XJS back after 2 months

[stuart27]

Hi Folks

Well I finally got my XJS back after the best part of 2 months at Hollygrove.

First impressions are good, although not yet perfect!

All the mechanical work has sorted out the ride and handling tremendously, but it still feels a bit vague in some ways. I will need time to adjust I expect as I drive an XJR (2006 Model) as my daily car, so the transition is fairly extreme. I also found out that the XJS hasn't had the windscreen properly bonded in, so it rattles as you go over bumps....not great! Will need to get that sorted pronto as it spoils the overall experience.

The engine is running very well....very quiet and smooth, but I'm still surprised that it doesn't feel faster. It feels as though you need to work the engine quite a bit to get any kind of performance. I would have expected a more effortless drive from 300bhp, but again going from a 400bhp XJR that is also lighter, it may just be relative?

I took out the old headlining yesterday so hope to get the new one fitted this week. Unfortunately, based on what I've read it's easier taking the old one out than putting the new one back in, but it should be ok!

Will post some pics when I get the chance.


sbb

[PaulE]

Good that you are rolling again. The XJS and the XJR cannot really be compared on performance, the XJR being in a different class altogether I feel. I got my 4.0 litre after trips round France several times on the Entente Cordiale with friends in their XJ8, and I remember feeling the same, and the XJR is another massive improvement. The XJS is (or once was perhaps) a very comfortable way of getting serious miles in at 80 - 100 in quiet and civilised ambience, which I am sure is what Sir William intended. I am old enough to remember the hoo -ha when the XJS was introduced because it was not an E-type replacement, but friends now complain after 200 miles driving that car. As someone who lusted for an E - type when they were new and who remembers brief drives in one then, I have not sought drives in one now as doubtless another illusion would have to go. I do however keep re-reading Denis Jenkinsons book about them and his regular 600 mile-a-day trips and wondering.

[stuart27]

Hi Folks

Posted a few photos of the xjs after the work at Hollygrove....looking good don't you think? As an extra I got the wheels refurbished....they look fantastic.

http://s806.photobucket.com/albums/yy34 ... 0complete/

sbb

[extratime1983]

Looks good - love the colour.

If you don't mind my asking, how much have you spent to get it to this condition?

[stuart27]

Hello

Thank you...solent blue is one of the best colours I think.

Cost for work? You can ask!

To be honest, externally the car is virtually unchanged...just the wheels refurbished and a set of "new" tyres. Underneath...a lot of work, too much to list fully, but highlights:-

New transmission
New shocks all round
New brakes, discs, calipers and pads (front and rear)
Front crossmember refurb and some welding etc
New bushes all round
steering rack overhaul
full engine service
new expansion tank
undersealing / rust proofing
new wheel bearings
rear radius arms


And a whole lot of other stuff.

Cost was approx. 10k inclusive of vat.

Car is of course worth less than half of that ...probably!
But it's mine and I bought it as a project, so I'm happy with it.

The bodywork is sound and for now, polishes up beautifully, but I will probably get a full bare metal respray done at some stage as there are some areas that will need work later. For now though, I'm just going to enjoy the car.


sbb

[extratime1983]

You are an asset to Jaguar ownership (I don’t mean that in a patronising way).
It’s great to see people spending money on keeping these classics on the road. 10K is a lot of money in anyone’s books. I too am working my way through replacing a lot of the parts on my 1994, as funds become available. Brakes have been completely overhauled front and rear. Next job will be suspension.
My main worry for the future is corrosion, mechanical parts can always be replaced, corrosion, as you know, not so easy.
I am hoping however with a 1994 car, the corrosion can be tackled before it starts.
Like you, I intend to keep this car for a long time, and not really looking for any kind of return, so I don’t mind spending the money.

PS. I agree that solent blue is one of the best colours, along with Flamenco Red.

[dhdove]

Stuart

Congratulations, it takes some bottle (and a reasonably deep pocket) to refurb a car like this, well done! I do hope that you enjoy it to the full in the years to come.

If you can make the Spring Outing why not bring it along and tell us all about it?

Best Wishes
Tony

[stuart27]

Tony

Deep pockets or high credit card limit!

Once you get to a certain point there is no turning back. I do get a huge kick out of improving such a car and it is addictive in a way.

I was afraid to tell my wife for days after I got the final bill....I think car renovation must be high on the list for primary causes of divorce!!! She is coming round though.......to car, not divorce!


Spring outing???? where and when...I'd love to come along if I can make it. Would be good to meet others with the same illness as me!



sbb

[Brakebuster]

nice looking car...

i dare not count how much i've spent in the last four and a half years , lol

top job

BB

[dhdove]

Stuart

On the main XJS Bulletin Board page, click on XJS Forum Events, you'll find it at the top of the page

Tony