I just picked up an 86 XJ cheap with the 2.8 and an auto. I owned an 85 XJ a few years ago with the 2.8 and an Aisin 5 speed in it. Yes, the 2.8 is gutless on hills but both had a lot more than 100K miles on them when I bought them, in the case of the 86, 250K plus. I came here and joined this site to look for info on swapping a better engine into the 86 eventually and this was the kind of info I needed. I can see that this site will be a keeper. I look forward to many good discussions here.
Chris