and very interested in what headers/exhaust manifold/intake and most importantly oil pan....

I'm also interested in what else needs to be sourced, Driveshaft custom built, sure...

 

Hey there TBM,
Contact Andrew at Jaguar Specialties. He has all the answers you seek. If you are concerned about costs consider this. My $100,000 XK8 cost me 21 large all in. 100 more ponies and better gas mileage. Booya!!
I only said that because I can't afford a new one ha ha.

SK

 

TMB,
get the 5.7
get the ponies
you won't regret it

SK

 

How is the acceleration vs say a 05' XKR...? With a GTO engine can one expect better 0/60 & 1/4 mile et than stock? Thanks

Juke

 

You can't compare the Naturally Aspirated GM engine to the XKR Supercharged Engine.

 

Why? It's very easy to make that sock Chevy engine fast and plus a GTO/Vette engine pushes those cars faster or as fast as a XKR.

I'm curious...there's nothing wrong with my engine at ALL, loving it..! just would like to get some info... I'm a information junkie!

 

The XKR is a tank. It likes the SC 4.0/4.2. Even with the same HP the chevy engine just wouldn't feel as good. If you have a blown engine in an xk8 and wanted more power.., This is a choice. If you had an xkr....get a low mile junk yard motor it be cheaper

 

Being an owner of two Jaguars, an 87 XJ6 and a 99 XK8, this thread is a huge sigh of relief. The 87 has been lumped by the previous owner with a 94(?) chevy 305. Love the car. When I bought my 99, I knew by Jaguars history that there would be potential issues. I wasn't looking for a second Jag, but when I saw it and test drove it, I started around the block and by the time I went full circle, I had to have it. On the way home I started thinking, "Oh lord, what have I done" (contemplating Jag issues) I got home, came to the forum and what was the first thing I read? Tensioners. I thought "Crap, now what do I have to watch for" Turns out my Jag has been very well cared for with no open recalls. THIS thread has laid to rest ALL of the potential headaches that have lingered in the back of my mind. Skooba, you are now elevated to JaguarGodHead...

Thank you!

:icon _banana:: icon_clapclap:

 

Oil Pan and Exhaust OBD?

I'm still curious as to what pan and header are needed to make this work. I'm starting the parts collection process! I suppose I should actually get the XK8 first, but I've never been rational...I do appreciate all the info...How does reading codes work? seperate OBD for the Chev motor? Chev Codes? Jag codes? Soooo much to learn...
THANKS!!
-tbm

 

Hi, this is Andrew from Jaguar Specialties and thanks for the interest.

All of the mechanical details on exhaust, oil pan, power steering hook up, cooling system, AC, driveline, and much more are covered in our conversion manual that comes with the kit. This all works together with our XJ-XK CAN interface unit, a microprocessor controlled module (with proprietary software) that allows the new drivetrain to communicate with the car. That module is the secret to the conversion- it provides the CAN engine data messaging to the dash cluster and other chassis modules for proper operation. I am extremely proud that we were able to solve that puzzle (it's US Patent Pending too, BTW).

In regards to the OBD2 question below, the car retains its original diagnostic connector (to access all of the remaining modules on the chassis) and the new engine controller has its own dedicated connector. The engine controller can then be scanned, reprogrammed, tuned, or whatever, just like it was in the original donor GM vehicle.

Please fell free to get in touch with us directly for more info on the conversion kit and process.

Just as a teaser, we are now testing a next generation of interface software that conceivably will work with ANY LS engine, up through current models, which opens up a whole world of new drivetrain options, including the supercharged LSA model- 556hp. Now wouldn't that be interesting.....

TBM- get yourself an XK8 and we'll have a great project. If you're already gathering parts, you should get the kit so you'll know what to collect...

Thanks

Andrew
Jaguar Specialties

 

Any updates on the transplant.
Thanks for your time.

 

Jag Specialties, you should sell the manual separately so folks can see what they are getting into. I know that you can get that manual for the Miata v8 conversions.

 

Jags That Run (JTR) has made more money off selling their GM/early Jaguar, pre electronics, manuals than off their conversion kits. I know, I have the Volvo one.

 

Andrew thanks for all the work/testing you do on the XK8, I just have one gripe....

What about us 4.2 guys?.... My 90K mile 03 XK8 will one day possibly loose either the engine or trany and when it does I want a LS3 or so with a 6 speed manual trany, turn this sexy machine into a beast. So get cracking will ya...

 

I agree, us 4.2's want to go GM V8 also, ha ha ha ha.

 

Hello there i am doing my conversion now waiting on my wiring harness I had a truck engine and had it converted to a LS6 hope to get about 400 HP heads cam valve springs transmission tricked out. you used Headers or factory exhaust manifolds ? I cant wait to get mine running. what kind of gas mileage you get ? i bought my kit from Andrew also, he is a good guy and a lot of help glad to know you have yours running and enjoying the conversion !!!!

 

Hey there swayon34,
We used corvette exhaust manifolds that can be easily adapted to the original exhaust, however, my buddy Troy wanted to build the exhaust from the exman to the tips with mandrel bent 2.5 inch pipes and a two in two out flowmaster muffler. The mandrel bent kit was 650.00 and allot of welding by Troy. He wanted to do it so I said what the heck, why not. He did a great job. As for fuel mileage, since I can burn regular 87 octane fuel I never measured it because I don't care. I run 89 and sometimes 91 when the price drops but only because I "think" it is a good thing to do. Don't know for sure. It does not ping at 87 octane. Glad to here you are doing this convert and hope it goes well for you. If you can think of anything you need or get stuck I will assist as much as possible. I found the wiring interesting and a little challenging but not too bad. I soldered and heatshrunk every connection. No Scotchlocks in the Kitty.
All the best

 

im have ls2 exhaust manifolds and they exit in the middle, so you had to use the mandrel bend pipe on the exhaust where the steering column meets the rack on the drivers side ? I have looked at the wiring diagram and not sure how the box connects into the circuit. I hope to get my wire harness this week. its warming up here in Dallas and i am ready to burn some $2 gas lol

 

did you buy the kit from Jag Specialties?

 

yes i did