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Hi all,
I'm starting clearing out the junk around my old S2 XJ6. I've also started on the task of pulling the old 3.4 XK engine out.
The idea is to replace it with something more potent from the Jaguar stable... namely a supercharged XJR engine. The S2 and the modern XJR's weigh in at about the same, so I'd expect XJR (or better) performance.
Now both of them do pretty well, XJR6 having 326bHP, the V8 having 370bHp. To put this into perspective the original 3.4 had 160bHp on a good day, and even the legendary V12 only managed 290bHp in 5.3 form, and is too heavy to be practical.
While the V8 has more poke, the six will fit in on the original mounts, giving it a few more good points.
I can get either engine relatively easily, so availability isn't an issue, but I want to know if anybody has any experience of XJR's (good or bad) of both sorts, as I don't.
Obviously I'm researching, before I lob one in the old Jag and start upsetting people!
Any comments appreciated... I will start a build thread soon.
Regards
Ric
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"You're about as likely to come across a fully functioning old Jag, as you are a taxicab that smells agreeable." - James May
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PhoenixCapri
West Midlands
Posts: 2,685
Club RR Member Number: 91
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Well the straight 6, and the GM TH400 gearbox attached to it, are by the x300 range (and late XJ40), pretty much bomb proof, and cars running the supercharged version can be had pretty cheap. The V8, well it has much more power, but you need to make sure you get a post 2001 version as the pre-2001 engines have various problems - and because of that they ain't cheap! The worst problem is a chain tensioner made of plastic that falls to bits (along with the chain guides) and completely destroys the engine! These parts can be replaced with the later ones made of metal - but they ain't cheap and its fairly involved (though Jag enthusiast mag has done a "how to") The other main problem is that the bores have that special nickelthingy coating. Not a problem now, but before unleaded fuel was made low sulphur all sorts of nasty things happend to engines, including most BMW's of the time too. If an old type V8 has made it this far, the coatings are probably fine, but worth bearing in mind. Finally there is the 6 speed semi auto on the V8, now its much more advanced than the old 4 speed slush box, gives much better economy thanks to it locking into gears, allows the engine to use its power and waists less of that power through slushyness. Those are the good bits, the bad bits are that it is heavily electronically controlled, and is a bit streched when it comes to coping with nearly 400bhp! So the older the box, the more likely it is that some control part will fail, and they ain't cheap, and theres lots of them! Those boxes were also used in BMW and there are various horror stories of them loosing reverse gear, all gears (control solenoids dying basically) and a few other issues - look up gearbox problems on 5 and 7 series BMW of the same age as the X308 XJR V8's. So it comes down to overall power with better economy - or ease of fitment (especially electronically), reliability and cost. I'd say a stock 4 litre AJ16 engine would be more than enough actually, the one in my X300 XJ6 is more than fast enough for that sort of car. But if I was wanting silly power, I'd still go with the supercharged 6 and not the V8. The V8 would be awesome, but I like having a car that I know will keep working, go more than fast enough and be a damn sight easier to build and get running due to the electrics. Plus lets be honest, Jags should have straight 6's not V8's! Good luck with it, I look forward to the build thread ;D
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Prud
Part of things
Posts: 308
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No idea as to which is better. But I do offer this advice...
When dealing with a modern EFI'd engine, buy a whole car. Buy a rusty or t-boned one.
While it is cheaper just to buy an engine on a pallet, pulling it out of one and bolting it up in another is far far easier and cheaper in the long run.
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I vote for the I6, its a bloody gorgeous engine and pretty much indestructible if serviced regularly, they sound lovely and look good under the bonnet as well., one day i will build a hotrod with all 6 pot XJR running gear.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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MrSpeedy
East Midlands
www.vintagediesels.co.uk
Posts: 4,789
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As above !!
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Gents,
That seems to have said it all! Many thanks.
I'm going to go for the AJ16 supercharged.
Rich
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"You're about as likely to come across a fully functioning old Jag, as you are a taxicab that smells agreeable." - James May
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,256
Club RR Member Number: 170
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I believe you are making the right choice. The AJ6/16 engines are relatively bombproof to be honest.
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gn3dr
Part of things
Posts: 391
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Another vote here for the XJR 6 cylinder. In fact I am doing this exact swap with the XJR engine into a S2 XJC. ;D
The other thing which wasn't mentioned which is a priority for me is that the 6 cylinder was also available with a manual gearbox - it's rare in XJR form but it's the same manual box as fitted to the other 4.0 X300 manual Jags.
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Awesome... let me know how you get on please? The manual box is the same 5 speed unit that goes in the XJ40/X300, right? That makes it a Getrag 260 or 290 if I remember right.
I would want to go that route anyway, for a quicker car and to get rid of the gearbox electrics on the auto.
Regards
Ric
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"You're about as likely to come across a fully functioning old Jag, as you are a taxicab that smells agreeable." - James May
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gn3dr
Part of things
Posts: 391
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Yes I will At this stage I have bought a complete '96 XJR for the engine and electronics. I sourced a Getrag 290 gearbox. Apparently the 290 was fitted to the 4.0 litres and the 265 was fitted to 3.6 / 3.2 manuals and has a lower torque rating. The XJR also had a unique to it dual mass flywheel and clutch cover but the N/A should fit fine - which is what I have sourced. Hopefully it will hold up OK to the higher torque of the S/C engine.I need to finish building a large garage first before I make any more progress.
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Cool! I'm getting my series 1 sorted, taking it to Le Mans then getting stuck in. I'm doing a little prep work on my series 2 ready for this project. A friend has an XJR and I've been taking a few measurements.
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"You're about as likely to come across a fully functioning old Jag, as you are a taxicab that smells agreeable." - James May
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Sept 10, 2014 8:30:32 GMT
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any updates?
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compass
Posted a lot
www.compasstrading.co.uk
Posts: 1,644
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Sept 10, 2014 9:21:27 GMT
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Should be an interesting project.
Just to play devils advocate, I`d have gone for the V8 without hesitation. More power and that superb sounding V8 engine. OK, it may have been a bit more work, but would be worth it in the long run. Reliability is also very good, and most "problems" can be put down to scaremongering from the early years. Virtually all issues, such as cam chain tensioners, throttle bodies and nikasil will have been rectified by now, and any post 2000 car with nikasil will be fine, as sulphur was not used in UK fuel after this date.
Anyway, I digress. The S2 XJR (with either engine) sounds a great conversion!
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Sept 11, 2014 21:24:31 GMT
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V8 for me all the way.
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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Sept 11, 2014 22:34:56 GMT
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I6 for me. For all the above reasons.
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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