X-type Modifications
Discussion
Hi all,
I am about to part company with my Elise - after 4 years of fun I feel I have paid my dues to hardcore motoring and am getting tired of driving to work with a wet leg when it rains, not being able to pick up any radio stations, and being forced to use my wife's car to take my baby daughter anywhere.
So I am looking for a replacement P&J that is an antidote to the Elise and the 3.0 X-Type Manual seems just the ticket. I have done my research on the trials an tribulations of X-Type ownership and I think that if I buy well I should have a pretty reliable and comfortable car. However, I think I will probably want to add a few modifications to get the best out of the new motor...
My questions is for those of you that have had X-Type mods done, specifically ECU re-map, sports exhaust (dual or quad), brakes upgrade (I understand this is highly desirable as an upgrade), or anything else performance enhancing that might be of interest...
- Would you say the mods are worth the financial outlay? (the Arden mods are pretty pricey!)
- Have any of you experienced reliability issues following mods? (e.g. I understand the X-Type gearbox isn't necessarily up to the job of coping with power increases)
- Assuming a FSH, would you think that a higher mileage example (say 60-70K) would be best left unfettled? Or should it make no difference as long as the car has been well looked after - higher mileage = less expensive car to buy = more money for mods =
- How do the Jag dealers look upon mods? Does it make getting the car serviced more expensive?
- Do modified cars lose value a lot more quickly than standard cars? (I would think they do, but it might still be worth it)
That's probably more than enough for one post...
Thanks!
I am about to part company with my Elise - after 4 years of fun I feel I have paid my dues to hardcore motoring and am getting tired of driving to work with a wet leg when it rains, not being able to pick up any radio stations, and being forced to use my wife's car to take my baby daughter anywhere.
So I am looking for a replacement P&J that is an antidote to the Elise and the 3.0 X-Type Manual seems just the ticket. I have done my research on the trials an tribulations of X-Type ownership and I think that if I buy well I should have a pretty reliable and comfortable car. However, I think I will probably want to add a few modifications to get the best out of the new motor...
My questions is for those of you that have had X-Type mods done, specifically ECU re-map, sports exhaust (dual or quad), brakes upgrade (I understand this is highly desirable as an upgrade), or anything else performance enhancing that might be of interest...
- Would you say the mods are worth the financial outlay? (the Arden mods are pretty pricey!)
- Have any of you experienced reliability issues following mods? (e.g. I understand the X-Type gearbox isn't necessarily up to the job of coping with power increases)
- Assuming a FSH, would you think that a higher mileage example (say 60-70K) would be best left unfettled? Or should it make no difference as long as the car has been well looked after - higher mileage = less expensive car to buy = more money for mods =
- How do the Jag dealers look upon mods? Does it make getting the car serviced more expensive?
- Do modified cars lose value a lot more quickly than standard cars? (I would think they do, but it might still be worth it)
That's probably more than enough for one post...
Thanks!
Skoff,
The major obstacle is the transfer box most believe in standard form it won't handle much over 250bhp, given 231 as standard on the 3.0 the margin isn't great. We know the duratec engine is good for a lot more power look what Lee Noble does with it.If you've read any of the american jag sites where modding is the norm, the owners all complain of the total lack of mod kit for the X type. I believe Bonspeed did an ecu for a one off special but it never became commercial.
I agree brakes or lack of them could be upgraded also exhaust, wheels not beyond 18inch, guys in the states have tried 19's with different centres but they all ended up fouling the bodywork and ruining the ride.
If you buy early years 2001-03 then prop problems already well documented could be exaserbated by any increase in power, X type rule is buy as late as possible 2003 onwards. Plus I assume you'll be looking for a manual 3.0 sport with the sport suspension. The SE wallows and any increase in power will only increase the soft ride feel.
The major obstacle is the transfer box most believe in standard form it won't handle much over 250bhp, given 231 as standard on the 3.0 the margin isn't great. We know the duratec engine is good for a lot more power look what Lee Noble does with it.If you've read any of the american jag sites where modding is the norm, the owners all complain of the total lack of mod kit for the X type. I believe Bonspeed did an ecu for a one off special but it never became commercial.
I agree brakes or lack of them could be upgraded also exhaust, wheels not beyond 18inch, guys in the states have tried 19's with different centres but they all ended up fouling the bodywork and ruining the ride.
If you buy early years 2001-03 then prop problems already well documented could be exaserbated by any increase in power, X type rule is buy as late as possible 2003 onwards. Plus I assume you'll be looking for a manual 3.0 sport with the sport suspension. The SE wallows and any increase in power will only increase the soft ride feel.
