Hi. New to this forum. Recently been eyeing the S-type but as I am rather cheap the mpg seems a bit high for my taste.

My question is. Would it be possible to change out the engine for something more fuel efficient. Not counting the engine. How much would the overhaul cost?

 

Firstly welcome aboard.

Please do an introduction in the "New Members area" when time permits.

The viability of smaller engine to save fuel in todays cars/markets is not really viable.

The cost of the transplant is never really covered by the small amount of savings from fuel alone. Even at say 3-5l/100kms savings, it would take some serious kms to recover the cost in MY opinion and experience. By the time the savings break even (if they ever do) the engine is possible in need of renewing again, so more $$, and then the resale of a non-standard car of any brand is waaaaay down always.

I ran V12's for a good many years, and those in our group that put V8 engines in for many reasons, fuel usage was one, never ever recovered the costs, and resale every time was woeful.

 

Welcome to the forum Sobbel. Normally I would direct you over to the "New Member" section and properly introduce yourself per forum protocol, but in this case I don't believe its going to be necessary.


The real question is how much is the overhaul cost worth to you?


In all reality, go find a vehicle that more meets your over all needs!
No offense meant.

 

Do some research here on JF on the 2.7L V6 Twin Turbo Diesel S-Type; produced from late 2004 through 2005 in its initial production form; then from 2006 to 2008 in upgraded form. These have fantastic performance and very frugal fuel consumption, and should be readily available in Sweden.

Next option is to look at either the 2.0L or 2.2L 4cylinder Diesel X-Type, which should be even more common. Interestingly, both sacrifice much of the 2.7L TTD S-Type's performance for negligible improvement in fuel efficiency.

Best wishes,

Ken

 

As has already been said, the cost of conversion will never be recovered through reduced fuel consumption. If money is tight, future repairs and upkeep on this or any similar vehicle would be an issue also.

 

I have seen several examples where an owner has retrofit a 40 HP Briggs and Stratton horizontal shaft motor into the engine compartment. It is a 2-cylinder engine that will fit in the engine bay.


Often, the electronic throttle control is also attached to the engine so that the cruise control works.

 

Thank you all for your great, quick and informative answers. I will probably do as cat_as_trophy said and look into the diesel powered one.

Are there any production years I should be wary of.? Ive read that there is a interior redesign on the 2004 version (iirc) any performance changes I should keep a look out for/avoid?

 

Sobbel, this is more or less more of a North American market where there are not any diesels. I would recommend to you signing up over at the UK Jaguar site. Do your research there where there are many, many discussions on the diesel versions.

 

Ah. Ill look into the UK Jaguar forum. Thanks.

 

In brief you want a non-DPF if you go for any diesel. Either way note they have a lot more faults than the petrols (cats, EGRs, MAFS, turbos, FBH, etc). Here you need to be doing about 12000 miles/per year to vaguely justify getting one.

 

Is that 12000 miles with the American fuel prices? In sweden 95 petrol (i think its called) costs 1.85 usd per liter and disel costs almost the same. (like 10 cents difference).

Im just wondering if your estimate applies in Sweden too. Thanks in advance

 

That's for UK (England in my case - see my posts for where I am).

The ONLY way to save much money is to get a smaller, lighter car preferably with stop/start and maybe an electric or hybrid. An S-Type is nearly 2 tonnes and any car that heavy will use plenty of fuel.

 

Ah. Thank you for clarifying that. I will make sure to broaden my s-type search to gasoline aswell.

 

Now you're confusing me. The gasoline powered S-types use considerably more fuel than the diesel variants. Weren't you concerned about operating costs?

I'll repeat- if fuel costs are a burden on your budget, I imagine that maintenance costs and repairs would be unbearable. Although these cars are very reliable and durable, expect repairs to cost 50-100% more than a more common car.

 

Tony in for the win!!!

Thanks for that.
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Oh. As I understood it he ment the upkeep on the car is going to be expensive no matter if i choose the diesel one or a petrol one. I am mainly looking to be able to own a s-type without going bankrupt (the s-type appealed to me since I often see nice ones for 6000€ that have been well treated)

 

About how many miles per year do you drive?

 

This is my first car (when I get it). So I don't know.

 

No idea at all? How do you know you can afford it???

 

So far I do not know. About how expensive is the average repair?