User deleted post
That and it ruins the character of the car imo
Matter of opinion. I think it enhances the character of the car.
This is not helpful at all. Thank you tho!
I am starting to suspect this sub does not like ls engines in their jaguars
Loses originality and has a foreign engine, ££££ for imported parts and delays at customs Vs plenty of parts available and scrapyards will have plenty of jags with the bits needed.
I wouldn't be so against it if you started with a N/A car. But this feels like a waste of a supercharged version.
In general I don't like engine swaps much on rarer cars, don't care if they're cheap it's just making the pool smaller. Also tired of the "on a long enough timeline, everything gets an LS", that engine already exist in everything so I don't see the point of those anymore. An LS in anything has no originality.
No originality? Sure. But it sure isn't fun to have a car that doesn't run
Then you just put an AJV8 in it, it's going to run AND be cheaper and easier to install.
True. It just doesn't punch tho.
In the end it's your car and you do what you want with it.
But it deserves better than dealing with all the downsides of a swap for not much more than stock. Either stay with the original engine and go really wild, but just dropping an LS in it like everyone else is just going to make it less interesting.
It's even less interesting when it doesn't run.
"The sprint to 60 now took just 4.7 seconds and the quarter-mile 13.2 at 107." C&D after 40,000 miles.
It's not the 12s. But I love supercharger whine.
To each his own.
Those are specs from a newer xjr. 2004~2009 xjr. I read that article too.
The AJ V8 was a 3.9 in Thunderbird and Lincolns. 4.0 and later 4.2 in Jaguar in those years.
Personally, I think it’s a great idea. The body of the car is beautiful but the mechanics are garbage. This sub you’ll have purists that will hate on you for doing it but truth be told, the British have never been able to make a reliable car. At least if you LS swap it the engine will be reliable.
It should be noted over the years numerous British car companies bought engines, transmissions, a/c systems. etc from the US. Brands such as Jensen, Rolls Royce and Land Rover come to mind....
The Jag character is having back scratched with a wrench. I say do it! It’ll sound like a jag, and be as fast as one should be.
It's just such a teeth-itchingly tired cliché.
How so?
If you can't see it, I can't explain it to you.
I you can't explain it, you don't understand it 🤷♂️
Keep hitting that down vote button. This thread is going well for you isn't it?
Just another American too lazy to obtain a manual to fix a car so instead tries to assimilate it to be American as an "improvement". It's hardly surprising you can't see how cringe worthy it is swapping American pushrod V8s into everything you can. You're the automotive Borg over there. You see no value at all in variety. You just want everything to taste like a cheeseburger.
I think this is a perfect explanation.
Does the manual really tell you how to fix it?
Honestly, putting in a pushrod v8 not about being lazy, it's about being pragmatic.
Yes, everybody does it. Yes, it's unoriginal. But it's because LS engines are cheap, abundant, powerful, reliable, easy to work on, easy to find, and low maintenance. The thing is that the LS engine will keep the jag running for longer, with less maintenance.
I really just want a car that runs, and doesn't require a lot of time and attention.
If i could keep the car stock, with the expectation that it would continue to run HASSLE-FREE, and not require finicky servicing or unexpectedly stop running , i would keep the thing stock.
If you care to share any resources that i can reference to do that, it would be really appreciated, otherwise, the input provided has no value added.
Have a great day sir
Also wanted to point out that the current issue with my car is that it straight up just needs a new engine. There is no repairing it.
It needs a full rebuild, and it's actually cheaper to replace the engine.
Hence why im considering an LS swap.
Other people have also suggested that using a stock 4.0 s/c would be easier and cheaper.
Considering several options, and i really dont want to get rid of the car.
Don’t ruin it with a cheap and low brow LS.
Having looked over the comments, please understand I say this with all due respect, I’m not exactly sure you’ve thought this through.
An XJR or indeed a naturally aspirated AJV8 is a powerful engine to begin with. But what it appears you want to do is put in an LS motor, and then biggie size it. Tune it up.
So to do what you want with it, you’ll need to:
- swap out the engine (a tough procedure because it’s not plug and play)
- upgrade or swap out the gearbox (because the Mercedes auto is older to begin with, and if you’re going to mess around with the power, the new engine will chew it up like crazy if you’re not careful).
