^^^ Dammit! That was just what I had in mind!

EDIT: Decided it was more cost-effective to stick with a newer model used Jag engine. Sure did sound like a fun idea though.

 

I have purchased many things from Andrew and would highly recommend his service both for anyone considering a V8 conversion as well as any Jaguar owner especially ones in Northern CA whom just need help sourcing Jaguar parts as he provides great service and a fair price. I would rather give my money to a local small business person like Andrew and appreciate the extra help he provides.

The LS motors are great as they are all aluminum block and heads so they are very light and stock they have 300-400 HP and with minor modifications that are not really detectible you can get 400-500 HP in a reliable daily driving engine. I am building an old 3.8s with an LS1 and Andrew has helped me source many parts for the car.

 

just one question, can we transplant the corvette engine to our XJR ?

 

Have you not read anything in this thread? Corvette engines and any LS based engines is what the whole conversion is about.

 

the corvette is an LSx series motor so it will drop right in if you want the 427 small block its a direct bolt into any LSx supplied car I built one up with Mahle pistons, hellfire rings, callies rods, dragonslayer crank, had reworked LS7 heads, custom cam I designed (680inlift,690exlift, 254indur, 262exdur, 111 lobe sep) idled acxually quite nice, 4.56 rear end gears, moser 12 bolt mini tubbed, 6 speed inc trans, textralia clutch, made over 560rwhp all NA on pump gas and still got round low 20s on mileage thanks too lean cruise mode I programmed into the car with hptuners. Thing was a beast in fact my plates were BEAZT someone else already had BEAST. Loved tht car sold it a few summers ago to a kid in cali to help pay for my schooling and after a week he wrapped it around a telephone pole didnt respect the power.

 

thanks, Steve. let me read .

 

How about a 4.8L truck engine converted to LS1 accessories/intake in a '99 XJ8? Sorry about the poor picture...I'll get some good ones in the daytime.

 

looks great the 4.8 is a decent motor but I woulda stayed with the 5.7 since its the exact same physical size and has alot more power and torque. But none the less nicely done

 

Glad to see the thread and others looking towards other options. The 98-2003 Jags are ageing , 4 right now in NE Craigslist with a 150,000 miles with georgeous perfect interiors, but very likely the airbox is filled with oil LOL/

If You are going to do it though save up and do it right..

GM LS 416 (720 HP & 695 TQ)

 

Keep in mind that I believe starting with the C5 Corvette they migrated away from having a standard trasnmission mounted to the engine as the transmission moved to the rear. For that reason I used an LS motor NOT from a Corvette as it is easier swap with a mated transmission which the computer is programmed for. When doing an engine swap with a modern LS type I also used Sand and Street Performance as they like others can custom program the computer with their updated computer set up so that all of the unique things like the size tire/rims, rear end gear ratio, and what things I do not need since it is going into an older car can all be pre-programmed. This makes it an easy swap without any issues on the setup etc. I highly recommend to get a mated transmission with engine as if you use some other transmission then the computer must be set up for that transmission. I think that is why many favor the Camaro, Firebird, or GTO LS motors over the Corvette?

Remember now a days the computer controls everything and many times everything from the security set up may need to be programmed or the motor will not start. There are many performance aftermarket computer systems for engine swaps so you can either yourself or with that company pre-program and tweak the operation and performance for your application. Also those tuner computer modifications will yeild a large horsepower increase and increase the fuel mileage as well.

For me I choose a smaller displacement LS motor and increased the power via a mild cam, headers, and performance computer/tune that provided 450 horsepower and good mileage. When you go to the big 6 liter + LS motors it will use a bit more gas than the smaller displacement engines.

Here are two places to consider:
http://fihotrods.com/
http://www.sspwiring.com/Home_Page.php I highly recommend Sand and Street as they will also rebuild a used LS for a very very good price! they supply LS motors pre-programmed for many other speed shops that do conversion engine swaps. I did not pay that much more than what many used LS motor/trans are selling for on Ebay and they put new rings, etc. a basic light rebuild and beefed up the internals of the tranny as well.

 

Interesting read. Anyone running Ford small blocks in these cars, or SBC all the way?

 

I don't know of anyone doing that, but:
someone needs to stuff ford's new 5.8 supercharged engine from the 2013 GT500 mustang into an XJ

 

This is Andrew from Jaguar Specialties- thanks for your interest in the XJ8 and XK8 conversions. We've been working with quite a few customers on projects like this recently, and the results are great.

Just a note on the truck engines (4.8-5.3-6.0). I'm convinced that the factory deliberately underrates the power output on these engines, and with the prices on these far below the regular LS1's, they make great sense. IN most areas of the country, you can get into a good used 4.8 or 5.3 engine package (eng/trans/wiring/computer) for around $1000. A comparable LS1 package would run $3000-$3500. So you can see the motivation here...

Funny story- a customer of ours in Grand Rapids put a 99 4.8 in his 2001 XK8, and called me weeks later to say how he loved the car and was "even getting 20 mpg on the highway". I asked why only 20, since the car should be getting closer to 25. And he replied that most of the time he was going over 90.......

Please feel free to Email me for more info on these conversions- I'm happy to help.....

Andrew
Jaguar Specialties

 

Now thts what Im talking about

 

Are there any plans to do a version of this kit with a manual transmission? I am very interested in this swap, mostly because I love my 2000 XJR, but there are no options for a manual behind the AJ, and I like to shift for myself. An X308 with a supercharged LS3 and a T56 would be damn close to my idea of a perfect sedan.

And does your mounting kit move the engine back any? The AJ sits surprisingly far for ward in the bay. More than half of the engine is ahead of the front axle centerline, and there is a good foot of gap between the back of the engine and the firewall. I understand that with the width of the AJ heads that it can't be moved back without getting into those support bulkheads on each side. But the LS is much more compact width wise, and looks like it should be able to be slid back at least 6", which would vastly improve weight distribution. Could you provide some pictures of the gap between the firewall and the back of the engine with your kit?

 

You can get a manual:


XKR Transmissions

XKR Manual Gearbox

XKR 5-Speed Manual Gearbox

 

Thanks for the links SteveM, I had heard about their conversion but hadn't seen anything about it on their site, but that's because they made a different site!

But I'd still be interested in a manual to go behind the LS. I have an LS2 converted RX7, so I'm getting quite comfortable with the engines and have a good build up of parts, so the LS is still an attractive option if the AJ ever blows up, and I'd want to keep the built T56 I have now behind it.

 

Steve you just made my day

 

I can be helpful from time to time

Although I don't see the appeal of a manual in a heavy, non-sporty, luxury sedan. Especially since the stock auto is pretty good.

But whatever floats one's boat.

 

well after hearing from Sean the price tag i have changed my mind lol id rather stick with the auto and go twin screw then i wont want the manual anyway cus id be shifting to much to often lol