I'm getting some work done on my '89 XJS on a hoist next week, and while getting a new transmission mount bushing installed, I probably should get the TH400 filter changed and new fluid.
Question: Do I simply order a filter for a 'normal' Turbo 400 tranny, or does it need to be a specific filter for the Jag-mounted GM transmission? -There are a couple transmission shops in the city, plus a large GM dealer. I'd like to buy local for next week rather than order one and wait.

 

The filter is not unique to Jaguar. Ordinary "400" filter


Cheers
DD

 

Have you given any thought to adding a shift kit? I think it's mentioned in Kirby's book. Just curious.

 

While we are at shift kits: Does anybody know for sure if an '89 with SportsPack has a slightly different setup regarding shift points etc. If not I think it is time to fit the TransGo shift kit I have lying somewhere in a cupboard.

 

Thanks for the advice on the TH400 Filter kit, ---So I went to the local, high towered fancy GM dealer today for a genuine GM filter, of course the parts gent in a dress shirt and tie asked what year and car, and when I said the Jag XJS, I got a raised eyebrow and a minute later he said he could not sell me the filter! -He said his computer said it was for a "Non-GM" application, and could not sell it to me!!! -When I started to sputter in protest, he held up his finger and said he would find me one, and made a phone call to a local independent Auto parts supply, quoted the part number, nodded and hung up, then directed me to go there, as they had one. -Yep, drove the 2 km, and the counter man had the AC Delco box on the counter for me. Filter, gasket kit for $16.60 total.
Is it just ME, or is that simply crazy?

 

Yes.

I'll bet a month's pay that he didn't have a TH400 filter in stock (no reason that he should, really) and he was putting on a little song 'n' dance.

Cheers
DD

 

All GM400s were the same in the V12s. The sportspack was a suspension change only.
Greg

 

Yes, there was, and I respectifully disagree with Steve :-).

I meant to touch this subject earlier but forgotted!

At approximately vin 157xxx a different valve body and governor was used on the TH400s....at least on the XJS. Not sure about the V12 sedans. This corresponds to about mid-1989 model year (as expressed in USA model year terms).

I recall from other peoples' research that the change was made so that WOT upshifts would occur at a higher RPM....something sorely needed as earlier models tended to upshift wayyyy too soon.

I don't think this is related to the "SportsPack" per se. However, the change occured not long after the SportPack (or at least some elements of it) were standardized for the V12 cars.

Cheers
DD

 

Autobox tweaking is pretty much uncharted waters on my part. Will a TransGo kit affect the actual WOT shift points? Reading and re-reading the instructions that came with the kit I am not certain.

 

Hey

Do anybody know if a gearbox Type GM TH400 model zv-a fits on a XJS from 1986?

 

You're likely to have problems swapping a different transmission - the bellhousing on the version of the TH400 used in the Jag is different.

 

i bought my filter at advance auto or autozone for like 10 bucks. It came up in the computer under my car

 

The secret is in the ID Codes..."ZV A" in this case.

All the dozens (hundreds?) of sub-variations of the TH400 over the decades were identified by a 2 or 3 letter code. The code described the original application. A million years ago a had a master listing from 'Hydramatic Division of General Motors" with all the codes. Including Jaguar, Rolls Royce, etc. Wish I could find it.

All that said....I don't know if the ZVA model is Jaguar or not.

Cheers
DD

 

I always use the TransGo stage 2 shift kits. They have a strong shift and are quite good quality. Ive used some manual shift kits as well. Great for track use be not good for daily driver.
Besides that I love that second gear scratch.