- suspension work.
- do careful computer work — that goes far beyond my understanding but the car will need a lot TLC. I imagine the traction control system will need upgrades (or decommissioning)
That’s if you want it to be the monster your comments seemed to have indicated. I’m no expert but I’m sure there’s even more. So to do it properly, you might be spending a lot more than you think.
So then you may think “we’ll just drop the LS in there and tune it moderately to what the gearbox can handle”. Great idea, and if you want it as a project and technical exercise, do it. Film it for YouTube too and post it while you’re at it.
But be aware that it’ll cost more then finding another S/C AJV8, when fitting and modifications are factored in, and may not be to your satisfaction.
Personally, in your shoes, I’d see if I could get the Jag V8 and then copy what drivetribe did and drop in a manual gearbox. While that’s a lot of work, I feel like that may give you the sporting pretensions you may value.
I don't know what part of "affordable" LS swap hinted at seeking "monster" power, or where i hinted that in the comments.
An n/a AJV8 is not a "powerful" engine by any stretch of imagination. The SC AJV8, yes.
I just want my car to run, with a decent amount of power. I've driven a jag with an n/a AJV8, and it just doesn't do it for me.
I am also considering the 4.2 SC jaguar motor, if i can find enough resources on its viability.
Thanks for your input
You do as you will my friend, it seems that you’ve got your plans ready then.
As for your confusion, I apologize if I misunderstood you. I read how you wanted an engine that “punches, because according to my understanding of your messages, nearly 300 horsepower out of a N/A unit with nearly 300 lb ft of torque isn’t enough. Though of course the S/C did manage to get another hundred horses or so.
I suspect you may be disappointed regardless unless you do something about that gearbox — LS, 4.2, 5.0, doesn’t matter — the auto box does blunt performance. Remember an XJ, despite its sporting nature, is still a four door grand tourer. It is meant to be a highway cruiser AND a backroad stormer. So it’s geared for comfortable cruising as much as it is for backroads fun (within reason of course!).
So if you’re going to all the work of dropping in an LS, you may want to look into gearboxes if you can afford it and really get a snappy number.
As a person who has put LS motors into several things, the hard part is usually things like exhaust (headers/manifold in particular), getting all the dash lights working properly, what trans to run with it, i.e. stock with an adapter plate or a GM one. .
If you are on a budget, go find a good 5.3. If you can swing a little more $$, get a 6.0. It has more base power and leaves you more opportunities later on.
Thank you. Currently looking for a gen 5 5.3, and considering it's viability
Before you get into it, try to figure out all those little things. They can hold you up and drain the fun out of the project. Figure out each major component group, intake and fuel system upgrades, mounting the engine and trans in the car. What your exhaust will be. I would advise against headers to help keep it quiet. What ECU will you use to run the motor and transmission
The positive is that people have been putting small blocks in Jaguars since the at least the 80’s. So I would bet that this has all been done before.
I say go for it. It’s your car and you should make it how you want it.
Thank you!
That's what im trying to sort out before i start buying parts (i.e. the point of no return)
I have an 02 XK8 with a LS1 and 6 speed manual. Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I used a jag specialties conversion kit n
Thank you!
The question is whatever is prone to failure on the pos Jag engine must be addressed with mods that make it a durable engine. If upgrade parts, etc not available for the Jag engine for considerably less than the swap, then the swap would make more sense. What caused Jag no compression? Valves? Valve guides? Rings? Cylinder heads? Gaskets? Seals? Or simply poor maintenance? An aluminum block modern GM engine that has electronic fuel injection along with a modern, durable, 5 speed or more GM compatible auto trans should be test driven to see if it's worth tackling the project. I'd want suspension, steering, brakes, fuel system, cooling, chassis reinforcing, exhaust upgraded and a modern efficient ac compressor, better hoses, etc. If it's been done and works well when everything is addressed, I'd go with the GM V8.
What is your actual question? You seem to have it all figured out and this company is selling kits for what you need.
Very helpful. Thank you
Sounds fun, but expensive. Post pictures if you go ahead!!
Absolutely will.
This sub is full of jag purists. Go over to LSSWAPEVERYTHING for support on this.
