Note this is being posted here on a purely informational/enjoyment basis. It is not here to convince anyone to do anything or buy anything. If this interests you, please read on. If it is not your cup of tea then skip to something else and let live. Thanks

Hello all, this is Andrew from Jaguar Specialties. So I just posted the first installment of our new project "XJLS-C" on our website. We begin with a classic 75 XJ6C which will get the full Jaguar Specialties treatment- 400hp LS2 engine and 6 speed manual trans, full suspension upgrade, a European treatment (7" headlight and European bumper conversions), and some other tasteful/period changes (the interior will be interesting.......). The goal is a classic, reliable, fun to drive restomod Jaguar.

In Part 1 we introduce the car as it arrived and share it's somewhat interesting history. And as we go forward, you can follow along- new installments will be posted periodically. Attached are the first preview pics of the car as it arrived and the LS2 drivetrain that will find its way under the hood. And here is a link our website where you can click to see part 1. Stay in touch!!!! http://www.jaguarspecialties.com/

 

Great project Andrew. Keep us posted as it develops please. Pics are worth a thousand words. But with such a historic vehicle, combined with your long affinity and abilities with Jaguars, why would you put a powerplant into it that - in my humble opinion, does not equal the marques pedigree. But, to each his own and I will be following your build. Ian

 

Ian

Thanks for checking out this new post. If this car had come to me with the original (matching) Jag engine then there might be some reason to keep it original. But this was converted (to a carbureted small block Chevy- yech) long ago so being original is gone. Since support/upgrades for the Jag engines are very very limited, something more practical makes sense (for me) and get good performance to boot. It's not for everyone, and this is a car for me, my way...... It'll be a
lot more enjoyable this way, believe me. And it might actually be worth a few $$ as well (that is not my motivation, but good to know). This car belonged to one of our customers.......have you seen it? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...r-xj-coupe-11/

 

Updates soon Andrew?

 

As a fellow XJ6C owner with a previously swapped in 1975 SBC I would love to swap it out for an LS, but I believe the bellhousings are not compatible? Maybe a TPI LT SBC instead? That is to keep the Jag transmission the SBC is currently mated to.

Updates?

 

MSG, are you sure you have an sbc and the old Jag BW 3spd slushbox? I don't think I've ever heard of an adapter to mate and sbc to a jag trans, even the v12 th400 trans had a different bolt pattern iirc? If you have the 6 cyl bw transmission, you do realize it's a dinosaur of an automatic, very power hungry and you can improve the performance of a 6cyl car just by changing to a more modern trans. No way would I keep that trans for any reason. Or am I missing something? 4l60's are cheap.

 

I doubt the Jag transmission is still in there although there was a company in Australia actually making an adaptor plate to do that. What's more likely is that you have a T350 (3 speed) or T700R4 (4 speed with OD) in the car. If you were to go LS you'd want to switch to and LS compatible and modern all electronically controlled 4 speed or even 6 speed trans, or go manual 6 speed. There would be no good reason to keep the older mechanical trans with the LS. While that might seem like a lot of extra effort, the end result is a dozen times better driving and performing car than the SBC ever was. And that doesn't even touch on the fact that your fuel mileage will likely be double of the SBC install....

And not that this is a reason to do it or not, the LS powered XJ coupes (if well done) seem to be worth big $$ when selling- the car below was done using all of our LS pieces plus has the Euro headlight and Euro bumper style kits we also offer. That car last sold in Nov 22 for $165k (but also sold for $103k back in 2017.....). If you have a nice car to start with, going LS may be a worthwhile considering.......

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...r-xj-coupe-11/

If you have questions, let me know

Andrew
Jaguar Specialties

 

Sorry, not the Jag transmission, it is/was a new TCI TH350 ordered from Summit. The kit used was a John's Cars out of Dallas, Texas.

 

In that case you are way overdue for an upgrade- engine AND trans...........................

 

Agreed. I found a complete LT1 equipped 1992 Corvette for sale locally with 109,000 miles for an asking price of $1,800.00 and then I read about the issues with the placement of the Optispark distributor and I guess LS1 is now in my thoughts. Will be following this build closely.

 

You will love the lsx MSG!
Instant starts, huge parts availability any where, ease of maintenance, smooth power, I could go on. The later trans offers a nice lower first gear for getting a 4000lb car going quick and then overdrive for nice calm hwy driving, not to mention fuel mileage. Factory fuel injection plays well with E10 fuel. I'm still working on acquiring parts for my swap, same as yours 350/th700r4. It's tired and time for a refresh. My plans are for a t56 though, bought a pedal box in the 90's so this has been a long time coming.

 

It's a race for the finish, Andrew!! I have the lead. We will see how long it lasts.

 

Oh, you are so far ahead, I'll never catch up........