Hi Dominicf
Thanks for such a quick reply and solid advice!
Sounds like I had better put more money into the initial purchase of the car rather than worry about the mods at the moment (with the possible exception of brakes... And maybe the exhaust...)
Yes I was thinking of the Sport (the only variant I have driven so far) which seemed soft but competent - that is actually what I am looking for (and I accept pretty much anything is going to feel soft after the Elise).
Thanks for such a quick reply and solid advice!
Sounds like I had better put more money into the initial purchase of the car rather than worry about the mods at the moment (with the possible exception of brakes... And maybe the exhaust...)
Yes I was thinking of the Sport (the only variant I have driven so far) which seemed soft but competent - that is actually what I am looking for (and I accept pretty much anything is going to feel soft after the Elise).
Dom can you send me a link/info on the prop problems please. Thanx.
Skoff, Arden are a real waste of money imho. I bought a load of stuff, all Jag parts from ebay to uprate my X, in looks only. The Arden exhausts are nice but not much louder than stock, Borla do a cheaper alternative. Try these guys, but some peeps have had probs with their orders. www.jaguarxp.com/jagxp/Xtypemainoptionpage.htm
Before:
After:
Yup def get the 3.0ltr Sport manual, it will have the number '53' in the middle of the VIN, which means it will have the firmer sportier set up. The earlier models have the 231BHP, but after '03 they reduced the power down to 218BHP??(I think that or 208.) There are lots about so make sure you get one with ALL options and FULL leather.
They don't hold their value so spend as little as possible, find a one onwer car with low miles, avoid ex-lease high milers. Avoid cars with no service history, no matter how cheap it is!
G
Skoff, Arden are a real waste of money imho. I bought a load of stuff, all Jag parts from ebay to uprate my X, in looks only. The Arden exhausts are nice but not much louder than stock, Borla do a cheaper alternative. Try these guys, but some peeps have had probs with their orders. www.jaguarxp.com/jagxp/Xtypemainoptionpage.htm
Before:
After:
Yup def get the 3.0ltr Sport manual, it will have the number '53' in the middle of the VIN, which means it will have the firmer sportier set up. The earlier models have the 231BHP, but after '03 they reduced the power down to 218BHP??(I think that or 208.) There are lots about so make sure you get one with ALL options and FULL leather.
They don't hold their value so spend as little as possible, find a one onwer car with low miles, avoid ex-lease high milers. Avoid cars with no service history, no matter how cheap it is!
G
Edited by triple7 on Thursday 8th March 15:16
Hi Triple7
Your car looks the business... Those wheels are very nice indeed...
Good tip about the VIN number.
Thanks for the link, interesting reading and more reasonable prices than those I have been quoted (though obviously not including fitting - not something I would do myself
)
I must admit I hadn't heard about the post '03 power drop for the X-Type 3.0l, and Jaguar still quote the 231BHP on their website?? This needs more investigation on my part as I want to start with the variant with the best performance potential.
Point taken about the high milers - though low miles & 1 owner doesn't usually equal spending as little as possible! I am pretty keen to buy a car that's taken the worst of its depreciation, so I was considering a high(ish) miler, slightly earlier car say '02/'03, though as you say FSH is non-negotiable
As regards 'all the options' I understand that the Sat Nav is the best thing to have for re-sale values, but have heard some horror stories about big bills when the break, and I have my own portable Sat Nav, so not entirely convinced on that front. Which other options would you think are important? (I agree on the leather btw)
Your car looks the business... Those wheels are very nice indeed...
Good tip about the VIN number.
Thanks for the link, interesting reading and more reasonable prices than those I have been quoted (though obviously not including fitting - not something I would do myself
) I must admit I hadn't heard about the post '03 power drop for the X-Type 3.0l, and Jaguar still quote the 231BHP on their website?? This needs more investigation on my part as I want to start with the variant with the best performance potential.
Point taken about the high milers - though low miles & 1 owner doesn't usually equal spending as little as possible! I am pretty keen to buy a car that's taken the worst of its depreciation, so I was considering a high(ish) miler, slightly earlier car say '02/'03, though as you say FSH is non-negotiable
As regards 'all the options' I understand that the Sat Nav is the best thing to have for re-sale values, but have heard some horror stories about big bills when the break, and I have my own portable Sat Nav, so not entirely convinced on that front. Which other options would you think are important? (I agree on the leather btw)
Hi, I have a X Type 3Lt Estate with all the Jaguar bits and pieces on
There was an article in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Magazine about November there a chap had brought the power to 600BHP, Turbo and Nitro.
