The 2003 XK Works Manual makes reference to (but doesn't detail) the manual XK8. Does anyone have one of these beasties and what gearbox does it have?

 

Never have heard these to have a manual from the factory.

 

I would love to know if and how they did it. I keep looking for the 3rd pedal when braking. I would convert to that in a heartbeat. Sounds like a great winter project. Those manual conversions, on the XJS look great on the inside, except if I wanted a Chevy lump in my car, I would have bought a Chevy....and a drip tray....be cool....Mike

 

There was only ever one factory XK8/R and it was a tester. Known as the XKR-R it had a (I think) T37 6 speed manual transmission and an LSD. However, Jaguar could never work out how to get the dashlights to not be lit up like a christmass tree.

 

It was the 2001 XKR-R, it was built from the ground up using new, modified, and custom-built parts. Not a single component-from the revised shape of the front bumper to the quad-outlet exhaust-escaped Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). The team strengthened the car by seam-welding the unibody, mounting the front suspension on aluminum bushings, and installing an eight-point roll-bar. SVO also installed Recaro racing seats and four-point seatbelts. The custom Eibach springs with fully adjustable racing-type remote-reservoir shock absorbers are specific to this vehicle. Jaguar used its own 20-inch BBS-sourced R-Performance wheels and Brembo-sourced R-Performance brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors. But the real fun is under the louvered hood, where a supercharged Jaguar V-8 churns out roughly 450 horsepower. SVO replaced the stock five-speed automatic transmission with a customized Tremec T-56 six-speed manual, which is paired with an AP Racing twin-plate clutch.

 

Buy a 97-2002 XK8 and do the Jaguar Specialties conversion which is NOW avail with the 6sp T-56 conversion bolted to any Gm LSx motor.

 

Top Gear did a brief review/test drive of the XKR-R. Apparently, it almost killed the Stig. The suspension/brakes/power delivery all weren't quite ready for Prime-Time. If I remember correctly, Jaguar had stated that it was still in the "Prototype" stages, and that they would return it to the show once everything was sorted out. I do not believe it ever reappeared.

 

I think this was a bit more than a single development car - it's mentioned in the Works Manual and they wouldn't do that for a one-off because only one owner would have one.

 

I've been looking at so called "Kit" for this conversion but I haven't came across anyone who has replied to my emails...

As far as I know, the conversion cost is about as high as £7500 to £4500.
it all depends on how much you can DIY.

I am planning to do this with my project by the end of 2016!

if anyone can provide me with more info or even with parts, that would be great!

PS: here are web sites I've used regards with Manual swap:
Jaguar Specialties
XKR Transmissions
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ersion-139328/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...n-done-108694/
XKR Manual Gearbox - Gassing Station - PistonHeads

 

I really wish there was an easy (and affordable) way to go manual. I drove a stick F Type the other day. It was the slowest one with only the detuned 340 hp 3.0 engine, but man oh man was it a blast!

I can only imagine an XKR.

What box did the V12 DB7 use? Didn't they have a manual option back then?

 

Where exactly is it mentioned?

Graham

 

It's in the year 2003 XK8 & XKR Works Manual section 419 -01A (3rd para from the bottom) -------->

 

I've a feeling that may just be a cut and paste job from another document.

 

I suspect you are correct - but I asked the question just in case someone has a manual XK somewhere.

 

I believe that TL Jaguar offers a manual conversion in the UK: TL Drivetrain Upgrades - Tom Lenthall Ltd - Independent Jaguar Specialists

 

Current $$ conversion is 11.5k US dollars for the trans and set up from the folks above??? That is steep.
You can do the whole LSx swap with manual and come in at the same price, maybe lower after you sell your old parts and find a deal on a LSx drive line.

 

LSx swap with its own PCM means rest of car's computers are on their own...

 

I know I'm probably asking something that is beyond my depth of Jaguar
mechanical knowledge, but now that there is a manual transmission available
for the F-type, couldn't that be adapted to our XK8's and R's while keeping the
original engines, or would it just be too much of an electronic nightmare?
Just asking . . . I've been wondering about this ever since I bought my XK8. I wouldn't want to switch out for a Chevy engine just to get the transmission. Thanks for any input!

Bob

 

Manual boxes have already been done (though not that one I think) but it's a huge PITA and very expensive.