge purchases happening this weekend?
I'm feeling a slightly itchy wallet finger....
Anglia car auctions might be good shout today.I'm feeling a slightly itchy wallet finger....
Quick update: bought the 156! Managed to haggle the grand total of...nothing off. It ain't perfect, it needs four tyres (no idea how they weren't marked on the MOT), the bodykit isn't in great shape - few cracks, not attached very well in places - might just have it taken off. Radio isn't connected, the guy has promised to post me the cable...however it seems solid and drives well and the guy seemed like an alfa enthusiast. So it is now mine.
Though the guy left me about 75p of petrol and now parked in a shopping centre with the fuel light on and at risk of running out...
Oh and I just found one of those damp collectors in the boot. I'm not good at buying cars...
Though the guy left me about 75p of petrol and now parked in a shopping centre with the fuel light on and at risk of running out...
Oh and I just found one of those damp collectors in the boot. I'm not good at buying cars...
I justified haggling nothing off on the basis of the 1800 quid of recent work. Also that the seller had another gtv on the drive, and claims he also owns a gtv6 and two ferraris.
First part ordered: replacement gear knob.
Then the list is four tyres, single din head unit, into a body shop to either fix or remove the bodykit and fix the broken wing mirror, and a valet.
Then...hopefully...nothing.
Low speed steering is remarkably heavy, is this nornal? I wonder if it's just the suspect tyres.
First part ordered: replacement gear knob.
Then the list is four tyres, single din head unit, into a body shop to either fix or remove the bodykit and fix the broken wing mirror, and a valet.
Then...hopefully...nothing.
Low speed steering is remarkably heavy, is this nornal? I wonder if it's just the suspect tyres.
Edited by Integroo on Saturday 24th August 12:35
Integroo said:
Quick update: bought the 156! Managed to haggle the grand total of...nothing off. It ain't perfect, it needs four tyres (no idea how they weren't marked on the MOT), the bodykit isn't in great shape - few cracks, not attached very well in places - might just have it taken off. Radio isn't connected, the guy has promised to post me the cable...however it seems solid and drives well and the guy seemed like an alfa enthusiast. So it is now mine.
Though the guy left me about 75p of petrol and now parked in a shopping centre with the fuel light on and at risk of running out...
Oh and I just found one of those damp collectors in the boot. I'm not good at buying cars...
Great news! Sounds perfect. Enjoy it!Though the guy left me about 75p of petrol and now parked in a shopping centre with the fuel light on and at risk of running out...
Oh and I just found one of those damp collectors in the boot. I'm not good at buying cars...
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