Thought you might like this video to get everybody excited about driving their Jaguar XK8 or XKR again !
A total of 91,406 cars have been built in total from 1996 to 2005 and as you can see from the video it still has just as much head turning ability as when it was launched. It's quickly becoming a modern classic and sporting icon. If you can acquire a good example they offer great value as well !
All the best.
Regards, Dave R
XK8 Parts Review - XK8 / XKR Rear Suspension Layout
The rear suspension system of the Jaguar XK8 / XKR is generally working well in service. However, as the car ages, we are starting to hear of some problems with the CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) System cars and the interface with the electrical system not working possibly down to the shock absorber parts rotating and pulling off the connections.
Changing the rear shock absorbers can be difficult with the rear suspension having to be lowered and the required use of a slim spring compressor. The fulcrum pin holding the shock absorber in place may well have corroded and then needs to be cut off with an angle grinder.
However all can be resolved and we are pleased to announce that the rear suspension layout and the associated parts list can be reviewed and purchased via www.jaguarpartsdb.com
To view the XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension Parts Assembly, click HERE www.jaguarpartsdb.com
Copywright - Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts
XK8 / XKR Parts Review - Rear Suspension Set Up
Introduction
The Jaguar XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension system has generally worked well in service. The assembly and associated parts are based on the proven Jag X300 system which in turn was based on the older Jag XJ40 system. However problems are starting to present which the XK8 / XKR owner needs to be aware of.
CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) System
The introduction of the CATS system was based on the older X300 rear suspension design. CATS manages and optimises the ride and handling of the XK8 / XKR car by means of uprated springs to increase the stiffness and electronic adaptive dampers under electronic control. Sensors at the front and rear of the car monitor the road and handling conditions and alter the electronic dampers to soften or stiffen the dampers. On start up the springs default to a stiffer setting and then under way on a smooth road, will soften. The settings will change in micro settings as braking, cornering and road conditions affect the car.
XK8 / XKR Suspension Problems
If you have a car fitted with CATS and the rear suspension is not working effectively then this can be a problem with the electrical connections from the shock absorber going into the wiring loom. Over time, the shock absorbers can actually rotate in service which may cause the electrical connections to be pulled off. This may necessitate the replacement of the shock absorbers part.
As with some other areas of the XK8 / XKR, changing the rear shock absorber parts is not as easy as it may look. Firstly, the rear suspension needs to be unbolted and lowered several inches. A special thin spring compressor is required to allow the release of the shock absorber from the spring unit. With the spring suitably compressed, the fulcrum pin can be removed which may well have seized in position. If this is the case, due to the severe lack of space in the area and the bottom of the spring compressor obstructing, this will have to be cut off with a small angle grinder
Jaguar XK8 / XKR Parts Review - Fulcrum Pin to the right which may have to be cut off.
To complete the removal of the shock absorbers, the rear tie bar needs to be removed together with the A -Frame safety plate. Also you will need to remove the nuts holding the top plate of the shock absorber spring pan.
These are main problems reported to date.
To view the XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension Parts Assembly, click here www.jaguarpartsdb.com
Copywright - Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts
XK8 and XKR Parts Review - Engine Parts Now Live on JaguarpartsDB
A lot has been written about the early Jaguar XK8 Engines and the problems with Nikasil bores which affected some cars causing degradation of the bores and then loss of compression. This would eventually result in engine failure.
Consequently, many XK8 / XKR early engines have been replaced. The steel lined bores of the post 2000 model and onward year cars overcame this problem. Several years ago XK8 / XKR engine rebuilding services certainly in the UK were non existent and good used post 2000 engines few and far between. The solution was to obtain a new engine replacement from Jaguar costing anything between £3000 and £5000 plus fitting !!. Now there are various XK8 engineering specialists who can rebuild the engines at much reasonable cost and to a high standard. There are often good used XK8 engines available from accident damaged cars.
There are still a few engine problems that the XK8 / XKR owner needs to sort out. These relate to the replacement of the old plastic type secondary tensioners and chains and possibly the need to also change the primary tensioner and chain. If you have a pre 2001 car and the tensioners have not been changed then we would strongly recommend it as a precautionary measure. Depending on the mileage you may also want to change these on a post 2001 car but if your mileage is relatively low, just replace the top tensioners and chains and leave the bottom primary tensioner and chain. Some owners will just want to have all these components parts changed for complete piece of mind.
The recently launched engine section of JaguarpartsDB.com provides a good source of supply covering all these areas, engine rebuilding services, used engines (subject to availability), timing chain / tensioner kits and all the other engine parts you will need to keep your great Jaguar XK8 / XKR engine purring.
For the Jaguar XK8 and XKR Engine Parts List on JaguarPartsDB, CLICK HERE
The standard XK8 / XKR exhaust system has been criticised for being too quiet, but in practice the quality mild steel system has lasted well in service. However with early cars now over 14 years old, it will be time to consider renewing the exhausts system. Problem is, the cost to replace the standard system would be in excess of £700 using original Jaguar XK8 / XKR parts.
XK8 Parts Review Blue Flame Stainless Exhaust with XKR Spa Trim
A much more cost-effective and exciting proposition is to purchase a fantastic sounding performance XK8 / XKR exhaust system made from lifetime lasting 304 grade stainless steel from a reputable supplier such as Blueflame based in the UK. Having reviewed several systems, we believe Blueflame offers the best value for XK8 and XKR owners with prices starting from just £580 + VAT for the full Cat back system.
Blue Flame Exhausts for Jaguar offer products that are:
* Designed from scratch by in-house performance technicians
* Designed to give genuine performance gains
* Designed to interface with further performance upgrades
* Designed to sound sporty without being intrusive
* Designed using the finest 304 grade stainless steel
* Designed using mandrel tube bending equipment for continuous unrestricted gas flow
* Designed using free flow silencers for maximum power and torque
* Designed and manufactured in the UK
* Designed for life
There are two types of end pipe trims for the XK8 and XKR models; the SPA trim which is oval in shape and straight through finish or the ASSEN trim which is again oval but with a concave interior finish. Both look impressive and coupled with the fantastic sound will turn heads and make you feel you are driving a real sports supercar.
To review the standard Jaguar XK8 and XKR exhaust parts range, click here.
WATCH THE BLUE FLAME SYSTEM IN ACTION ON AN XKR
WATCH THE BLUE FLAME SYSTEM IN ACTION ON AN XK8
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