Has anyone done a resto mod on their Jag? Thinking about a 350 small block and other performance goodies.

Comments?

 

Hmmm. 350 V8 into an X300? Not aware of anyone doing that but I could well be wrong.

The X300 engines are usually very reliable and last a long time so the need/desire/demand for engine swaps isn't there. Those wanting more power would probably just move on to an X308 which already has a V8....although the earlier ones were known to give trouble.

I *think* Jaguar Specialties has done a SBC conversion into the X308 Series....which is the same basic platform as the X300. Might wanna check their webpage.


Cheers
DD

 

Never seen an x300 with a SBC though I'm sure it's possible given enough time and money.

The question is, is it worth all that time and money? Seems like you're better off getting an x308 or x350 XJR if you want to go really fast in my opinion.

 

I would have to ask what is the desire? horsepower or simplicity?
the first concern I would think is the wiring harness, and how to separate the body control from the power train control. After that it's just a matter of being able to fabricate motor and transmission mounts, driveshaft fabrication, and exhaust fabrication. As well as about a million other little problems.
Again I have to ask why?

 

I hear all of you. I guess it would be the challenge. Got a great mechanic with a nice SBC and tranny (less that 1K miles). Be a sleeper. Interior and exterior Jag and 400 to 500 HP under the hood. Thinking about a supercharger or twin turbos. Take it to car shows, because a stock 97 is no where near being a classic, yet, and I am getting too old to wait. A good muscle car is just too expensive so I thought I would build my own. Mine has great interior and almost all new paint. Plus, I could sell my old 132K engine and tranny.

 

some times a free or inexpensive motor is the most expensive part of a swap. I'm active in the V8 MGB area, and often hear of people who's swaps have turned out more of a headache by using an engine they had or got for free. Sure, the older models for loads of 350 swaps. But as stated before, the x300 motor is pretty solid, and with all the integration when other systems, I think you'd spend a ton of time sorting it back in, especially if your state require OBD2 emission integration.

 

There is a guy that builds mounting kits for a chevy conversion "Which I would love to do SOON" I believe It is jaguarspecialties.com Ive emailed Him to see If he could get me block mounts, trans mounts, and a driveshaft adapter for the x300. He said yes pricing would be anywhere from $200-$600 although it is not listed he builds the parts himself anyway. But what kinda 350 build are you going for, Carb or EFI? I myself am committing to a base Carb 400hp block and putting a Weiand 174 on it to reach around 600hp. kinda silly I know but.... Unique you could say haha.

 

Thanks for all the comments. Decided it was not worth the effort, so I purchased a 1965 Jaguar 3.8 S-Type Manual w/OD & RHD and will restore that car and use the other Jag as my daily driver. Thanks everyone for the comments and recommendations.