Can a straight six XJS be converted to V12?
Hi All,
New here, hope this isn't a stupid question! lol I have also had a quick search and found very little. I would like to end up with a V12 XJS with a mildly tuned engine and a manual gearbox. Due to working long hours, all the work to do that is likely to take me a long time. So I have already thought that the best way to do this is buy a useable car to enjoy in my spare time while I build up a spare engine and gearbox to fit. The consensus seems to be that with a manual gearbox with over drive top, the 3.54 final drive of the 3.6 is ideal. Also, a lot of people are using the Getrag 265 box from the 3.6 to convert V12s. So with the fact that I intend to build a spare engine and swap it over, would I be better off starting with a 3.6 manual vehicle? Am I being stupid? Cheers Sean |
Imho no. You'll need to do an awful lot to get that V12 running. Not weld Ing or so, but you'll want to adapt some engine mounts. You'll need a different power steering system with cooler. Millions of little bits like oil cooler for the engine, different radiator, different mountain points for the engine to the front subframe etc.
It would be easier to use a worn out V12... |
Interesting project. My own opinion, like Daim's, is that you would do better to buy a V12 and add the manual gearbox to it. The reasons being:
Greg |
I'm on the last half of a similar project....converting a Series III XJ6 to a V12.
In my case (and I suspect yours, too, if you push ahead) getting the engine and trans installed will be the easy part. As mentioned the "little bits" are what really take up the time....cables, hoses, wiring bundles, oil and fuel pipes, etc. If you buy a donor car for the V12 make sure to remove *all* V12 specific items, right down to wiring and connectors, throttle cable, clips, brackets, bolts, instruments, AC hoses, etc. If in doubt, remove it and keep it for the project car. Cheers DD |
Thanks for quick the replies guys :-)
I did suggest I was being stupid lol I wasn't overly worried about ECU and wiring, as I would probably go for an aftermarket programmable ECU like the Emerald anyway. But I hadn't really thought about all the little bits and bobs. So yes, on balance, probably better to start with a V12 car. Greg, I know what you are saying about the gearbox, I was a little wary of using the 265, as Jag chose to upgrade to the 290 box on the 4 litre, but lots of people seem to use them. If I start with a V12 car, I will probably go a different route for the gearbox. Thanks for the suggestion of realm engineering. I had a quick look, and they seem to have switched off the link to the "gearbox upgrades". Looking at the pictures on there website though, I think they are using the Toyota R154. I have used one of those in the past on a small block chevy using a bell housing from Dellow Automotive. They are a great gearbox, very strong and with a nice shift quality. Unfortunately they are as rare as rocking horse poo now :-( I guess a Tremec box is the safe option, as at least they are readily available if a failure occurs. Thanks for all the other info to, much appreciated :-) I will keep you updated, it will be slow though, not even got a car yet lol Cheers Sean |
For the price of the V12 cars I believe that's it's best just to buy one. A V12 convertion will nickel and dime you to death. $6000 buys a decent V12 car here
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I think on balance the v12 vehicle makes more sense.
Especially as there seems to be question marks over the suitability of the 265 box on a mildly tuned V12. Thanks everybody for your responses and advise. Cheers Sean |
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