So, in another thread, Rivguy said he saw a very nice, 50k mile '91 V12 XJS Coupe at a local shop (Oakland CA). No motor or transmission from a small fire, otherwise great shape. He said the shop owner was putting it on eBay.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...and-ca-164507/

So I found the auction. $999 starting bid. What the heck? So I bid. Was outbid a couple of times, then decided just to drop it. Oh well. The other bidder must have been the seller, because he withdrew it, and I was winning.

And I won it for the opening price.

Now all I have to do is ship from CA to GA. Actually not that expensive.

Thing is, not only is it beautiful, but it's exactly what I need. I picked up my '94 4.0 XJS Coupe with the thought in my mind that I would eventually lump it with an LS engine (yeah I know). But the '94 is in remarkable shape and I'm enjoying it for what it is. But I still want to do a swap. And now I can.

Then there's this: locally, I've been in contact with a guy who has an 87k mile '95 XJ12 (X305) that he wants to sell for $1000 (he's posted it on the forum). If I pick that up and it's in good shape, I would have the option of putting the 6.0 with a 4L80 into the XJS.

All in all, a very surprising day!

Here's the car. And it's black, I love black.







Padre

 

Congrats! I think it well worth it!

 

No kidding! That black interior is beautiful! Anybody with decent mechanical skills can lump a Jag, but it takes a true enthusiast to drive and maintain a V12 powered Jag.

 

Looks good! Black on black is a bit rare on these cars.

Cheers
DD

 

Wow! That is a beautiful car...

 

Very nice! Now then, V12 plus 2 superchargers please! And while you're at it: fit a 5 speed manual

 

Great deal. I would have bought it too

 

No kidding!!!! A very nice car and a very decent price.


Now, we will have two "install V12" threads.


Were I ten years younger and... I would have been sorely tempted.
That car is about 25 miles from here.


Although, failing to source a sound V12 at the right price, an LS1
done the Jaguar-Specialties way would be awesome.


Congrats!!!


Carl

 

LS engine?

That's soooo last century.

Do a Tesla style lump. With the V12 out, that's a ton of room for batteries!


EDIT - There was an electric converted Mustang Fastback on some tv show that 800HP and 1800 lbs of torque!

 

Well, my first option may end up being the 6.0 out of the '95 XJ12, since it will cost me only $1k, then I can do a 5-speed swap for another $2k or so, then I can flip the car to an enthusiast for say $10k or so. Alas, I'm not in it for the money...

I've built LS1's for my old '04 GTO, and that would be an inexpensive option. However, I love the LS3, and even the supercharged LSA can be had, so I'm thinking something with at least 600 rwhp. Plus I'd love a 6L80E rather than the GM 400 or 4L80E.

You're talking to the only forum member who has actually drag raced an electric car. Namely, a leased Volt. Great car with amazing technology, fun to drive.

Here I am at a charity race (my Camaro was broken):

But this is what I'm thinking if I go LS3 on the XJS:

Of course, I have other options:

Viper:


2JZ (from a forum member):


I've even thought about a 3.6 LFX V6 out of the new Camaro's - 320 hp and economy to boot.



Padre

 

Carlos and his Dad JC are good folks. Looks like a win-win situation. The car wins too!

 

It was your post, of course, that caused all this. And for that, I'm grateful. They came across as honest and trustworthy people enthusiastic about their work. So I bid with confidence.

I just checked the VIN, and it's one of the last 100 pre-facelift cars. I suppose that makes it a little special.

Padre

 

great for you

 

take your 4L80E and send it to TCI transmissions... they convert them to 6 speeds....


paddle shift even...

 

Yes, I've seen that. 6x Six-Speed GM 4L80E Automatic Transmission (850hp) - TCI® Auto They get pretty decent reviews and have ironed out the initial problems over the years. But they are over $5k.

That would be an option if I picked up a V12 with the 4L80. Alas, today, I looked at an 85k mile 6.0 V12. No go. Too many uncertainties.

Chevy Performance has their connect and cruise kits, some of which come with the 4L85E, but most come with the 6L80E, which I'm very familiar with and know how to program.

This would work, LSA Supercharged, 550hp, only $17k (ouch): Connect & Cruise LSA Crate Engine | Chevrolet

Once I get the car (next week?), I'm going to evaluate it and decide on Classic Jaguar or Modern LS.

Padre

 

@Padre

That car was close by us and both myself and smgdata were considering doing something with it. Glad it went to a fellow forum member. It looked siperb from what we could see in the pictures. And it is well worth $1000, the interior is worth that alone.

Personally Id love to see the later 6.0 V12 going into it, but whatever you put in it, its one more XJ-S back from the brink.

Keep us posted on your progress

 

Found a donor motor.

1990 XJS Coupe, V12, 70k miles.



It arrives tomorrow. $550.

So I guess this means I'll be saving 1&1/2 XJS's. The '90 was headed to the crusher.

Padre

 

Before you crushould it I could use the panels in the front wheel wells between the wheel and door. Pm me and let me know if the are good and if your willing to sell

 

Oh no worries. I *saved* it from the crusher. It was literally on the trailer, ready to be sent to its doom.

I imagine I'll have lots of parts for sale.

Padre

 

Parts car arrived!

No keys. Steering column drilled to allow steering. Trunk locked, passenger door jammed.

Any ideas on how to proceed without keys?







Padre