probably a bit of a repetitive theme..

has anyone heard of any transplant of a 500 bhp modern Jag V8 into an XJS?
I did a quick google search ,but nought showed up.
I presume the V8 would fit the engine bay, but perhaps the quadcam 8 is wider than the old 60' V12. I don't know.
The wiring would be a challenge too..

 

I have not heard of anyone doing it, it should fit as long as you can get it low enough. BUT the cost would be enormous, a 350 chev or LS1 would be much cheaper (off the shelf kits available) and can easily make that power.

 

Migrating the Engine Management System would make it a very interesting challenge.

Graham

 

Sometimes I think the point is not to be "cheaper" but to have more power and be "Jaguar" but then again I've been wrong before.

 

Problem is this side of the world a used 4.0L XJR engine and trans (Ford V8 and Mercedes Trans) will set you back nearly $10k. Would make for a Very expensive XJS by the time it was engineered and working. I could see at least $15-20k to get it up and running if you can do most of the work yourself.

For under $10K you can buy a brand new 500hp Chev and have it installed and running

 

I have to admit this idea has crossed my mind a few times. Sure there are cheaper, easier methods to obtain 500 bhp, but it's the CHALLENGE of doing something unique while maintaining the Jaguar heart. If my V12 ever goes, I may just go this route.

 

I can relate to the challenge aspect and pride of keeping it Jaguar.

I'd bet that the wiring harness would be the worst part. The control models are easy to find and disconnect but the wiring for necessary and unnecessary systems is all mixed together.

You could either get the entire harness out of a donor car, pick it apart and remake it. Or you could get the pinnputs and invent your own custom harness that fits your car.

Either way, it will be a lot of time and work and something to be proud of when you turn the key a the cat roars to life.

 

Maybe the guys over in the Mk2 section have some tips...seems they're always doing awesome Beacham-style resto-mods.

 

I was talking to a friend who put a Ford Zetec into his Lotus Elan, and he said the security system is the hardest part, you need keys, security modules, ECUs, etc. It's not like the old days, power, ground, fuel, and off she goes.

 

yes its doable, anything is doable when it comes to engine/trans swaps!

the jag V8s are ford engines, at least it stamped or cast in many components, with ford part #s.

and in todays wiring systems there are available all types of wire harnesses, just look up car wire harness.

i have used a universal wire kit,put into a VW turbo car for a customer,worked out fine!

for security use a standalone,like viper kits,etc. do all kinds of stuff ,one i like was remote start, from across the parking lot!
people would get close and i'd start it up ,engine took a kool rev,and idled down, nice exhaust sound.

anyway just do it! a good learning education,and fun along with it.

 

I would twin turbocharge the V12. Hell, maybe a 2003+ Mercedes unit could be made to fit.

 

I thought about that -does the compression ratio need to be dropped the same as in a supercharged engine?

I don't know if there is room under an XJS bonnet for two hairdryers, though.
Could get a bit busier than usual under there..

 

al nz ,google , remote turbo systems.

STS is a good company making parts and systems.

 

I wondered about the compression too.

 

Twin turbos under an XJS bonnet- car is in Sydney