Hi all,

I posted previously in the new member area so this is a repeat of much of that info... Sorry for the duplication to those of you who follow both.

Joining your forum prior to buying a Jag in order to get some advice, encouragement, dissent, warnings, and overall guidance.

A little about me: I older but not too old, I own a minivan (don't hate me until you've had one). I learned to drive in an XK120 or 140, can't remember which. (I was only 10 and is a story in itself.) My daily driver is a pristine 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Oh, and I also have a Honda XR650R which is a supermoto bike. I like to design and build stuff, and I like to play with motorized toys "Up North" in Michigan.

So what the hell am I doing on the Jag forum you are probably thinking to yourself? I want to build a replica Pre-War style Grand Prix or Indy car such as a Bugatti Type 35 or a Miller Indy racer. I have always loved the look of the Jaguar straight six (going back to how I learned to drive - that engine was awesome with the polished aluminum valve covers!) I am thinking that a 70's or 80's XJ6 might make a good starting point for my project. Basically, take the rolling chassis and build a new body for it. My logic being that it has the cool straight six, with decent brakes and suspension, and oh yeah - the rusty ones are cheap! That last point being pretty important.

So, my questions to all the Jaguaratti out there:

1. The XJ's do have a separate frame I was told, i.e., not a unibody?
2. Can I fit the older style valve covers to the newer engines? I have to have that look that the XK cars had but can't afford one and wouldn't want to butcher it if I could.
3. Is there a different model that would work better?
4. Which of the XJ's should I look for or avoid? Models? Years?
5. What advice does the group have besides taking strong medication?

Cheers,
Gadabout

PS: Planning to take my Jagatti out onto the back roads of Michigan and drive the crap out of it.
PSS: All4Jags and several others provided helpful input in the other forum - my thanks to them!

 

All Jags after 1960 (except XKE or E type) are unibody. So a good start point will be a Mark 7, 8 or 9. These are not cheap but have the polished cam covers you desire.

 

As said the later jags are unibody so need a chassis built. The big advantage of the xj etc are the front and rear suspension are highly refined individual complete assemblies/ units. Hence their popularity in kit cars. It might be better to source them from a later xjs as they have anti roll bars, outer rear brakes and LSDs in most models.

The series 3 xj6 engines are probably the most advanced and have fuel injection, but could be reverted to carbs if you prefer.

 

Thanks guys. Those are all good points to consider moving forward.

 

Search You tube. Sorry I can not give you a channel name.

A young man is scratch building a car much like you describe. Jaguar XK engine in the plans.

Carl

 

There's a guy on the Phoenix CL that has a 3.4 or 4.2 Jag six for sale. Had the polished covers and two SU carburetors. I've shipped engines across the country before and it wasn't that difficult on a LTL carrier of depot to depot.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/p...124731007.html