5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY

Avoid skimping on regular maintenance and an S-Type should be mechanically reliable. Finding a respected specialist – there are plenty around – to look after yours is the best thing you can do. On a DIY basis, avoid running problems by regularly inspecting all of the engine’s intake and vacuum hoses, and check the condition of wiring and connections to the various sensors.

2 GIVE THE SUSPENSION SOME ATTENTION

A Jaguar should handle neatly and quietly without any wallow or rattles, so don’t ignore suspension in need of a refresh. The cost of renewing tired dampers and bushes can add up, but it will certainly restore the luxury feel. Brake improvements aren’t really necessary, although you could fit the larger Brembo set-up from the R, along with the bigger wheels required.

3 MAKE IT QUICKER

An ECU re-map is a quick way to more power, and the 2.7-litre diesel responds especially well to this. Budget around £500 and you’ll see substantial improvements in power and torque. To get more shove from the already rapid R, one option is to change the supercharger pulley to increase the speed of the blower. Good quality items cost a few hundred pounds and result in useful gains in output and throttle response.

4 JUST ADD NOISE

Exhaust note too subtle? Then a stainless steel sports system will add a lovely burble, especially on the V8s. Expect to pay anywhere between £500-1000 – possibly more – depending on brand, and it would be worth chatting to clubs, specialists and other owners to see what they recommend. Just bear in mind that anything too lairy can soon become tiring on longer trips.

5 GIVE IT THE ‘R’ LOOK

There are all manner of ways to improve the look of your S-Type. A facelift to ‘R’ spec can include smoked lamp units and a body kit, or you could add extra chrome with a mesh grille for a few hundred pounds. Go the whole hog and you could spend a few thousand pounds on parts alone, so don’t get carried away.