I thought the group might get a kick out of this- one of our customers just last week got his XK8 project car on the road. This one is running a 495hp LS3 and 6L80E (6 speed automatic) transmission. His first real ride was back from the exhaust shop- really put some stress on the driver seat frame, so he says....
And the hood closes completely so it looks like any other 97 XK8 convertible.....

With all honesty, this was/is maybe a little more HP and torque than I might recommend for a convertible, but the overall shortage of GM crate LS3's around the time the project started drove this engine to us. A more basic 430hp version, with a milder cam and similar transmission, would've been fine too.

Thanks
Andrew
Jaguar Specialties

 

What is so amazing about your work, especially in this case, is the near impossibility of noticing that it is not a stock configuration. Of course those familiar with the brand would know. However, the end result is still impressive.

I know a breaker who regularly sends rust free, perfect hulls of pre-2003 XK8s to a scrap dealer after removing certain parts for his business. Sometimes these cars are destroyed simply because a transmission finally failed.

One wonders the possibilities. I like the stock configuration, however it would be nice to preserve as many as possible for the future.

 

Hmm id almost be willing to bet the mpg is pretty close to the original too. Lol. I am actually being serious smh. With that said, any thoughts on conversions to some of the single or twin turbo modern 4 or 6 cyl engines? With fuel the way its going, and the power of the newer engines, it might be worth it. I know i know, it wouldn't be a v8 then lol