The 4.0 Liter 2000 XK8 engine/transmission (gearbox) for a 5.0 Liter XK8 engine and the Mercedes 6-speed transmission (gearbox). I know this would cost at least $15k - $20k to have it done.

Opinions? Comments?

 

I'm the person who thinks, if this is a dream, and there aren't any major hurdles involved (there may be), you should go for it. I was going to do an LS swap in my 2000 XK8, but found and fixable 2005 4.2 to buy. Sometimes I still dream about making the engine swap I do like the new car.

 

My comment: I would take the $20,000 and just buy a 4.2 or 4.0 (that’s had all the known issues fixed) XKR.

or, if you don’t hate the body style, take the $20,000 and get a 5.0 XKR.

With either choice you can start driving the first day you buy the car. With your idea you’d be spending $$$ for 2 years before the transplant was off the operating table.

Z

 

Having put 3 diesels in Classic range rovers I dream of putting a Tuned Triumph 2.5 straight 6 with carbs and old fashioned auto box in an XK8...No eletronics..old School Sadly no 2.5s about ...Rover 2.6 6 cyl ? Could be legally done in the UK but not EU

 

No 6 speed mb transmission anyway.

If you aren't doing the work...way more than your quotes figure

 

Lots of makers use the ZF transmission family. Research can identify those that bolt-up, and adaptors also exist, but.. internal ratios may differ, not just the TCM programming.

As to the mill?

My 2005 XJ-8L's 4.2 V8 has been far the more reliable than the 2011 L320's 5.0 V8. Very nearly same mileage, but slightly saner coolant system.

If I were to do yet-another engine transplant, it would be "neither". AJ V8's are not known for longevity, what with chains, cooling, oiling, issues.

Instead:

Toyota's legendary-durable V8 ELSE one of the better GMC rockerbox small-block V8's ==> low/no hassle 200K mile longevity and near-as-dammit same performance as far as a 'daily driver' goes.

That said? Waste of money, regardless, when an "entire" more attractive motorcar can be had for a lot less outlay and in drive it NOW condition... or nearly so.

Also too late in the game to impress the muddy-legs crowd with weird cross-breeding.

That prize goes to the brave soul who fitted a British-as-it-ever-gets Gardner MARINE Diesel into...... a Rolls-Royce saloon car.

 

I can tell you what it takes to put an LS motor and transmission in your car I absolutely LOVE the difference it made in my car in power and reliability! I want to try go with a manual 6-speed in the future.

 

Since you've done it, if the engine had dry sump could you lower it in the frame enough to allow for a whipple ---- without a hood scoop?
I've been dreamimg!
WJ

 

Interesting! I will have to take a look and see. Right now the hood insulation just touches the front edge of the throttle body, so it's a tight fit. I'll have to do some measuring and see how high off the block the hood clearance is front and back and see what the crossmember and motor mount situation looks like. You never know... one of these days I may have to get a supercharger and 6-speed manual