I have the engine out of my car and got the cylinder heads off. What I've discovered is that I won't be able to afford to bring the car back to life anytime soon and so I'll be getting rid of it. The real shame is that I won't be able to sell it for anything at all since it isn't running and "project" XJS cars are worth virtually nothing.

The problem with the engine is that the corrosion at the cylinder heads was pretty bad. The head gaskets were literally eaten away to nearly nothing and the pitting in the heads themselves is enough that it will be a pretty hefty machining bill to get them fixed.

If I had more money (or even free storage) I'd hang onto it. It is quite "fix-able" but I just don't have the extra cash to do it in the foreseeable future.

The main reason I'm posting this is to see if there is anyone that might need some of the parts from it. Shipping would quickly get expensive but one never knows. If there's any interest let me know, otherwise it will be off to a wrecker.

Time for a good cry now...

 

California is a good place to find used, running V12 engines. It would be much cheaper to swap the engine than repair the one you have.

Is that a possibility for you?

Mark

 

It would certainly be less expensive than getting the heads redone. The engine isn't the only problem with the car that needs to be sorted out, though. Nothing that's wrong is insurmountable alone but they add up to quite a few dollars. That's the real issue - I just had some financial issues come up and so there really isn't any room in the budget for the car any more.

 

Store it and keep an eye out for bargains on V12s. They can be found cheap!

 

Try to keep it if you can.if you cant find a V12 theres always the sbc swap.
If you do part it out I need the front spoiler. Pm me or email me at
Jamiethedentalguy@gmail.com

 

I lucked out and got a V12 on craigslist for $100. Keep your eye out!

A inline 6 swap would be some work, but not if you carb'd it. Would be a better swap than a 350...

 

I'm about an hour and a half from you chris. I have a 1984 xjs parts car that had a good running V12 until a wire harness fire in dash killed it. The engine has been partially disassembled (down to the intake manifolds) but is complete. If you want to come down and pull it out of the car it's yours. I even have an engine hoist.

Lou

 

Wow, now that's an offer that I don't know if I can refuse - that is very generous. My wife is pretty happy to see it go but given an opportunity like this to save it... I think I can make a pretty good case.

I'll PM you after I've had a chance to re-evaluate. Thank you for the offer!

 

Wow. This is what I love about his website!

Good on ya Lou!

 

Yup!!!


Napa to Rocklin is just great.


And, as Rocklin to Walnut Creek is surely doable, I was tempted.


Why, I dunno, my XJ wuzza six is as much as I can handle.


I would've suggested a SBC, but that isn't cheap. Why do I know???


Kudos to the both of you. Make it happen!!


Carl

 

The SBC swap isn't cheap. But all repairs after the swap are. If it even breaks down. Mine hasn't.