John's Cars, Inc. Chevy V-8 Conversion?

[William Mapstone]

Thanks for all the thought out responses. As far as american cars go I am a FORD finatic. So I will be putting in a stroked 351W with a Tremec 5-speed transmision. So I will be doing the conversion myself. I will keep everybody posted on how the build is going. It should

be on the road in the spring.

William

 

[J. Christian]

My understanding is that Ford engines don't fit because of the position of the oil pan sump (opposite of Chevy engines). I think the Fords fit in E-types, but I've never heard of one in an XJ.

 

[William Mapstone]

Don't worry, I'll make it fit!!!

I have heard that the xj6 engine will make good horsepower if prepped properly. Apparantly it has a very beefy block that weights more than a chevy v-8. I bought my 74 xj6 with the chevy engine all ready in it, so I don't have a jag engine too rebuild even if I wanted too. The conversion was very poor in my opinion, hence the reason I am putting in a Ford. Besides Ford owns Jag now anyways.

William

 

[Kin Cobb]

Hi William,

I just saw your question. I used a John's Cars kit in my 85 XJ-6 and was very pleased. I bought a '97 400-mile Z-28 LT-1 engine with a 4L60E Overdrive trans (salvaged). Everything was pretty straight forward except I broke one of the A/C through-the-firewall-pipes during the conversion and ended up having to install a new A/C core -- what a job.

Just about everything needed for the cconversion is in John's delux kit which I used. I did a lot of other rebuilding at the same time and am really pleased with the finished car. Car runs beautifully, sounds good, great performance and still handles like a Jag -- absolutely no problem since the conversion which was done about 5,ooo miles and 12 months ago.

I want to do a JXS convertible now.

If I can answer any specific questions, just give me a shout.

Kin

 

[Z28Quetzal]

Interesting replies. Very interesting indeed.

With all due respect to all, but I would like to make another comment. The original 6 cylinder engine may be a work of art and I'm sure it makes for a great engine. HOWEVER, recently I had a friend trying to make the decision of original vs. LT1 power. In my friend's case, he did some reaserch as to how much it was going to take to rebuild the Jaguar engine in his XJ6. Much to his surprise it was going to take about $10k to repair and that was with no guarantee. In other words, you spends your money, and you gets your engine and that is it.

Well, the LT1 option sure sounded more usable. The car was going to be used as a daily driver and not 'pampered'. The decision was to go with an LT1/4L60E. My friend has had no problems and he has been very happy with his conversion.

Finally, let me mention something else: a couple of years ago I attended a car show at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Under a tent, were a number of very exotic, very pricey cars. Amongst them were a couple of Ferraris, a GT40 and in the middle of it all an XKE. A very red XKE with a very expensive leather interior, wire wheels, the works. There was something different when I looked down at the console but did not pay it much attention.

Later, I strolled back into the tent, and sure enough the bonnet was open. Much to my surprise this XKE had a Buick Grand National turbocharged V6. Most impressive and one heck of a conversion. The owner spared no expense, and it showed. Awesome car. Indeed awesome.

This is where some folks really have a problem. Well, I don't. I think a car is to be enjoyed. Some folks would scorn the swap others (like me)would marvel at the engeneering that took place and at the final result.

What amazes me is that when you pick up any copy of Practical Classics from the UK at a local Barnes and Noble there are plenty of engine swaps done on true 'classic' british cars. So, it is not the end of the world when a swap is done to better the performance of car.

Finally, I would a million times over perform a swap for a good fuel injected, dependable modern engine that would run anytime anyplace, instead of letting a car rot or fall apart. So many true classics get tucked away and forgotten because of overpriced engine parts or overpriced mechanics. Use what is available and enjoy the car!!

Please, don't think I'm trying to flame anyone. I just wanted to share some of my thoughts...

Also: Kin, you mention you bough an LT1 from a '97 Z28? Sorry, but '96 was the last year that Z28's were made with LT1's. 97's and above came with LS1 engines.

Regards,
joe

[ 02-12-2003: Message edited by: Z28Quetzal ]</p>

 

[John S Farrington]

Dear Joe,
Your friends arithmatic is not good, he should look at it again or talk to a different mechanic. The 12 cylinder comes in for rebuild at $10K or more depending on starting condition but the 6 XK block usually takes about $4K(including extraction and installation) under most conditions. The internal engine parts are very tough and rarely cannot be reused. (In the many rebuilds that I have made, I have only had to replace one camshaft) The block is built as tough as a truck. The XJ40 engine will cost more than the XK because it has 24 valves as compared to 12. The parts for the XJ40 also tend to be higher in price. The complexity of repair is about the same. I would recommend that your friend get a better data base regarding a 6 cylinder overhaul. $10 K is a ripoff price.
Best regards,

 

[Basil]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Z28Quetzal:
Interesting replies. Very interesting indeed.

