well i have a minor problem with my xjs. if i do get it running the hood won't shut and really i think the engine is too big because the air filter is too high and hits the hood. lets say that is the problem what is your opinion? or maybe would you suggest cutting the hood open and bolting on a hood scoop? or would you think it would ruin the car?

 

A Ford Cobra scoop mounted backward works and looks slick.

 

V8 conversion, I presume?

How much clearance to you need? Maybe get a shorter intake manifold?

To be honest I'd do anything to avoid a hood scoop. I just don't think it would like right on a Jag.

Cheers
DD

 

My XJS has a Chevy 350 with an Edelbrock manifold and carb with a drop base air cleaner. Hood shuts just fine.

 

yes it now has a 74's camaro z28 engine in it i need maybe 2 to 3 inches of clearance not much but the Edelbrock air filter looks already thin so i don't think it could get much then because its only 2-3 inches tall so i would need more that just getting a thinner air filter i was thinking about get a shorter intake manifold or if there is something wrong with the engine and the intake manifold just sits to high but i don't know...

 

that's what i have... so something must be wrong with the intake manifold sitting up to high or something...

 

I must agree with Doug a hood scoop would look tacky IMHO.

Why not post up a pic of your engine and hood problem it might be easier to help you out.

If the plumbing is as other conversions, could it be that the engine mounts are wrong?

I'm supposing that this is an ongoing conversion project and that you have never been able to shut the hood since the engine went in.

 

You can go back to the cast iron manufold, which wasn't a bad piece, and probably get the clearance you need. But it is heavy, very heavy, and 1 of the main bennies of a V8 conversion to an XJS is big time weight savings.

I had a big block in an 84 XJS and it raised the front end a full inch and, as you may know, one of the proplems with early XJS cars is sagging front ends.

A properly selected and artfully installed hood scoup on the XJS looks "factory". Do not go for rad. or big and you should be okay. These guys who are so set against it have probly not seen an XJS with a Ford Cobra type scoop. I agree. If you put a blower type scoop you will get that tacky look. What you want is a discrete air scoop. If you do it right you can get an Aston Martin look.

 

ya i'm was also thinking the intake manifold or something was wrong and was sitting to high in the car and needs to be fixed... and i'll try to get some pics up on here to make it easier to answer my questions...

 

I would but a Jaguar engine in. If I wanted a Camaro I would have bought one. But that is my opinion.

Can you not buy a drop air cleaner?