Hi guys,

I have a X-type and am looking at adding an older Xk8 as a summer car. I have searched high and low on this subject but can't quite find the answer. So, here goes:

It looks to me like there are tons of issues with the Jaguar/Ford V* and that they are very pricey to repair/replace. Has anyone succeeded in intalling a more basic/cheaper V* engine and/or trans into these cars? I am supposing that moving to a Mustang type Ford V8 would be both cheaper and more reliable in the long run but of course, have no proof on this.

Given the conversion kits that exist for older Jags, it seems like a reasonable question. To me, the XK8 is a stunner but the mechanics make me quite cautious about adding the car to my garage!

Thanks much!

 

I think you will spend more money swapping the V8 (since there don't seem to be any kits out there) than you will if you just do preventive maintenance on the AJ-V8.

 

The electronics of the car will stop you.

Seems that someone in New Zealand or Australia claimed to be building a GM LSx kit but nothing has been heard from them lately.

 

If you have the skill to contemplate swapping an engine, you have more than enough skill to bring on older Jaguar V8 up to date (new tensioners, pump housing, etc.) and with proper maintenance have a very reliable engine. This is the much easier path.

As had been said many times before, people rarely post about all the times their engine is running well. These are solid engines once you deal with the few weakness, particularly on the earlier versions. If you go for a 4.2 (2003 and later) these issues are largely resolved.

 

If you understand the CAN bus and need to have things operate properly then you will have a chance at getting it correct!!

If you want to RIG a motor and trans to get it down the road without regard to the ABS and other network modules, then 'have at it'.

"This is not your father's Buick" as the saying goes!!!

I live in a rural area that does not need to meet emission regulation verification so I can pretty much do anything that is SAFE and I have no concern with pollution inspection requirements. Most of the urban areas need to meet the federal/state emission standard so you need to keep that in mind when converting vehicle drivelines.

The Jaguar V8 is a Ford V8 of sorts but the notion of bolting a Mustang V8 to the original gearbox is probably NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Unless you get a T-Bird or LS 3.9 to go with the gearbox from the correct vehicle you will need to come up with your own fuel and gearbox management systems.

You could get a carburetted engine and a manual trans from a 289 or 302 Mustang to make the go??????

bob gauff

 

I'm rolling over 135,000 miles on my 4.2L and the ZF6HP26, and only religious oil changes and a single transmission fluid drain/fill on the drivetrain. I've had more fun chasing down air, coolant, and power steering leaks more than worrying about the 'major' mechanicals. I truly believe this car's electronics will will be dead long before the engine or transmission fail on me. Its hard to shake the long standing jaguar 'reliability' (or rather lack of) reputation from decades ago.

 

Good luck with that!!

Quite an undertaking you will have to almost re-wire/re-plump the whole car, and as the ECU and TCM talk to each other you would have to dump them to which means no traction control (no big loss there), security modules, ABS or instrumentation

Nobody has done it is beacause they only reason to do it was because it was a cheap simple option, lumping an XK8 would be niether

 

You might want to get in contact Jaguar Specialities (they have posted here before):
Jaguar Specialties
And here an advert on ebay from them:
Jaguar XK8 XJ8 GM LS1V8 Conversion Kit - 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 7.0L- XKR XJR WOW !! | eBay

 

I saw an older XK8 for sale here in Ontario 6 months ago with a non-Jag V8 in it. If i remember correctly, his mods gave the car over 500 hp. I think it was on Kijiji.

 

I've been thinking the same thing, and it makes me uneasy. I want to keep this car forever...what will we do when the ECM or TCMs die years from now? Who knows what kind of options for replacement we'll have, or what the pricing will be like.

 

I completely forgot about that.... I must be getting old....


Does not go into big detail... but just imagine having a 7.0 with a supercharger slapped on the top

 

Was actually looking on ebay for a keyfob, and this item was mentioned below by ebay under "More you might like"....

How well they know me already

Still, it will be a big job, and pricy as you need to get a good engine gearbox and electronics, and then build it all together. Twinscrewed would be easy 1000 HP, but I like all the Jaguar parts and so stay with that, it's also more fuel efficient (I just drive too much).

 

I am going to follow with JS to see what I can find out.

 

Let us know what they have to say...

 

It's almost always cheaper to keep the current setup provided that you stay on top of the maintenance then to switch a different power plant. If you really want a converted Jag, you may want to look at a Jaguar XJS, there should be plenty that have already been converted. As there is no resale value to having this conversion (I suspect it lowers the value), the PO would have taken the loss on the conversion.

 

I bought the Jaguar Specialties kit.. and it works... but I customized to fit a manual.

I also passed ohio emmissions.
I also still have ABS.
I also don't have a check engine light.
I also updated the speedo to have accurate readings... for under $100.
I also have a tachometer.
I also have a clutch pedal, that I didn't get from Europe.

 

And here's my proof:
Jaguar Xk8 with an Ls1 5.7L V8 FI and T56 6 speed manual - YouTube

More vids to come... i just bought a go pro for hi res.

 

Wow, andrezbim. Now that's something I haven't seen. You would be a Forum God if you could document your conversion for us, with pictures.

One dumb question (please excuse it)...why is the throttle up front?

 

ls1's throttle is located in the front of the motor. normally youll see a huge ram air intake in front of that

 

you my friend have become my hero. i would love to see how you've accomplished this and how much it has cost you