With all due respect to all, but I would like to make another comment. The original 6 cylinder engine may be a work of art and I'm sure it makes for a great engine. HOWEVER, recently I had a friend trying to make the decision of original vs. LT1 power. In my friend's case, he did some reaserch as to how much it was going to take to rebuild the Jaguar engine in his XJ6. Much to his surprise it was going to take about $10k to repair and that was with no guarantee. In other words, you spends your money, and you gets your engine and that is it.

[ 02-12-2003: Message edited by: Z28Quetzal ]<hr></blockquote>

Joe,
Whoever told your friend it would take $10k for an XK engine rebuild is simply either smoking crack or a ripoff artist.

I agree with John, 3-4k is about right for a normal rebuild (and I have rebuilt a few myself). Classic Jaguars, one of the premier Jag restoration places on the planet, asks between 6-7k for a total rebuild that changes out everything (including all new pistons) as a matter of course. They are on the high end, but even they don't charge $10k. Honestly, you friend needs to do more research.

As for conversions, I guess its a matter of choice and everyone must make their own. On the EType, I will say that to depart from original is to destroy what is becomeing a very sought after classic. One can argue the merits of the engines on a technical basis, but one thing is for certain - if I were to scrap my EType Series I's original XK motor for a V8, my car's real value would be cut in half. If someone picked up a scrap shell of an EType and dropped in a V8 to make a hotrod, that's one thing, but to take a perfectly good EType with its original motor, and do that is, in my humble opinion, not a very smart thing to do. But again, people can do what they want with their own cars, but its not something I would ever dream of doing. Doing that to an XJ6 is a different matter. Its not somethihng I would do, but I can more readily understand why someone would do that.

Cheers,
Basil

[ 02-13-2003: Message edited by: Basil ]

[ 02-13-2003: Message edited by: Basil ]</p>

 

[JBsC5]

I like the idea of getting beautiful cars running around that normally might be tucked away in a garage.

American V8 equipped british works of art including Cobra's and Alpines

 

[Jeff]

This discussion always brings out what I appreciate most about Jaguar owners. The passion they feel towards these fine cars. I may be in a similar situation as Mr. Mapstone, as I have an 85 XJS that has been in storage for almost 10 years. Took a trip to Farmington to visit it last summer and managed to get it started but steam was coming out of the driver’s side exhaust. Afraid it may need some serious engine work. My quandary is that the car, although beautiful, is worth around $5,000.00 if running. If what respondents are saying on this site, it will cost me 10K to get the V12 rebuilt (may save some as I will do the work myself) and I have always really wanted a convertible. There are some low mile beauties on ebay for 20 to 30K. Suspect it is better for me to bite the bullet up-front, scrap my, 85 and buy a later, low-mileage rag top. Further, I believe that someday these cars will be worth something (with the original motor); the convertible likely being worth double the hardtop (I am using the value of E- Types for reference).

Also, I agree with our distinguished host Basil. Putting any other motor in an e-type is very foolish. A large part of the mystique of the car is in the motor (I bought a 68 OTS a year ago). Additionally, the people that buy E-Types seem to be much different than those that buy/own XJS’s. E-Type owners are much more interested in keeping the cars stock, going to shows and gatherings etc. ; XJS owners are more interested in keeping their cars running without going broke.

Just coming out of the closet on UK beer and started drinking Bass instead of my oh-so-often Guinness. I prefer the Bass; anyone else?

 

[mogren]

I have done the Chevs when John started. They are very good. The cost runs about 5000$ with a real nice ,late LT1 , injected. The cost is a lot less if you go carbed. A lot of time is taken to run the electrics and getting it all to function as designed. Make sure that any chevy car has enough room above the pan for the steering rack . A lot of conversion cars' engines sit right on the rack, ruining it. Shim the rack and engine for 1/4in or more space. Drop the front end down , as the weight is less. realign both ends of the car.
When it is done right, it takes a lot of details to be transparent.
None of the XJ-6s have any value, enjoy them any way possible. The money spent converting a car will not come back upon resale. .03MM