anybody else get unclean DB7 V12 manual transmission thoughts once in a while? Sure they look a lot like the XK8 and parts are three times as expensive and they don't have cool DIY stuff in the forums .... but I'd like to stir the gears myself and hear the howl of a V12 again (had a 365 GT 2+2 Ferrari years ago). Had a Series III E-type too.

 

hadn't thought of the db7 but after browsing some photos of older v12 Jags was wondering if I could squeeze a v12 into my xk8

 

It's funny, but, if I were longing for the soothing feeling of a V-12, it would be something found in a Ferrari like a 512BBI, or a 550-575 Maranello, maybe even a Lambo Miura, but a DB7? First of all, the cloned body of the XK8 is not quite as clean and flowing as the XK8/XKR. The interior is clearly not as rich as the first series XK's, and they just haven't aged as nicely. At our Queen's English Car show several months ago, I was parked nearby a nice example, and I wasn't impressed. Now a late model Vantage Coupe, I could see some guilty pleasure.

 

Yeah, a Maranello would be nice. And I have to agree with you, we had a DB7 at our local car show earlier this year and the instrument cluster looks positively kit-car!

 

Ken,
You know, I've got a '72 Pantera, that while not quite having the horsepower of those V-12 Ferraris, certainly has the looks and a better sound. In the 4 years I've had the XKR, I probably haven't driven the Pantera more than 100-200 miles. With the Pantera, I have to carefully plan an outing, it can't be too hot, there can't be too much traffic...there are just too many things that could go wrong. With the XKR, it's just so easy, get in, and drive and have a good time. And maybe because the XKR is my daily driver, so I'm in it more, there is never a day that passes that someone in a parking lot, or at a bus stop, or at a stoplight doesn't compliment the Jag as much or more than the Pantera, which is a timeless, stunning design in its own right.

And by the way, your car is obviously painted in my favorite color

 

krswen, Yes and No. Converting the XK8 to a manual, yes. But as for the V12, I will take a DB9.

But, I saw a XJS V12 converted from a auto to manual transmission at Foreign Accents in Greensboro. There is a kit for the conversion, but I don't know if they have a XK8 version, and I don't even know who makes the kit for the XJS...

 

There is a DB transmission that will bolt onto the XK's V8. It was never imported into the US commercially, so I'll probably never get one. Buying one there and having it shipped would end up being more than I'm willing to pay...

 

I'm guessing you've never driven a DB9, but that car truly defines the work "sucks". We had one in the club and everyone hated it. The first time I drove it I was so excited, had a whole James Bond mind set going. Then pretty much everyone and their bother dusted me in the car. The damn thing felt like a Lincoln Sedan. Yes it was soft, comfy, and the engine sounded wonderful but it cornered like a boat and it had no real acceleration (at least not in line with the other exotics) it was pathetic.

They ended up getting rid of the car because none of us wanted the short straw... So I'd suggest driving one before you buy it, the Vantage is much better but the F-Type even dusts it nicely and you can't see out of the convertible with the top up.

 

Paragon did one and was selling it awhile back (manual on a Jag) I emailed back and forth on this, apparently it is one bitch of a project. Likely be better doing an LS1-3 swap with a manual 6 speed because it would be both easier and cheaper (and the result could even be more reliable).