Is it worth modifying my XK8 or should I just buy an XKR?

[XK8-XK8]

Hi all...I have just joined the forum and I have a few questions that I was hoping somebody could help with....I have a 1999 4.0 XK8 in Phoenix Red ( pics attached )....It is a standard car apart from having a 'Quick Silver' full exhaust system ( which by the way, sounds AMAZING! )...I am not sure of how much extra power is produced ( perhaps someone out there can answer that? )...Anyway, I love the drive of my XK8...I think its an awesome machine, especially considering how little I paid for it.....however, Its not perfect....I think it could be better....I was thinking along the lines of lowered / sports suspension, poly bushing and fitting larger anti-roll bars.....in addition, bigger discs and calipers.....I also wondered if there was a larger throttle upgrade / performance air intake kit for more power..I also like the look of 20'' split rims...but do they significantly blunt acceleration compared to 18'' wheels?...And then I think is it just easier/ cheaper to buy an XKR instead?....I accept that an XKR is much quicker, but do they handle a lot better than an XK8?...

 

I actually own 2 XK8's...The blue one is a 1997 car which I purchased about a week ago...I got it cheaply but it needs work....My other idea was to keep the red one standard and modify the blue one...I was even thinking about replacing the interior with some lightweight seats and fitting a roll cage....I love the look of it...I believe its 'Midnight Blue'....It has a few reasonably subtle modifications...it has a 'Supercharged' badge on the bonnet..it has 18'' 'Flute' alloys which have been painted black...there is black meshing on the headlights....it has a chrome boot plinth rather than a body coloured one....and it has the later rear lights ( which personally I think look nicer than the earlier ones)

 

So, there we have it....2 cars....lots of ideas...any input / information greatly appreciated 🙂

 

Bill 

[XK8-XK8]

 

On 3/26/2020 at 7:54 AM, XK8-XK8 said:

 

 

 

I have been doing a bit of research and I think I have found something rather interesting.....When I decided to buy my first XK8 ( the red one ) I had no idea of the the variety of XK8/XKR that existed....I knew there was a naturally aspirated version and a supercharged version..but I didn't know about 4.0 v 4.2 , 5 speed v 6 speed, face lift models or special/limited editions...to me, an XK8 was just a beautiful machine that came to replace my one time love, the mighty XJ-S....( of which I have had many over the years )....

 

Anyway, I started looking at the various cars offered for sale on eBay, Pistonheads and a few other places and I came across a limited edition that has really grabbed my interest...its the run out edition 2005 4.2 S....It was a limited edition, where they produced only 200 cars, with both naturally aspirated and super charged engines, and a convertible version....both naturally aspirated and supercharged cars have a special bonnet badge , special sill plates, and were offered in just four limited edition colours, with special interior and trim colours..the super charged version comes with Recaro front seats ...both engine models are equipped with stiffer springs , up-rated shocks, bigger anti-roll bars and a 10% quicker steering rack....the ride height is lower by 10mm...the supercharged version comes with 20'' split rims alloys and Brembo discs and calipers.....the naturally aspirated version comes with 19'' alloy wheels but standard brakes....and to top it all off, the supercharged version is de-restricted so it can hit 174 mph!....

 

It occurred to me that either car would be a special machine, but the supercharged version could arguably be the 'ultimate XK'....It offers every upgrade that I have been thinking about ( apart from lightweight seats and a roll cage ) and to my mind, would be an appreciating asset ( assuming it was maintained properly )....there are about 3-4 naturally aspirated versions for sale, starting at just £7000.....a naturally aspirated convertible for £10000....and a supercharged coupe for £12500....none of which strike me as being priced over the top...

 

For now, I will keep my eye on  them....but you never know! 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Archierust202]

Hi

I have just paid a deposit on the Supercharged Coupe that is for sale at £12500 but sadly I can't go and see the car until the lockdown is lifted.

It has a full Jaguar service history with 16 Main Dealer Stamps and was last serviced at 128000 miles.

After 6 years of owning a super reliable 2002 Mercedes W208 CLK430 I just hope I am doing the right thing!!!!

[XK8-XK8]

On 5/4/2020 at 9:07 AM, Archierust202 said:

Hi

I have just paid a deposit on the Supercharged Coupe that is for sale at £12500 but sadly I can't go and see the car until the lockdown is lifted.

It has a full Jaguar service history with 16 Main Dealer Stamps and was last serviced at 128000 miles.

After 6 years of owning a super reliable 2002 Mercedes W208 CLK430 I just hope I am doing the right thing!!!!

Hi, good luck with the purchase. Let me know how it turns out. I am now wondering if a standard 4.0 xkr would fit the bill😁