What about 4.6 moduler from Ford, considering Ford owned jaguar in the ninties.
That makes like 200 hp.
When it comes to jaguar, it's all about torque, says a X300 owner.
What torque ?
Putting a super common "police interceptor" spec 4.6 in an X308 XJR means taking it down 120hp and 90lbs.ft/120N.m.
A N/A modular is not going to be anywhere close to the stock XJR in terms of torque.
Been done in old mk3 jaguar in nz, chevs have run their course in most cars, maybe thinking outside the box in your country.
The xjr has 387 lb/ft of torque. That's more than your wife's boyfriend's car.
I don't hate the idea but at the same time OP, this is gon be a job that tests your mettle.
Not easy at all, much more expensive, and realistically getting a replacement XJR motor will save you so much grief.
But, what OP will do, is entirely up to him.
Please know if it ends up being an absolute shitshow and you end up hating life over it... Let us all see on reddit, I'm sure it would be a choice story.
Absolutely.
I will consider getting a replacement jaguar motor.
Good man, LS is the solution - if you have the mettle.
But my friend, I have a XK, 2 XJ's ,and a 63 Triumph TR3B...
And despite my love of LS I have not swapped one into any of them yet.
Do any of them have a motor that died at any point? Because i never considered before.
Is yours the 4.0?
I've only ever entertained the 4.2 - 4.0 is the problem child.
2003 xjr has the 4.0
As far as i know, it's the n/a ajv8 that's the problem child
My 4.2s all go over 200k, hell I turned my xj8l into a boat sometime ago and it was fine.
That's lovely
4.0s are a dime a dozen around here, all dead in some way
Hence why i am considering the LS swap. I think you're starting to understand
I just hit 100k on my mercedes, and my lexus has about 160k, and trying to keep the jag rolling.
It's an R. It's value is in that configuration. It's a damn good motor, fix what needs fixing.
It needs to be re-built, and it would be cheaper to financially and less work to just replace it. Hence why i am considering the LS motor.
People have suggested that it would be easier and cheaper to replace with another xjr motor.
Someone in another forum mentioned that the 4.2 s/c engine from an s-type R, or an '04 or new newer XJR engine will drop right into place with no mods, and i am also considering the viability of going with a 4.2.
I just want the car to run, and i really dont want to get rid of it
My 4.2 s/c has been reliable with basic maintenance. My XJR has almost 150k on the clock.
When I was in my 20’s I probably would have swapped an LS into it (if I had the car then and if the engine had died), now coming up on 40 I feel a bit differently about it. I like that it’s original, I like that it sound’s different than LS’s and HEMI’s.
By all means if you do go through with a swap please document it. Be it video or “how to” threads. It’s helpful for other forum members who may be in your shoes in the future.
As for the purists, in the future their cars will possibly be worth more.
They are cars enjoy it.
Wish I had technical help for you but I don’t. As for my Jag I try to keep things to the book.
Best of luck.
Do whatever you like but just a heads up it will cost you likely 10k-15k or more to do it right and have everything like abs traction control and all gauges A/C transmission control. Not to mention most of that may require custom work and several revisions to get it right. The 4.0 is a very reliable engine once the timing tensioners are sorted which if you’re going to do the work yourself is only a few hundred dollars including tools and parts.
Dude just fix the freaking engine that's in the car already. You'd seriously rather take out an engine, put another non OEM engine, mess with wiring and transmission and suspension and ECU's........or you could just fix the engine that's already in the car AND is supercharged???
I have no patience for this one. It seems obvious.
Not related to the swap but how many miles were on the original engine?
103k
Damn that’s wild. It’s not a nikasil block. You sure it’s not just got bore wash?
Curious what other issues you’ve had out of it?
I don't know if it's bore wash.
The ac works. All the electronics work. All the power stuff works. It cranks. It's got spark. It's got fuel pressure. Tried the ole putting oil in the cylinder trick, but it just won't start.
I had one guy look at it, who said the compression was at 105 psi (too low).
Another guy said the comoression was fine.
Another guy told me the engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced
🤷♂️
3 missing replies
LS Swap is not a magic bullet. Nor is it plug and play.
It will be far cheaper and easier to get a replacement motor or even car than go down the rats nest of swapping.