Hi I currently have the engine and box out of my 78 s11 XJ 4.2 and the engine has a few issues.

So Im wondering on what people thoughts are about the 350 Chev conversions for these cars? Im not a rev head but these engines do seem alot simpler and I think the V8 sound and feel would suit the car nicely.

Also has anyone heard of a XJ6 with a Ford Falcon straight 6 conversion? I think it would be a nice conversion.

Or should I just buck the trend, pull my head in, fix the 4.2, bolt it back in and keep it original.


Your views and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

A lot of things to think about. I did that to my 83 a decade ago. It isn't as easy as it soundsm, or inexpensive. I wrote a paper, "lumpthoughts II", If you wish to read it, contact me PM and I'll send a copy to you in Word and/or Adobe.

Analyze the cost to fix the 4.2 and the box. Unless the box has been recently rebuilt, now is the time.

Analyze the cost of the SBC engine, trans and computer and wire harness. Figure out a cource for mounts, etc. At least three good sources in the US. At least one of them ships to OZ. The Jaguar radiator will be inadequate, plan on replacement. And, a trip to the muggler shop,

Don't consider anything other than a FI engine and OD transmission.

My cars donor was a 94 Cdillac Fleetwood Brougham. LT1 engine and 4L60E transmission. I've been more than pleased with the reliabilty and performance.

OTH, I liked it as a DOHC, but a catastrpophic engine failure due to overheating led me to the conversion. Lots of thinking and research first.

Carl

 

I'm a fan of the SBC conversion as long as it's done right. I've had one that was done poorly and took away from the car. When done right they are smooth, very fast and a pleasure to drive. To me...done right is some sort of fuel injected SBC with a 700R4 or LT1 with 4l60e installed properly with care. I'd recommend the conversion kit from Jaguar Specialties because it uses factory style mounts and other low cost off the shelf GM parts. Consider purchasing a complete donor car like an older TPI Camaro or LT1 caprice because sourcing all the small stuff like pulleys and accessories can get frustrating and expensive. Also you can see the engine and transmission perform the existing car and get it running to your satisfaction before doing the transplant.

 

Trouble is in Australia those types of cars are like hens teeth.
I had a look at the Jaguar specialties website and they sound like they would be the way to go.

 

If you can fix the 4.2, that might be the way to go. Both the price to repair and the end result will be relatively predictable.

If you're going to use Jaguar Specialties, he has kits that will work with Holden's line of V8 engines produced by GM. Those should be a little more common for you. Also, this conversion takes some time. It's not the hardest thing in the world, but you should have some DIY car experience if you want to do it yourself. Paying someone to do it might take away the cost-effective aspect of the project.

I have an LS1 (same as your Holden V8s) in my XJ6 and I like it a lot!

 

Im waiting for mine to blow up so i can do a complete ls/trans swap. But yes with complete pcm out of a late model since i want to keep it obdii compliant and the only way is a complete swap. Then i could take on the new xfr's

 

You don't say what the issues are with the old engine, but FWIW, if you take the head off and find cracking between the bores, (any of 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, and 5-6, the block needs lipped liners putting in, (a BIG job)), then your proposed swap is probably the best way to go, but what about putting in an AJ6 or AJ16 engine and tranny, which are virtually bullet proof ? OK, the GM engine is probably cheap as chips in the US

 

Are the aj6 or 16 engines out of the xj40?

 

Are they a bolt in job? Apart from the wiring of course.

 

Some years ago, an XJ6 appeared on Ebay with the later six transplanted in. Mechanicaly, it seemed quie comnfrtble in it's new home. But, there was ahuge pile of electronics on the passener seat and floor(LHD car). The installer was a Jaguar mechanic. The car ran and drove just fine according to them. In CA, I wonder if he ran afoul of the strict smog rules on engine swaps. Been there, done that.

 

AJ6 engine was fitted to the XJ40 series and the AJ16 to the X300s, plus of course the XJS which had both over the years.

 

We recently completed 99XJ8 conversion using Jag Specialties Kit.
Bolt in no major mods.

Go with ls1 sb chevy. We did 4.8 Truck engine and dropped SS Camaro Intake on her with Corvette exhaust manifold. GTO A/C components.

Save yourself a lot of time & $$ Find a wrecked Camaro or FBird w/ complete LS1 with all harness and front accessories.

We have good power 25 mpg hwy and 21 around town.

I have about $6500 in the swap. Jag Specialties kit is the best of all we found.

If you don't have $$ and patience don't do it.

Mark Isham
Destin FL

 

Hi I have purchased a kit from Jag Specialties and am going with a carby 350 chev with a T400 box. These engines are much cheaper and easier to obtain here in Australia.
Looking forward to doing the conversion. Should be very rewarding and a good learning experience.

 

Good, albeit not great choice. Andrew and his stuff is first rate. I used another kit, but for a personal reason. Had I to do it again, I'd not hesitate for a moment to use Jaguar specialties stuff. Although, I did not use his kit, he helped me immensely in ironing out some issues.

My installation was a great leap for me. Lots of electronics was truly a dark forrest for me to navigate.

But, I am pleased as punch with it. Plenty of power and reliable. Effortlessly cruises in OD on the freeway at 70 with plenty on tap. No rubber on take off, it just squats and goes pinning one back in the seat. As my engine was tuned for the big old Cadillac, it handles the heavy Jaguar just fine.

 

How did it go MJG? Did it go together smoothly? Did you do it yourself & what were the "traps"? What would you do differently?

(Another Aussie with comparably limited options )

 

They have a 4.0 straight six turbo out of a ford falcon in Australia that would be my dream engine in a series 2. Not sure if its feasible of course just an idea.

 

I'm turboing the 4.2L

I'm not for the easy route.

These engines sound awesome.

I want to push it to the limit, then make the choice to jump ship to another engine (Toyota 2JZ-GTE)