Putting a 1961 XKE 3.8L into a 1959 XK150 DHC-issues?
 

Hi;

I have a 1959 XK150 DHC that is basically sound but came with a toasted Detroit V8 lump and slushbox in it. The engine mounts, brake and clutch pedals, accelerator linkage were removed but most of the rest is unchanged.

I am planning on putting a 1961 XKE 3.8 in it. I have on hand:
1961 3.8 with triple SU's, starter, generator etc
XKE Ser. 1 clutch, driven plate, flywheel
XKE Ser. 1 bellhousing
XK150 gearbox and O/D (fits bellhousing OK)
XKE master and slave clutch cylinders
new XK150 engine mounts to weld on frame
XK150 Brake and clutch pedal assembly
XK150 front drive shaft yolk.
Dual SU fuel pump

I know I need to cut firewall to fit triple SU's but I am not sure of other pitfalls I may expect.
I know the 150 S with this engine had upgraded rear springs but I hope to leave them as is.
I have most of throttle linkage bits but wonder if a wire accelerator cable might be better. ???
I do not have XK150 brake master and booster so alternative (better?) options would be of interest. ???

If you have gone this route and have answers or suggestions I am all ears.

I am not shooting for original but just a nice Jag that looks close to original and is a nice weekend drive.


Thanks

Tony Clarke

I don't think you need to cut the firewall.

According to Paul Skilleter's book on the Jaguar sports cars, the XK150 had the triple carb 3.8 engine offered in 1960. E-type came out in 1961, so I doubt there were any changes of significance engine-wise. This book contains a picture of the tripe carb engine in the engine compartment of an XK150. The caption to this picture says the engine was used almost unchanged in the first E-types. Of course what is in that "almost" I know not, however later on the book says the XK150 engine was more or less just "dropped in". The automatic choke of the XK150 was changed for a manual one.