Hello
I'm planning on doing a conversion and wonder if anyone else has done one because it'd be nice to have some validation and I'm sure I'll need advice at some point.
I used to have something like this:
And it was a beast of a thing. Looked great too. Now I want another, but with a bit more power and torque (~420hp/470lbft),and the 4 speed auto (maybe until I save up for a manual), and all the other good things the x300 xjr has.
Anyone done one?

 

Not aware of any X300/V8 swaps but some X308s have been converted to LS power. Not exactly the same starting point, but close. It should be doable.

Maybe there's some info here?

Jaguar Specialties

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks.

Sadly that guy doesn't do xj40 stuff any more. I could really use the tach converter, which converts from 3-pulse signal. And engine mounts. Advantage of x300 is that apparently a lot of the electronics can be easily retained. Also has GM 4L80 transmission and a LSD, which x308s didn't have.

dave

 

The V8 conversion would be easier and better with the corresponding 5 speed gearbox and wiring loom. You will need the V8 ECU anyway, and it will be looking for the corresponding 5 speed box.

 

I'm using a carburettor small block, so no engine ECU. It's a 383 gen1 SBC. Also I can firm up the shifts in the GM transmission using a shift kit, but the merc box isn't so amenable. Apparently the electronics pretty much have to be replaced in the x308s, even with a LS motor. Not a simple job. And then there's the differential ...

If money were no object then maybe I'd go for the x308 ( ), but money is an object, and part of the challenge is to get a good, quick car on a budget. One that can chirp the tyres going 1st -2nd.

 

here you can not put a carbie engine into a car that came with fuel injection.
it is considered non compliant due to emissions and blah blah blah.

 

TBH I'm not 100% sure it can be done here, but if not I can retrofit an injection system.

 

original plan was straight lpg but it's expensive here, and disappearing. Maybe that'd be cheaper than an EFI system

 

direct vapour injection LPG does give the ability for some pretty good power. and it used to be a real cheap alternative.
here all taxis used to be LPG but since we stopped making local cars that has stopped and so LPG is seeming to become more expensive and will probs become less available.

i would have love to LPG convert back in the day. but would not consider it now.

 

I had a 5.0 VL Berlina on dual fuel. That was good.

 

I think it would be more fun to pull the charger off and run a turbo. I know it would be a lot of fab work but, having a front mount intercooler would be really cool. You already know that drivetrain can handle (maybe MLS head gasket needed first, if it’s available?) some more power. Too bad all the 5 spd manual transmission components are astronomical, at least here in the US if you can find any.