XJ8 3.2 Auto to Manual Conversion

New to the site, just got my first Jag, interested in a manual conversion, anybody done this, what gearbox should I consider, all help appreciated.

thanks Jagger98

 

The main problem is the Can Bus. The TCM is a vital part of the architecture. I know of one car in the UK apart from Jaguar's own mule, both X100 XKR's. Jaguar's own car shows gearbox fault on the instrument gauge - it's on youtube with Clarkson driving it. The other is an infamous car with a twin screw kit from Avos a forum member, the owner is a chap called Norman, I understand he used a £6000 black box to trick the car.

I have not seen an XJ8/R conversion in the UK, but one in the USA, again a youtube search should bring it up on Smoking Tire. That build cost $70K.

It can be done, but it's a custom job and with anything 'one off' it will cost a lot of money, far more than the value of an XJ 3.2.
In short, no plug and play answer. Another option? X300 model XJ6/R did come in manual.

 

Hi again Sean, great answer, funnily I was at a Jag get together today and was told that the 6 speed gearbox from the S-type jag bolts sreight to the XJ8 engine. But, the engine management system, ain’t having any of it, heard of this type of conversion on other manufacturers models, sometimes you can fool the management system with a bit of naughty wireing. The other suggestion is to remove the jag brain and replace it with one of these bolt on after market units and remap it.

jagger98

 

I've no doubt you could use the latest technology - for instance Syvecs, I understand it's possible to completely delete the car's modules and program their single module for the car.
The S type transmission is 3.0L Diesel specific, for peak torque reasons, and is the same bolt pattern. I know the manual pedal box assembly from the X300 XJ6 is a straight bolt into the X308.