I have installed a BW66 from an XJ6 into my mk2. It all appears to fit properly.

I need to determine how to use the column shifter and how to connect the throttle position cable.

How do I attach photos?

Bob

 

Need to complete the installation. I am trial fitting many components then disassembly and off to paint.

 

looks like you found out how to attach pictures.

Did you need any special parts to attach the BW66 to the engine?

 

You will require a BW66 with bell housing from and XJ6. The stabilizer bracket will have to be added to the bell housing. The rear mount is from a 420. The spring and rubber bushings that fit into the rear mount are XJ6. I will need a custom gear selector cable. the length and design yet to be determined. Same for the kickdown cable. The first driveshaft will need to be shortened a small amount.

I will post details as I figure it out.

Bob

 

I will need to determine the correct flex plate and torque converter for my 3.4

Bob

 

so the original transmission mount does not work?

John's Cars in Dallas sells a kit to adapt a GM transmission to the 3.4 / 3.8 engines.

 

While the GM 400 is a better transmission than the BW66 the conversion is more complicated and requires a different starter and other problems.

The BW66 is basically a bolt in proposition. If someone offered the correct cables and throttle mods, it would be a very simple quick swap.

Bob

 

good to hear, I am familiar with the BW66 because I have owned my 1984 XJ-6 since 1989, it has been a smooth shifting transmission and about the only thing lacking is a 4th gear for highway cruising so the engine rpm's can "relax". But even as it is, it has been an excellent transmission.

I am considering installing a BW66 in my 1965 S type, if you can document all the parts and steps needed, I will gladly pay you for the instructions.

I agree that John's Cars kit is too much hassle to convert, I was looking for a simpler conversion for the BW DG-250 in my S type and I think the BW66 is it.
.

 

I did swap the DG250 for a GM 700R4 with John's Cars kit. It was relatively straightforward and my local transmission shop, where a 1960 Mk2 had never rolled a tire before, found it easy with the engine in situ. Sure, you have got to get a Camaro starter and find a way to cool the transmission fluid, but the overdrive is really a plus compared to the old box. The only little issue was about adjusting the TV cable.
JP

 

The BW66 also requires a fluid cooler. Apparently on the BW35 equipped MK2's a trans fluid cooler was added to the bottom of the radiator. I plan on adding a separate cooler with fan. Not certain now where I will place it.

I was going to try the 420 gear selector with the BW66 but found the XJ6 shift cable which came with the trans is seized. I have purchased a new one which should arrive by Friday. Then I will be able to see if the column shift model 420 shift detents match the shift detents of the transmission. If t does I will need to get a custom length cable and a method to secure each end of the cable.

I will have to see how the kick down operates and where I want to attach it. The BW35 when used in the MK2 had the kick down cable attach to a linkage on the rear carburetor. I would like to find that linkage and use it on my MK2.

I am not certain what flex plate and torque converter to use. That will require some research. If these few parts were identified and available it would be a simple conversion.

Bob

 

I would think that the parts you need could be sourced from a Series 3 XJ-6, (1980-1987).

my '84 XJ-6 has the BW66 transmission. The fluid cooler is small and located under the front bumper behind the lower grille section.

the XJ-6 also has a small thermostatic pusher fan for the radiator located next to the transmission fluid cooler.

you can contact David at Everyday XJ for good used parts at low prices.

 

"JPG" Was the column shift on your 250 the same as a MK2? With the lever on the selector shaft positioned just outside the car at the end of the steering column? If so, how was the GM 400 shift cable attached?

Also, with the DG250 transmission using a different gear selector pattern, how did it properly select gears?

I am considering the use of a 420 steering column with the attached gear selector mechanism. Unlike the MK2 DG250 selector the selector lever is at mid column and the selector pattern is the newer pattern like the BW66.

Bob

 

I am curious. What is the purpose of threaded plates in the body, at the edge of the trans tunnel, that I utilized to mount the rear transmission mount?

I looked at my old disassembly photos and could not determine their use. I would not wish to find late in the restoration that those threaded holes were for another use. It would be strange as they align perfectly but when my car was manufactured they did not use the BW35.

Thanks

Bob

 

could they be for the Manual transmission mount ?

are they shown in the picture below?

 

collection of shift indicators

 

Jose
I will need the indicator parts. Where did you get them?

You were correct the mounting points are for the manual transmission. The steering column and shift selector mechanism on the MK2 has the selector arm at the very end of the column. I believe it was originally connected to a metal rod linkage. It appears the model 420 steering column and selector design may be better suited for the BW66 shift cable. As soon as the new cable arrives I will be able to try the 420 selector. The kick don cable on the BW35 cars operates off a linkage mechanism bolted to the rear carb. I am looking for one of them now.

Bob

 

The gear selector mechanism for the BW35 equipped MK2s is the same as used on the 420. My assumption is the BW66 will use the same selector. I have a 420 column and selector mechanism but I lack the indicator binnacle.

I would like to purchase a complete steering column for a 420 as mine is somewhat rough. Must have been outside a while. If anyone has one please let me know.

Bob

 

Bob,

1) do you mean only the clear P R N D 2 1 insert or do you mean the entire "Nacelle" (Nacelle is the factory word for the entire black Bakelite upper steering column covers as shown in the pictures.

the MK2, S type, MK-10, 420, and 420-G Nacelles are identical, the only thing that changes is the clear plastic indicator lettering, or the order of the shift points.

the XJ-6 uses a center console shifter, so the indicator is different from the previous Small Saloons.

but you can get any of those used or new on eBay.

2) in my S type, there is no cable, there is a column-mounted "Gate" with spaced notches on which the shifter arm engages each transmission position. Then the shifter arm links with a column-mounted "tubing linkage" which goes across the firewall and makes a U turn towards the transmission. The 420 is the same way.

It looks that the 420 has the same shifting points as the XJ-6 (BW 35 and BW66) so all you need is the Gate from a 420 if you are mounting the shifter to the steering column, or you could also use a XJ-6 Center Console with the XJ-6 shifter. That is the way that Beecham Jaguar does it in Australia. All Jaguar steering column are the same all the way to the 420 of 1968. They changed to the XJ-6 column also in 1968.
an XJ-S console would also work.

I'll see if I get some pictures of the Gate at the steering column.

 

a UK company who does these transmission conversions is G. Whitehouse and they might have what you need. They are expensive but they have the right parts.

:: G. Whitehouse Autos Ltd ::

 

"rdssdi"
My car is a 1960 3.8 Mk2 automatic that came with a DG 250. The selector is on the left, as are all the DG 250 cars.
The shifting is linear and uses the cable from the column to move an arm on the transmission from slot to slot, so it does not make any difference, except that I can now start the car in reverse, since reverse is now where neutral used to be. I will have to address that one of these days..
The Throttle Valve cable (TV cable) or kick down cable (which is only one of its functions) is attached to the second arm of the throttle linkage, (where the original kick down cable was, except that we rotated the arm on the throttle pedal bar 90 degrees. I had a picture but cannot seem to find it again. I will take another one if you are interested).
As for the nacelle, it is relatively simple to remove the old shift indicator (it's a simple plastic strip) and actually print a new shift indicator and slide it in place. I did print mine using power point.
JP