I wish to make any member who is unfortunate eneugh to have their V8 engine wrecked ,or even if its just worn out, aware that a Jaguar replacement unit (recent quote £6400+VAT) and normally also plus fitting,is not the only option.
A second hand unit is much cheaper but is a gamble on condition and the integrity of the seller.
An alternative which a member might care to consider is to contact Chris Forbes at CFS Motors.
For those who don't know him,Chris is an Jaguar engine & drivetrain specialist and his workshop has been rebuilding Jaguar V8 engines (all variants) for years.His partner Mark is the "chassis" specialist,steering,suspension etc,both of them ex Browns Lane "Test & Development".
Chris began reconditioning Nikasil writeoffs years ago and has access to the specialist engineering companies in the Midlands who can (among other things) fit steel liners to suitable sound cylinder blocks.......and then Chris rebuilds the engines as new, often for the trade.
He has all the parts,all the tools and all the expertise......and years of experience.
Members (and perhaps even insurers) may care to note.
His offer for a rebuilt Jaguar V8,supplied,fitted,warranted and including VAT..........
No more than £3600.
The only extra cost would be to recover an undriveable car to his Coventry workshop on a transporter.
He is a very resourceful man,and has helped many members around potentially "fatal" issues with their cars,(not just engines but gearboxes and anything "broken Jaguar").
There a quite a few nice Jaguars still on the road because of him.