Best Mods for XJS?
#1
#3
They're not only the best, they're SUPER. Just look at their icon.
More seriously, I think the first mod I plan on doing is the LED dash/interior lighting mod. Being able to see the damn gauges sounds pretty useful. As for other mods, I don't plan on doing too many, but likely will do a headlight HID-swap out and put in some of the halo bulbs as well. I do definitely plan on the alternator swap with the 1995 Land Rover model mentioned in Kirby's book, but really, I don't see myself doing too much other than those.
More seriously, I think the first mod I plan on doing is the LED dash/interior lighting mod. Being able to see the damn gauges sounds pretty useful. As for other mods, I don't plan on doing too many, but likely will do a headlight HID-swap out and put in some of the halo bulbs as well. I do definitely plan on the alternator swap with the 1995 Land Rover model mentioned in Kirby's book, but really, I don't see myself doing too much other than those.
#4
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Performance-wise the biggest hindernace with an XJS is 4000 pound curb weight + lack of low rpm power + 2.88 differential + lazy TH400 transmission. Not a combination that gives much sizzle.
Hard to do much about curb weight but more agressive diff gearing is perfectly doable, as is a manual trans swap or a 4-speed automatic swap. Even the old 400 trans can be tweaked to make it work well behind a V12 although having only three speeds will always put it at a disadvantage.
I agree that exhaust mods don't help very much.
I had a "Superenhanced ECU" from AJ Engineering in mine. Worked just as advertised....improved mid-rpm response/acceleration.
A particularly easy solution is to buy a 6.0 XJS . They pack much more wallop than the 5.3 versions.
Cheers
DD
Hard to do much about curb weight but more agressive diff gearing is perfectly doable, as is a manual trans swap or a 4-speed automatic swap. Even the old 400 trans can be tweaked to make it work well behind a V12 although having only three speeds will always put it at a disadvantage.
I agree that exhaust mods don't help very much.
I had a "Superenhanced ECU" from AJ Engineering in mine. Worked just as advertised....improved mid-rpm response/acceleration.
A particularly easy solution is to buy a 6.0 XJS . They pack much more wallop than the 5.3 versions.
Cheers
DD
#6
I agree totally
I don't like the anaemic 'facelift' rear end. It should probably be called 'bum drop' not 'face lift'
But I want a 6 litre for all the other improvements - 4 speed GM box, outboard rear brakes, hopefully less rust etc etc
#7
I've got the growler (wouldn't call it a cold air pack though) intakes, mid mufflers removed, cats gutted, "H" pipe, trans pak shift kit with b&m adjustable modulator (most GM stockers are adjustable) kick down switch flipped and comes in just above 3/4 throttle. Single coil mod, uprated FI hoses with fire/leak shields, uprated fuel injection wireing harness with braided stainless overwraps. XJ40 center A/C vent plus a few other things I can't remember (going to remove the "I Love the 80's" computer and install the factory clock next)....all in all the thing WILL take off and will rocket you at about 5500 RPM quite nicely.
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#8
This is the route I have taken. I have installed 3.58 gears and I have a 4L60 (T700) to go in as well. The T700 1st gear and 3.58 rear gives the same 1st gearing as the TH400 with 4.09 rear plus the 0.70 4th for cruising.
I am also installing TWR fiberglass front and rear bars. On the front I have removed all of the lower metal sill panels total front weight saving is 10kg total overall weight front and rear is nearly 20kg. I have also removed all of the internal carpet and underlay, this has been replaced with self adhesive thermal sound deadening much lighter than what was there. I needed to replace the carpet anyway.
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Scoupe89 (09-09-2013)
#12
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#16
well, first I started with polly sway bar links and a front brake caliper rebuild.
next I rebuilt a stock.he motor,
then I converted it to a 5 speed manual, with a Borg warner t5
then I added larger wheels 17 x8/9 245/275
then lowering springs
then blew up the HE motor,
then bought a pre he motor,
and now building a bored and stroked 6.5 pre he motor which should be finished in the next couple weeks.
any of thoes modifications aside from grenading your motor would be good.
next I rebuilt a stock.he motor,
then I converted it to a 5 speed manual, with a Borg warner t5
then I added larger wheels 17 x8/9 245/275
then lowering springs
then blew up the HE motor,
then bought a pre he motor,
and now building a bored and stroked 6.5 pre he motor which should be finished in the next couple weeks.
any of thoes modifications aside from grenading your motor would be good.
#17
Replacing the headlight bulbs...
Hello, Reading here on the blog I just purchased from Amazon the SilverStar high performance headlights. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to install. I have a 1994 XJS Convertible (BRG/Tan) with sport package+, 29,000 original miles on it. Always garaged, mint. Never worked on it myself. Asways serviced. I would like to change the headlights myself. I saw two screws on the bezel around the head lamp casing? Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Lou
Thanks,
Lou
#18
they come out the back through access doors in the front of the wheel wells. before you install those go to Daniel Stern's web site and read about headlights.
http://danielsternlighting.com/
http://danielsternlighting.com/
Last edited by RonaldP; 09-13-2013 at 07:44 PM.
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BlueSurf (09-15-2013)
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