XJS-V12. Bought by a friend. What surprises should he expect?

"Grindintosecond" (Grindintosecond)
03/01/2015 at 19:08 • Filed to: None

Aparently it's absolutely mint. For $6,500 he discovered a 1990 BRG model so it has Magneti Marelli engine management instead Lucas Electric and the prince of darkness band. He couldn't find anything wrong at all with the body and the interior is of course the finest Connolly leather and perfect. 5.3 V-12 that only needs a tune-up. Transmission is a Th400 automatic so readily repairable and replaceable.

The original cassette deck was in the trunk. The cassette part does not work however it's the original part and the radio still works. The only other things on the agenda are some resonator removal for a better sound and another twenty horsepower, plus some better gas shocks for the back for the ride.

My friend is well versed in googling and foruming and Guze brewing and has a good idea on what to look for, however the secret underbelly of this car he is really wanting to know more of. He understands there will be the sometimes electrical issue or mechanical adjustment/fix and is okay with that, but, just what little Englishly proper gremlins can exist that only the owners of such cars can advise on? Please advise Oppositeloch.

DISCUSSION (26)

Dsscats > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:10

Only needs a tune up? Lel.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:12

If it works, that should be a surprise.

Gorgeous car though.

jkm7680 > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:14

Oil leaks and electrical problems.

My citroen won't start > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:14

Is his sacrifice shrine ready? For Mr Lucas is HUNGRY.

Jay Lauer > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:16

51 hours labor to change the timing chain.

Also, Lucas Electronics, "The Prince of Darkness"

Manuél Ferrari > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:17

this is awesome. Now I want one

HammerheadFistpunch > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:20

all. All the surprises.

Grindintosecond > My citroen won't start
03/01/2015 at 19:23

1990 generation changed to Magneti Marelli......

 V8 Rustler > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:24

He should expect toyota-like reliability.

Grindintosecond > Jay Lauer
03/01/2015 at 19:26

Man, I listed right away they changed to Magneti Marelli for this generation of XJS.

Axial > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:30

I think it's beautiful.

MysticStick > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:34

Does it have these seat belts? Those things will hit you in the face sometimes. Cool car tho!

Kinja'd!!!

My citroen won't start > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:38

Mr Lucas Signori Marelli IS HUGRY.

Sweet Trav > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:42

essentially he should prepare for the worst parts of the bible.

raining blood, a plague of torments, the anti-christ. you know the typical things that happen when you buy a 24 year old english car.

Alex87f > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:45

Have him put "normal" healights on it:

Kinja'd!!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:45

Some say Murphy's famous quote was originally referring to an old XJS.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 19:48

The most intimidating engine bay...

Kinja'd!!!

... in the WORLD.

Storz > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 20:04

Sweet!! More pics, I love that generation.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > V8 Rustler
03/01/2015 at 20:05

That would be about the only thing that would surprise me on this car.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 20:07

Electrical stuff - I know that they switched over to Magneti Marelli over in '90, but a 24 year old English car with Italian electrics?

Also, I've heard of the suspension bushes wearing out and seals around the door, which can let water in and rust the doors out from the inside.

Slave2anMG > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 20:18

Kinja'd!!!

Not worried about the engine system. Nope.

I'd bet the switches and most of the rest of the smoke conduits er wires are Lucas. Prepare...prepare...

Slave2anMG > Sweet Trav
03/01/2015 at 20:18

ROFL....

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Grindintosecond
03/01/2015 at 20:49

Instead of a dipstick, they just leak. A leaking Jaguar is a happy Jaguar...it's when you look under there and it's dry that you need to worry. Usually that means you're out of fluids entirely.

Mostly, he needs to understand he can't just treat it like a car from 1990. Cars like the one he bought are in the shape they are 25 years on because the owners did their maintenance by the book or slightly better. It's not going to be a trouble free experience, and theres going to be frustrating times, but it all pays off when you're going 120mph without realizing it and the V12 just wants to keep going. My XJ12 is the smoothest, most effortless vehicle I've ever driven...theres nothing like it.

Also, while they changed the engine management, he's still got plenty of Lucas parts in there.

Old-Busted-Hotness > Grindintosecond
03/02/2015 at 06:39

If it hasn't been done recently, replace every fuel hose under the hood. These things generate a lot of heat, the hoses get brittle, and then it's time for an engine fire. It is known.