So, determined to install a manual tranny into one of my two xjs's. Boiled down to the Simply Performance Kit with a getrag tranny ( Great reviews ), The Driven Man using a T5 which is the best trannny useable that I can determine.But I cannot find a single positive review about this company. No real complaints,but around 10 - 15 hrs spent figuring out " repairs " needed to make the kit work.Have to admit all these reviews are approx 7 yrs old. Nothing newer ! Plus lousy communication. Sorta sucks. And now for the brain buster. I have just found an original 4 spd complete, and completely rebuilt, everything needed and included, out of an original 4 spd early 70's XJS V12
All 3 delivered are within $1,000.00 of each other.
Final thoughts : 4 spd.... this was a Jaguar installed manual in a V12 xjs. The only one installed at the factory with the V12 ( gotta luv that )
Never even considered this option until I came across a original test drive in the 70's driving a factory 4spd across Europe. Cruising at 100+mph, hit 150 +, and averaged 15 m p gallon.
At those speeds, not bad.Made me smile.....
Simply Performance.... Great reviews, Nothing but good to hear about them. Jaguar installed tranny but in the 6 cyl. Proven though to handle the V12. But try to find a tranny guy to work on them.
Driven man... probably the best tranny available (T5) easy to work on, but cannot find a single positive review regarding this company. But to be honest, seems to be communication, and minor details that bring them down. ( my mechanic charges $150.00 /hr, so, 10 + hrs adds up quick )
So what I'm asking is, forget the $'s involved. which would you go for ?

 

Buy the Jaguar original!

 

Both getrag and T5 are older technology and these Transmissions can't be purchased new any longer . The Getrag it's really dated and pricey to rebuild. As i see it....there's really no point in spending all this money for a transmission that shifts like a used transmission 20 year old will... Crunchy. I would recommend a new T56 Magnum 6-speed. I've done it and the results are nothing short of amazing. Great acceleration, great fuel economy and a Feather lite clutch because of the hydraulic throw out bearing. The 6 speed route requires just two or three custom parts. And all consumables are off the shelf. If you're interested p.m. me for details.

 

The 4 speed will need an adaptor to fit if it's from an early V12. The belhouse bolt pattern is different to the TH400 block.