The JEC had it on show at Earls Court in November ( the MPH 06 Show)
There was an article in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Magazine about November there a chap had brought the power to 600BHP, Turbo and Nitro.
The JEC had it on show at Earls Court in November ( the MPH 06 Show)
Edited by NormanD on Thursday 8th March 19:55
Hi Skoff,
Be patient and find 'the' car. I was adamant it had to be platinum and found one, although I compromised on the cranberry leather interior, but really love it now.
The early cars are the hardest to buy, because when Jag launched them, they tried to be like Bimmer and made you buy a stripped car and then choose your options. This proved to be very expensive for those new perspective owners. My X's seats for example have manual fwd/back, but are electric in all other directions, because the chap I bought it from had a set budget and chose the trip computer over electric fwd/back! After 2003, the more popular options were fitted as standard. (I believe?!)
Essentials ideally, but up to you in the end:
Full leather
Auto-Climate Control
Electric- Seats/mirrors/locks/windows.
Cruise control. (I don't and wish I had)
CD Changer.
Trip computer, I like to see my facts and figs!
Options like the bluetooth phone don't seem to work very well for most people, and Satnav for me isn't req'd. Like I said the cosmetic changes are dead easy to buy later if your car doesn't have those.
Pop over here if you like, its in its infancy, but what you put in you get out as they say. www.x-type.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
G
Be patient and find 'the' car. I was adamant it had to be platinum and found one, although I compromised on the cranberry leather interior, but really love it now.
The early cars are the hardest to buy, because when Jag launched them, they tried to be like Bimmer and made you buy a stripped car and then choose your options. This proved to be very expensive for those new perspective owners. My X's seats for example have manual fwd/back, but are electric in all other directions, because the chap I bought it from had a set budget and chose the trip computer over electric fwd/back! After 2003, the more popular options were fitted as standard. (I believe?!)
Essentials ideally, but up to you in the end:
Full leather
Auto-Climate Control
Electric- Seats/mirrors/locks/windows.
Cruise control. (I don't and wish I had)
CD Changer.
Trip computer, I like to see my facts and figs!
Options like the bluetooth phone don't seem to work very well for most people, and Satnav for me isn't req'd. Like I said the cosmetic changes are dead easy to buy later if your car doesn't have those.
Pop over here if you like, its in its infancy, but what you put in you get out as they say. www.x-type.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
G
Edited by triple7 on Thursday 8th March 22:51
Yes, I think I will need to take my time, there aren't so many of the spec I am interested in for sale down in Somerset, but that's not a problem as I have alternative transport in the meantime.
Checked out that other forum and it is very good, thanks Triple7!
Normand - 600bhp
that would be interesting! Except that the wife will want to drive the car from time to time and I don't think she would approve 
I wonder how he got on with reliability. I used to run a Sapphire Cosworth that had about 480bhp, and that spent more time in the garage than on the road. Good fun while it lasted though.
Checked out that other forum and it is very good, thanks Triple7!
Normand - 600bhp
that would be interesting! Except that the wife will want to drive the car from time to time and I don't think she would approve I wonder how he got on with reliability. I used to run a Sapphire Cosworth that had about 480bhp, and that spent more time in the garage than on the road. Good fun while it lasted though.
triple7 said:
Pop over here if you like, its in its infancy, but what you put in you get out as they say. www.x-type.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
Thanks for the Thread, not another Forum to frequent
[quote=triple7]Dom can you send me a link/info on the prop problems please. Thanx.
Triple7
Have a read
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/jagu
Triple7
Have a read
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/jagu
skoff said:
Normand - what mods have you had done? And do you think they were worth the outlay?
Sorry skoff, just spotted this
No mods on the X Type at the moment
My X is a Sport Premium but has ALL the extras that Jaguar have like sunroof etc
Cost new approx. £40K, got it one year old for £22K
It's not a 03 but a 05, private plate
Edited by NormanD on Wednesday 14th March 16:10
Hi there. I have had two x types the 2.5 and the 3.0. If you are getting the 3.0 the you will have enough power for any acasion. 0-60 I. 6.6 that’s very quick mate, it’s fast enough so I wouldn’t go round messing with Ecu maps as you will need a new clutch soon after or your transfer box will simpley blow. I’d get new breaks, possibly less restrictive exhaust and inlet manifold. If you wanna go for it then get racing cams racing clutch kit and a upgraded transfer box that will all cost 1000,s but you can get over 500hp if you attach the supercharger kit they sell along with the cams. Happy modding
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