Ok i have the engine and trans out of my series 2 vanden plas. I have a replacement xk 4.2 ready to go in, BUT, i am tempted to transplant the sweet x300 drivetrain into it. I have both cars side by side and the physical measurements are adding up. I presume the electronic issues with diagnostics ecu transmission etc would be the main problem, but all things considered the x300 seems relatively simple by comparison to everything built afterwards by jaguar. Anyone heard of this being done? What are the pitfalls? I think it would make a really nice motor car

 

I say bad idea.

Firstly you would devalue the Series 2 by fitting non original engine.

Secondly, the integrated electronics for the X300 would make the project a major headache. Just to get the engine started requires integrated signals from Transmission module, Security module, Body Processor module and main ECU.

 

I'm not sure why anyone would replace the beautiful, basically tried and true XK engine with one from the X300, I've owned both and prefer the design, beauty and simplicity of the XK engine.

 

Fair point but the xk lump was not at the top of its game performance, efficiency and reliability wise even when it was current (sorry but its true jag lovers) and the aj16 is way ahead of it.

I own both as well and would not sacrifice performance and reliability over beauty in relation to an engine myself and i reckon its a fair swap seeing as its jaguar into jaguar. As far as devaluing the car, they are almost worthless here at the moment unfortunately so thats not an issue.

Having said all that the electronic gremlins are the stumbling block but i have been put in touch with a "genius" who can apparently handle these issues and he is calling to have a look next week. I have seen his work in relation to transplanting modern tdi running gear into 70s and 80s vws also modern running gear into classic mercs. Its top notch stuff so heres hoping!

 

Well we would all definitely be interested in the outcome. Keep us up to date.

 

I would have to put my 87 XJ6 4.2 and 97 XJ6L 4.0 in the same boat. Both have/ had 70k on them and both got similar performance and mileage, Really don't notice much difference. I have to do far more tweaking with the 4.0 ...timing chain tensioner , COP's and failing crank sensor so the X300's doesn't get my vote as superior as some swear by. I owned my XJ6 Series III for 4 years as well as my current X300 for the past 4. I personally don't think it worth the trouble as my experiences don't give the edge to the 4.0 or its degree of difficulty getting it right in an old wrapper.

 

 

Try this forum title. Fitting a AJ16 SC motor into a 1984 Series three.

Larry Louton