I tried but couldn't find much about supercharging an XK engine... anyone had much success doing it?

 

I have the same car as you - '74 SWB S2 XJ 4.2 RHD. I am seriously considering doing a supercharger setup when I build the engine after I finish with my first money pit. As far as I have seen nobody has done it - at least not published anything. I am expecting to fabricate brackets, have pulleys machined and likely relocate stuff to make it work but I am only in the concept phase. We'll probably have to do away with the SU carbs and add an aftermarket injection system. Once my Oldsmobile is finished this winter I will start looking at the feasibilty of it all. We should keep in touch...

 

My bet is ...you will accumulate a ton of experience changing head gaskets.
This 4000 lb car needs torque not horsepower.

Talk to Andrew at Jaguar Specialties about a kit to install a late model V8 and then enjoy the car... unless you have a bunch of new tools you would like to wear out.

This engine is notorious for blowing head gaskets and boosting cylinder pressures with a supercharger is an ideal way to blow a head gasket.

Plus you will have to do some ECM chip work.

All in all a pipe dream.

my 2 cents - I am not a big fan of ancient iron engines with aluminum heads.

 

those are some good points to ponder; all in all, I wasn't thinking of astronomical boost, only 4-5 lbs at most. dealing with CD carbs would necessitate going over to fuel injection or developing a pull-through setup. pipe dreams of a sort. funny how the first turbo XJ6 i found was a lumped car....

 

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This engine is notorious for blowing head gaskets and boosting cylinder pressures with a supercharger is an ideal way to blow a head gasket.
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You're definitely right there. But take a centrifugal blower - they build boost internally and not in the head itself. There is a lot to consider. Would be pretty cool though.

 

It's an old engine, but those issues can be addressed easily.


I'd assume you would at least strip the head for a fresh rebuild, and in the process skim it flat again, and fit a multi layer steel (MLS) head gasket along with some ARP headstuds, this would prevent any chance of blowing head gaskets.


Theres a guy on here who turbo charged their 4.2L S3 motor, after addressing some basic things like oiling issues, and balancing the motor, apparently its holding out with 400hp, but it does run a complete modern ECU, individual coil placks and more.


This day an age, making a turbo setup would probably cost less than fabricating a supercharger bracket and pulley setup.