I'm starting my next XJC renovation. I was looking for some Coupe parts when I came across a complete car. The seller was parting it out becasue he thought the car was too far gone. I asked him for a price on the whole car he said 1000$ I cheakily offered 500$ and we quickly settled on 900$. This coupe starts out much better overall, more complete and less rust than my first XJC. The car is a 1975 and had a V12 with the Borg Warner 3 speed. The V12 ran but had water in the oil.

Shortly after the coupe arrived... I purchased a 1994 XJ12 sedan to use as an engine doner sight unseen for a very low price becasue it was apart and not running. It arrived with a beautiful preserved interior. I got it running and fixed a leaky oil cooler. That vehicle had the 6.0L v12 but I didnt find it all that powerfull or that smooth to warrant the swap effort. The transmission gearing wasnt right and I considered the 1994 XJ12's powertrain setup wrong for the sporting coupe. Considering the car was so nice too I couldnt bring myself to break it so I sold it for slightly more that I paid. The new owner loved it and was so happy with it.

So I've removed the milky v12 and this week I'm preping the engine bay for paint. I considered many engine combo's including a 1994 V12, 1995 AJ16, old XK6 and I settled on a LT1 + 4L60E. This project is being driven by the notion of Grace, Pace and Space. The mild LT1 with 4l60e power train should offer Grace and Pace. LT1's are far more refined than other early SBC's. This coupe is also getting ABS and traction control too. Other upgrades in the works include using a XJS late style ZF rack and modern sound control measures. The interior is going to be tan...so it's classic black and tan.

 

Grace, Space, Pace surely includes a Jaguar engine !. Anyway, by fitting a non-Jaguar engine to this rather rare car (only circa 5000 built, and few left), you will considerably reduce its future value. However, it's your car, but I always think of the Scottish alternative on ownership, which is that you are the custodian.

Anyway, glad to know the car is not being converted to baked bean tins !!

 

I know it wouldn’t take long to get an engine lecture... I find nothing special about Jag engine / trans combinations....

XK6, smooth, heavy, underpowered by todays standards, many need stake kits,parts are somewhat difficult to get and you have to pay the jaguar tax.

AJ6, AJ16, smoother, not particularly fuel efficient not powerful enough, electronics andZF transmission are terrible. ZF 4HP24 transmission costs a small fortune torepair and few people know how to fix them properly. Shifting characteristic sare generally lazy and there is no aftermarket support to reprogram.

V12 (He or Non He) Total lump! heavy, heavy, heavy, engine and trans combo approaches1000lbs! Lazy 3 speed driving experience, smooth but very fuel inefficient and very expensive to repair.

LT1, very compact and lightweight, smoothest gen1 SBC, 4L60E trans is durable and shifts great. There is after market support to for rebulids and reprograming. Fits engine compartment very well, easy & low cost to maintain and repair. Good fuel economy, better than AJ16

There is NO shame installing a chevy engine in a Jaguar if properly done. Carol Shelby installed american V8 in english cars too... the rest is history.

 

Nice find!
Are you planning to fit the interior (or at least the seats) from the 94 into the xjc. I would be interested to know the ins and outs of it and the dimensional differences between the seats.

 

The front suspension is being sorted out and put back on the car today. Then the mild LT1 will be going in later this week. I've spent the last few weeks cleaning the suspension parts, rebuilding the LT1 and aquiring the necessary parts to complete the conversion. After the engine is in I'll send the drive shaft out to be cut to length and focus on replumbing the front brake system while I wait. This car is getting a complete 4 fluid channel ABS system with tracktion contol from a doner Corvette.

 

I can accept opposing views. I don't consider my 83 XJ6 as an investment. whatever it's worth is of no concern as it isn't for sale. That is the only time market matters.

I was enthralled with my car in 2001 when I bought it. Ran great, Ac qu8irky but worked at times!!! On a faithful day I went on a business trip and it failed me!!!
Hot, but temp guage said OK and air was cool!!! Came home on a flat bed!!! Then checked out. 0 compression in all holes!!! Lots of research. Junk it or lump it!!!
I got a deal on an engine and trans from a 94 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. Conservative iron head SBC and 4L60E OD trans. Big leap for an old time guy. With lots of help, it is in smogged and has really pleased me. I've owned and driven a lot of critters since I was 16. I am now 83. This ranks among my all time favorites. I term it English elegance with an Italian flair and with dependable American power. How good can it get!!! It was idling in the driveway early one morning a few days ago. Two plumes of steam from the condensation. Together with it's motorbost like purr, who has it any better????

But, to each his own.

Oh, it wears a V8 badge on th boot under the XJ6 badge. Just to confuse folks. As if they cared!! It handles bimmers quite handily.

 

I can change spark plugs, starter and alternator in a few minutes and purchase them anywhere (if it was every necessary!). Check out the room all around the engine....

Plus the engine and trans is much lighter and the car handles better. Plenty of power and 20+ mpg even with the 4:09 gears.

One day I hope to actually drive a Jaguar with a Jag engine and trans....

 

Hi,

Nice job! Just starting my XJC custom restoration.

What are you using for ABS / Traction control ?

Thanjs

Andy

 

Understand the purists view, and enjoy looking at those cars as little time capsules.

Very much like the idea of a well converted XJC, they are beautiful looking cars.

 

Looks like a good project. Have fun !


Cheers
DD

 

C4 corvette pump, computer and wiring harnesses. See this too...

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...e-works-84536/

Well here in the Northeast the kids are getting back to school, the days are getting shorter and the evenings are cooling off. Soon the midges will relent and I'll be back in the garage in the evenings making some progress on my latest Coupe...I hope. The economy is ripping along here in NYC and I'm busier than ever at work so time is limited. Some how I will find away.

 

I am interested in an XJC 2 door sedan.....did they have computers?