The point I was trying to make is that an outside company who does an appraisal for a car should value the car for what it is. Just that. Not make suggestions which are very subjective. Why is the Chrysler Hemi not included in their suggestions? Why not recommend a good engine reconditioner? Who should live with the old three speed automatic in 2018, why not replace that? Surely the old seats (of which the leather needed attention) would be better replaced by modern seats with better ergonomics? Etcetera, the list is endless.

My comment is not about having other engines in an XJ. That is something every owner must decide for themselves. I agree with many comments - a good conversion can be very labour intensive and not easy to do.

I feel it is just not on for an appraisal company to make a dubious advice.

My Jaguar 420, same 4.2 engine, behaves perfectly good after 12 years of frequent use in winter / summer. When I got it, I lifted the head and installed hardened valve seats because I fitted LPG which makes the engine run hotter and has a negative effect on the valve seats. Apart from that, I did nothing to the engine. It get maintenance but not excessive - have not adjusted the valves for years.
Sure, there was a big quality issue in the 70s but I think that if you start with a good engine, do your maintenance and keep an eye on the ancillaries (radiator, water pump etc) there is not a main reason why the old XK engine cannot be reliable.

Also, for Jaguar especially, I think the engine makes the car proud. It is a terrific engine all designed by Jaguar, making it very much part of the package.

This argument is less for makes like the Jensen which use other engines - the older Jensens used a big heavy Austin 4 litre engine, the Interceptor has the Chrysler V8, the Healey a Lotus engine.

 

It's a bit odd (in my experience) for a professional appraisal to include that sort of (presumably unsolicited) commentary but I wouldn't necessarily call it dubious advice. Depending on the car in question it might be regarded as helpful advice !




Yes, the old XK engine CAN be reliable. "Durable" might be a better word. For various reasons not all of them were. Some were not properly cared for. Others...particularly later variants... had some design flaws which were problematic.

An engine swap is simply an alternative. Some people appreciate the idea more than others.

Cheers
DD

 

Actually there are a number of AJ6 and AJ16 conversions out there. Particularly AJ6, as the engine management side of things is easier to contend with. I think it's a great alternative for those wanting to keep the Jaguar DNA.

Cheers
DD

 

I fully agree, and are many good justifications for a V8 swap.....but there IS some validity to the 'lazy' characterization.

In 20+ years on various Jaguar forums I've seen many cases where "Swap in a Chevy V8" is an almost reflexive response whenever *any* problem comes along.....not just engine failure. Driveability problems, overheating, etc. Fully solvable problems...but it takes a bit of time and *effort* to learn the Jaguar quirks and tricks. There's a tendency to throw in the towel at the first sign of trouble rather than learn something new. Seems rather lazy to me....but for some it's simply a pragmatic move to something they're more comfortable and familiar with.

To each his own, of course. And we all have different levels of tolerance and enthusiasm, and tackle challenges differently. Personally I take a bit of pride in (for example) keeping a V12 Jag running smooth and cool, and knowing I won't end up on the back of a tow truck. It was uncomfortable territory at first. Steep learning curve. In the end I'm happy with the results and don't regret one dime spent or one hour expended. But, that's just me....

Cheers
DD

.

 

Ooh...Badhuis, you have stuck a pin into a hornets nest with this one.... ;-)

In the Netherlands no appraiser in his right state of mind would write something like this in his report. He should describe and value the car "as is", to all honesty and without prejudice.

That been said: there is a common practise in the USA to swap these engines for Chevy V8's. Mostly because it can be done comparably easy to replacing or restoring a shot XK engine. If you buy one and it turns out to be junk, the **** really hits the fan and the project will most certainly die. Swapping the XK for a "home made" V8 makes sense in the USA, but not over here in Europe as it's probably easier to find a good original replacement over here.

As a matter of fact, most 70's US built cars have quite a nasty reputation over here, especially in the "gas guzzling" department. Don't forget we pay more than €1.60 for a LITRE of 95 octane (RON) over here....

The would be €1.60 x 3.78541178 = €6.05 a GALLON.
At the current rate that would be US$ 7.24 for a US Gallon of petrol.
In the States I payed about half of that, last time I was there (may 2017). Currently, a gallon of fuel costs about US$ 2.55 in the Orlando region...
I wish we had those fuel prices over here....

 

Yes, you are right about fuel prices. And here in America cars are taxed on how much you paid for them and not how big the engine is. Add to that, in most places in the US. there is no emissions testing. With a credit card and one phone call you can order a new V8 engine with a warranty from 200 to way over 400 horsepower. Finally, there are vast rural areas in America that can be hundreds of miles from a mechanic familiar with Jaguars. But you are never far from someone who can fix a small block Chevrolet engine. Oh, did I mention that regular v8 parts (not high performance parts) are dirt cheap and readily available everywhere? So do the math and please don't be so hard on those of us over here that enjoy our v8 powered XJ6s.

 

In the Netherland cars are taxed based on vehicle weight and fuel type.
cheapest are the full electrics at 0,
then gasoline, then diesel and lastly LPG.
Cars older than 40 years are freed from taxes.

oh..and i completely understand why in the US Jags are being "lumped". I would do the same, though it ruins the originality imho.

 

I agree with Dutch-Cat, the appraissal is prejudiced or biased, as one prefers to clasify it.

 

1. Are not appraisals of any property an opinion? Some well based on research, others not so much.


2. A few work phrases:
A. Work smart, work less.
B. Work hard, think less.
C. Work less for more money.


Carl

 

Motor manufacturers do not design vehicles to last forever! This should not come as a surprise to anyone on this forum. We are the fools trying to make them last beyond the design brief. The XK engine was first used in 1948 - I make that 70 years ago! It was developed over many years in response to market demands and in service experience and owners abuse. It was finally replaced with the AJ6 engine.