I want to see what my swaptions are for changing out the engine in my 99 VDP. What year engines will fit? I assumed that all 98-03 would, but I am beginning to wonder now. Does anyone have good info on this? Thanks in advance!

 

The engine was changed mid-year in the 99 model year. Earlier engines were designated AJ26, and late-99 - 2002 or 2003 were AJ27. Maybe someone else can provide specifics on VIN cutoff for the old to newer engine.

 

All AJ27 engines will work (1999-2003 XJ8 or 1999-2002 XK8)
The 4.0 AJ26 has too many differences to be a practical solution.

bob gauff

 

I need to know if my 99 has an aj26 or 27 in it. I have the vct solenoids sticking out of the valve covers. Is there any way to tell these apart from the other engines. I saw an engine for an 01 with low miles I want to jump on, but not if its not going to work easily. The reason I was asking is that I would rather go with a newer model engine, but when I see interchange information, they make it appear to be year-specific, which seems silly to me.

I have been kicking around the idea of finding a cheap xj8,l, or vdp cheap and just parting out my vdp. I guess we will see what I find! Please keep me posted on the ways to identify either engine. I am still not clear if the aj26 has no VCT. If thats the case, then I do have a aj27. I remember when I got my vc gaskets, it blew the guys mind because it was supposed to have the skinny black VC gaskets, but it had the older grey/orange ones. I still have the VCT solenoids though... I dont want to make a big mistake! Someone please shoot me some more info on this!

 

AJ27 differs from the AJ26 by having...

4 O2 sensors instead of 2 (upper and lower on the catalytic converters)
Later throttlebody - no round black thing with a pipe coming out of it.
VVT exits thru the valve covers, not the timing case, top instead of front.

Hope this defines it, if not post an under bonnet shot and I'll tell you what u have. Sounds like a 27...

 

No need! It sounds like I have an AJ27 for sure! I found an 01 engine for $500 with 30 day warranty so I think I am going to jump on that! Thanks for the replies!


EDIT: I'm afriad the engine I found was for an S type, but am still waiting to hear more info in my other thread!

 

Has anyone here swapped a 04+ 4.2l into an x308? They look very similar as far as mount locations and accessories. It even has the VCT solenoids. Would a simple intake manifold swap make this almost a drop in?

 

Yes, it is detailed in a thread started by Adam699.

 

Looks like he did it on an XJR. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-thread-61113/

It would probably be even more simple on my engine, provided the VCT doesnt give any problems. XJRs dont have VCT apparently. There are a couple of things that bother me about it though...

Sounds like all you have to do is....

1. It appears that he drilled and tapped new holes to bolt the intake down to and made gaskets somehow (paper gasket material, shellac?)

2. You have to do some grinding on the upper oil pan. I can kinda see where he did it in the pics, but like they said youll see it when you get there. I want to know how extensive this is, where to get gaskets easily.

3. I see that he somehow used a hammer, chisel, and torch to swap the CKP pulse ring. I am curious how to do this without removing the camshaft, damage, or worrying about breaking anything.

4. I am curious if the CKP pulse wheel needs to be changed too. If the tooth count is the same and they are aligned correctly, there should be no problem.

5. cutting the front cover to expose the 4.0 PS bracket bolts. No big deal, sounds like fun!

6. use stock intake and exhaust manifolds. Maybe grind the knock sensors if they get in the way of the fuel rails.

Sounds a little bit like a mouthful and would require purchasing a few gaskets, plus getting that good feeling inside while you grind on a newer engine to make it fit!

I am also curious whether that VCT is going to cause me any problems if I tried to go the 4.2l route. Do 4.2ls even have vct? Sorry for all the stupid questions, but I need to get a game plan together soon! Thanks in advance!

 

My project was complicated because of the AJ26 to AJ27 to 4.2 differences. Your's is simpler in a way because of the fact that the engines are more similar. The curve-ball is the electronics.


See if you can find the diagrams to the engine/ecu harness and compare them. I suspect the VDP has more wiring than the XJR due to VVT. I'm thinking that if you source an XJR ECU from the same year as your car it might be plug and play or at least make it easier for you.

I'd look for a crashed car where you can swap over most of the parts.

 

I put a long block plus from a company called 123engine out of california. The engine has a full reman and comes with the cam covers down to the oil pan. Just have to change over your accessories. Their price is 2295 and it was about 400 to have it shipped and you have to ship your core back as well. Figured it cost me about 3000 for a fully remaned engine. I think it was a good deal. Knock on wood, the engine is running great, and they have a good warranty on it. Good luck to you.

 

Well that is definitely out of the budget. I think the $1500+ for the used engines is freaking ridiculous!

 

I'm afraid I'll have to swap my engine too for a 2001 vdp engine. I found one with tensioner problems he said. if i have the 27 i can change it?