Originally posted by JohnW:
[QB]I’m starting a restoration (driver, not show) on a 67 E-type FHC ser 1.5. I’m kinda new to the Jag vendor scene. Any recommendations on a source for a master rebuild kit (pistons, rings, brgs, gasket set etc)? My experience with other makes is that there is a substantial savings vs. ordering all the parts separately, but the few Jag vendors I’ve seen on the web don’t seem to offer kits.
John;
I haven't found any Jag parts vendors that offer "rebuild kits".. for those cars that kits are offered, one must take great care that the parts are quality in nature.. in my experience, most of the "Big Three" kits offered are made in some third-world country and quality and consistancy is suspect..
Rebuilding a Jag engine correctly is an expensive proposition and installing inferior parts can result in a very costly problem and additional rebuild..
Go with the "Name Brand" quality items.. Vandervel bearings, A&E pistons, etc. The initial cost is a bit more but the peace of mind is priceless.
Additionally, shop around the big and small parts suppliers.. I have found that some of the small parts retailers are priced better (less) than some of the major parts suppliers.. And, once you have a list of prices in hand, contact several of the vendors and ask for a "package price" if you buy everything from them.. sometimes they are willing to discount 10-20%.. every little bit helps..
On the "wet sleeves", I'd only go that route if your bores are so shot that no standard oversize will "clean-up" the bores.. I feel resleeving is a "last resort" to saving an "original numbers" block..
Also, find a quality machinist who has experience with Jag engines to do your machine work, especially the head (valve) work.. this is important and Jag engines are a "bit fussy" about the clearences.. And make sure that (1) the new pistons are numbered (felt tip pen) on the crown and the bores are numbered as well and INSIST that each cylinder be bored to fit "exactly (plus apporpriate factory clearence)" the corresponding piston.. While the quality of today's piston diameter has improved greatly over the last 20+ years, it is possible to obtain a set of pistons (A&E) that the difference between the "largest" and "smallest" is enough that the "largest" will not fit into the "smallest" bore.. or be so tight as to cause a seisure during the break-in process.. Plus, I "number" the bores as per the factory service manual.. number six is at the front..it messes with the head of the machinist, but aids you in the reassembly process as you will have the factory service manual by your side at all times, right? ;-}
Last, but not least, have your engine parts balanced.. I feel this aids in the longivity of an engine by reducing any "harmonics" that will take their tole over time.. If your E-Type if fitted with a "rubber banded" front balancer, sent it out to be reconditioned.. cheap insurance, to say the least. Bill Bassett in RI offers this service.. as do other Jag vendors.
Best of luck on your rebuild.
Charles #677556.
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