I am thinking of using the adapter kit from Jaguar conversions, swaps, parts, service and advice - from John's Cars in Dallas. and installing a GM 700R4 4 speed auto transmission. I currently have the car in a shop that specializes in jags and even more so in XJS'. He said he's done a few before and likes them for the most part. The only negative was there is a tight clearance issue with the starter. I was wondering if anybody here has done this and knows about the starter issue, or any work around for it.

 

the only negative is if you have to change your starter...

If you are doing this you might look at your budget for this project and see if you have enough to also replace the starter at this time with a new gear reduction starter with the best warranty you can find... then it will not be an issue, unless some bad happens to the starter...

Let us know how this goes, with lots of pictures....

 

Tight clearance....making future replacements difficult? Is that the concern?

Changing the starter on a Jag V12 is a royal PITA so I'm hard pressed to see how the starter situation would be any worse than what you already have.

Cheers
DD

 

What is the benefit of a gear reduction starter in this application? I love the sound the stock XJS starter makes. (yet)Another of my favorite features of this car. I would know an XJS starting up in my sleep.

 

Yes, tight starter clearance is my main concern, making future work even tougher. Would there be any reason to think that a good new starter wouldn't be as reliable as the original in this circumstance?

I also love the sound of the factory one too, hate to see that go. But it would be with it for 4 gears I think.

 

then replace the starter with a stock one with a lifetime warranty


I'm just saying while you have it all out... put the best back in you can...

 

The only advantage of using a good grade GR over a stock Jaguar unit in good shape is the weight to be hoisted and held in a most uncomfortable [position and seeking to align and start the fasteners.


Been there in my different car. Only redeeming features was the relatively light weight unit to be replaced with another of similar architecture.


Done, but, now I have control issues in the electrics. another story, another time, another place....


In the course of my diagnostics, I opened the factory manual disc to research Jaguar ignition switches. Disappointment to the nth power.


Carl

 

i kinda like my gear reduction starter, more so after a women said it sounds like a P-51 airplane starting up, that odd gear whine!

also i have no problem with space, my XJS is RHD(right hand drive).

 

Ronbros, how about a sound clip?

 

Flint how would i go about doing that sound thing?

 

If you've been around for a spell, MOPAR starters had their own distinctive sound.


They used GR units early on.


Carl

 

Ronbros, I honestly don't know how well todays phones would handle recording a loud exhaust, but I'd probably start there. Usually in the camera app there's an option to record video.

 

The start up sound of the XJS is a sound thats send shivers up my spine. The rule in our house is passengers have to be quiet when starting. Looove that sound, its like pushing the button on your very own rocketship!

 

@Dave1109971, agreed!!
I have the same routine, with my xj12 and xjs. nothing sounds like those.