Hello,
I have a 1998 XJ8 and a 2000 XJ8 and would like to do an engine swap. I have noticed some differences under the hood . Will these engines interchange?

 

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, but not without some parts swapping. Use the search function and check the DIY sticky hear and on the XK8 forum and I think you will be able to find all the necessary info.

Please visit the new member area and introduce yourself:

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Before you do the swap, change the secondary chain tensioners to the metal body if they are still the plastic type.

 

There are EXTENSIVE write-ups about 4.0 V8 engine swaps!!!!!
I have had to 'figure-out' why swapped engines either 'run-bad' or will not run at all after someone before me attempted this.

Please read through the several posts and threads of problems and solutions others have written on this forum.

I have written a list from memory a few times over the years. I think I have covered over 90% of items that need to be addressed. I probably forgot a few????

It is easier to install a later AJ27 engine into an AJ26 car because the AJ27 has 2 VVT intake cam sensors and the AJ26 only has one on the 'B' bank. There is NO HOLE in the right head for the additional sensor. You should probably swap that head.

Going the other way you can simply NOT use the right head sensor because there is nothing to plug in!!! It will just dangle.

You don't mention what engine will go in what car.

Study up before you attempt.

bob gauff

 

Thanks, I have two options, the 98 is perfect, interior, body, etc. But it has the blown engine. The 2000 has a great running engine, but was wrecked in the front. It is still drivable, but needs fenders, hood and Grill. I like the 98 better over all, but thought that if the engines would not interchange I would swap the body parts from the 98 to the 2000.

 

Thanks, I have two options, the 98 is perfect, interior, body, etc. But it has the blown engine. The 2000 has a great running engine, but was wrecked in the front. It is still drivable, but needs fenders, hood and Grill. I like the 98 better over all, but thought that if the engines would not interchange I would swap the body parts from the 98 to the 2000.

 

As Bob said, it's easier to put the AJ27 engine from the 2000 into the '98, and that is the car you prefer, so you are headed in the right direction.

 

There is one other option, although quite a lot of members here would consider it sacrilegious. A GM LS engine and 4L60E or 4L65E transmission. A company called Jaguar Specialties offers a kit that is supposedly pretty straight forward, they even figured out how to interface the Jaguar computer system (CAN) with the GM drive train so all the Jaguar modules work as normal. It looks like they pretty much covered all bases,

Engine and transmission mounts.
Jaguar shifter conversion so it works just like stock.
Jaguar radiator adapter to the LS engine.
Power steering interface (Jaguar steering to LS pump).
Oil pressure sender adapter.
Drive line adapter, GM transmission to Jaguar rear end.
A/C pressure switch adapter
Complete instructions

Then there's the Electronic interface module, and wiring harness, along with its instruction manual.

Depending on what Jaguar you have (XJ or XK), the kit cost a little under $2K.

You can buy a fairly low mileage, 400 hp, 400 lb/ft LS2 engine *AND* 4L60E, or 4L65E transmission on Ebay for less than $6K. Other LS engines can be had for cheaper and easily built for more power.

Jaguar Specialties

 

have a similar dilemma, and am realizing why there are so many pioneer bleached bones on the prairie. My '99 xk8, 040482, with 42K, perfectly running...and with steve's (white xkr) real gauge and fob top mod...had an oops! The body is toast, and it took me 13 months to find a nice body to swap the gear into.....'97 convert, 005744, with 93K and tps and overheating problems. I am willing to swap out the complete '99 drive train and all looms and ecm's necessary, but after many hours of forum searching, I've found way too much info on matters related, but not exact.

After buying the '97 I discovered the differences between the 26 and 27, and decided to try to get the 26 running first, but the tps connector fell apart when removed, making a replacement throttle body difficult to try. Directly connecting the pins to the tps doesn't help the codes....0121, 1224, 1229. This connector is apparently unicorn poop...non existent. I have a new radiator, thermostat and water pump on the way, which I can use either way I end up going. I think with a new TB the '97 might just run well, but I hate gypping up the connector.....and spending $400 for the TB, if I end up not using it....specific to the '97 and '98.

If I swap both engine and trans, how much of the harness and other electronics do I have to swap?

You guys are a fabulous resource, and thank you in advance.