thanks for advice! now any good websites/ people that are selling the str?

 

Well Adam, do your due diligence, read, read and do more reading. I would check the forum classifieds here:
PRIVATE For Sale / Trade or Buy Classifieds - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
or the good ole stand by:
www.ebay.com
There is always your local dealer if you really feel like getting whacked!


BTW I am sorry if I came off as being a pompous, over posted dick of a member here, but you would have thanked me in the long run!

 

This is one of those dream projects that will cause more heartache and grief than any real enjoyment.

If you're even asking these questions, you're not prepared to see the project through yourself. That means you have to pay a professional/shop to do a conversion on an obscure platform. Even if a shop was willing to take on such a task, that's going to take 6-to-24 months to complete at least. A few thousand saved up isn't going to cut it in a scenario such as this. depending on how thorough of a build you want, even the most basic running swap would run you $10k+, a clean build would likely be $30k... you can spend $100k doing a pretty radical build with a shop, don't kid yourself!

The bottom line is, you can buy an S-type R for dirt cheap nowadays. With an STR you get R suspension, R brakes, R wheels, R interior, R body kit, etc, so even a 3.0L with an exotic engine swap, would still be lacking many of these distinctive and sporting features. With an STR, you are getting a decently high performance sedan, that doesn't need to have a highly qualified speed-shop, re-engineer the whole thing... instead you have immediate enjoyment, and no headaches of basically an impractical one-off hotrod project...

I swear, only times i see these "idk guys... I can't really afford an STR, but want to engine swap/turbo my 3.0L"... posts, I know its likely some teenager, with a hand-me-down S-type from his family, day dreaming about ways to build this luxo-barge into a sleeper... Little do you know, you should be learning the art of basic wrenching, and spend the time money and effort merely keeping an S-type maintained and running...

 

Amen brother amen!


I still don't understand the idea that adding a shot of giggle juice to an STR should be poo poo'd especially since there is no documentation that there is a "tune" available to you guys.

 

They made performance kits for Vegas, too.

 

With the giggle juice?

God I despise the quote on post!

 

What year would you recommend on the str? I saw an 07 for 15k i more than likely plan on buying it. Any comments or input?

 

American Motors had terrific marketing, too.

 

Adam, I got my STR from eBay 3 years ago. Go for an '05 (last year of big Brembo brakes + a few other improvements), hopefully 1 owner, 50-70k, full service history, no accidents and body in top shape. Price in range $11000-15000.

Even then, you'll have your hands full in year 1 bringing it up to scratch. The mods already mentioned may add another 25-40 hp, but if it's big power you're after, forum member Avos is (maybe) completing a twin-screw s/c package for the STR that will add 100-200 hp, depending on the size of your budget!

 

Newer is better. But in the case of an STR, it can come down to personal preference.

2003 and 2004 STR's cars were pre-facelift, and some prefer the styling.

2005 was facelift, which had such goodies as the new gauge cluster, aluminum hood... Last year with brembo brakes. Arguably the best year of the STR.

2006 and later dropped brembo brakes; remained mostly unchanged otherwise,


In terms of production numbers, 03 and 05 are the most common.

 

Thank you! Definitely will get an '05! Now the search begins hopefully i can find one in the Northern/Central California area.

Thank you for the input! I truly appreciate it! And can not be any more thankful!

 

They had big block engine kits for AMC Pacers too.

 

I agree that with today's complexity in vehicles it's no longer just swapping in more displacement like it used to be (a shame, IMO), but if the guy really needs to make his existing ride into the monster it wasn't when it left the factory, he might be able to pick up a donor write-off and start swapping components. Actually buying the parts individually would be impossibly expensive. The nice part about buying a donor car is you can see where everything is and where it needs to go when swapping over. Still a huge job, but people do crazy stuff all the time for reasons known only to them.

 

Adam, just in case you're looking...

Jaguar s Type R | eBay

Apparently, the seller will accept $15000!

 

Thanks, will definitely check out!

 

I am catching up on postings and ran across this one and though I should chime in. I am still slowly working on my LS3 Swaped S-type as time merits.

My curent attitude about swapping a different engine into late model Jaguars is:

Before you start the mechanical installation, completely plan out what you want to do electically. Since all new cars are CAN based, and the ECMs and body contol modules are typically unique between cars, you need to decide what level of functionality you want the car to have. You can put in stand alone harness to get the engine and car to run, but then you may not have any other electical sub-system of the car be operations. ABS, traction control, Dash board and instrument panel, power windows and door locks, sun roof...

Mechanically, swapping an another engine is straight forward and relatively easy. But late model cars are highly integrated and once you change the engine and trans it affects the rest of the car's sub systems. Being mechanical oriented, I underestimated the scope of the electrical swap. My work sutuation changed when I was about 50% into the electrical, and I haven't had time to focus on getting the car running.

After I purchased my project car, A little over a year later I purchased an 04 STR, and then 6 months ago I purchased another 03 STR with a blown engine. I've been putting what time and exta money I have towards requilding upgrading and rebuilding the 03 engine.

Therefore, as others have stated, unless you have deep pockets, a really good plane and lots of time, go out and purchase a good running STR.

 

I very much doubt that the project is achievable in the first place. First of all comes the electric bits- if you change the engine it would mean to replace almost all of it. It wouldnt be a problem if you swap 2.5V6 for 3.0V6 but an STR engine... Also you may have to change some suspension components.