I'm rebuilding a 1974 Panther J72 which uses an XJ6 engine. I've removed the goofy secondary throttles and sleeved the bores, but the huge power bulge on the side of the hood on Panthers just cries out for more carburetors. And yes, as a retired automotive engineer, I know I don't need them. The rest of the engine is unmodified. Still I've got an itch that won't go away.
Anyway, there is an E-type triple SU setup for sale on ebay, ending on Monday. They appear to be the three separate manifold arrangement but the seller claims they are from a 4.2 (has photo to back it up).
I thought only the 3.8's used the 3-piece arrangement .. or am I wrong? When did the 1-piece manifold go into production?
The current bid is at $1008 and has not met reserve. The carbs and manifolding look pretty ratty, but given the rare occurrence of them showing up for sale I'm tempted anyway. There will probably be a lot of corrosion and stuck fasteners to deal with as well.
Any thoughts on a reasonable bid?

Ken

 

Hi Ken,
You're correct. The 3.8-liter cars used the triple-manifold set, while the 4.2-liter cars used a single-peice intake manifold.

Regards,

Bill

 

I installed an ebay 3 SU HD8 4.2 manifold on an 69 E-Type, it fit and ran like a charm..............BUT !, the bonnet would not close. The intake was from a
XJ6 and the carb angle is about 1" to high for an XKE, other than that it fits fine
and worked well. I ordered a 4.2 XKE intake from Barrett and changed the carbs and linkage over , now the bonnet will close !
Beware of the 4.2 6 cylinder intakes, their are many differences !
Anybody want the 3 carb intake, cheap ??

 

XJ6 never came from factory with triple carbs. Probably a Mark 10 manifold which sits the carbs higher than E-Type and causes the bonnet shut issue. There are fixes such as fitting a tapered spacer between cylinder head and manifold but not ideal. 4.2 E-Types came from factory with one piece manifolds so it is most likely that the photo showing installation on a 4.2 is of a car originally fitted with twin carbs and upgraded with purchased manifolds.
Worth checking whether a Mk 10 manifold would fit under the bonnet of the Panther as they are easier to find.

 

I have a polished 3 carb intake manifold for a 4.2 engine, I had it on my 69 XKE
but it sat the carbs one inch to high for the XKE, maybe it will work for you ?
$50. plus shipping.

costello@niagara.com

 

Mark x set up......