I have a bit of a sordid question. Was thinking about picking up a db7 to add to my collection. I was going to go with a v12 but found a stunning supercharged 6. Complaints Ive heard compared to the v12 is it feels a bit heavy with less power. if I could make up some of that difference Id likely get the 6. Ive delt with eaton supercharged cars for decades so I know what works for these eatons, but not what for this particular engine or that vehicle. Being a jag lover and member here, I thought 'Id see what your thoughts are. I6SC or v12. And what kind of upgrades are available.......Next stop would be an AM forumn.....But I dont belong to one

Thanks all

Damon

 

Transmission rated if the same for the Austin Martin V -12 ?

Transmission adaptor between the AJ6 and AJ16 engine ?

The actual 6 from my understanding for the BD7 was an earlier AJ6 found on the X40 / X81 section

 

Unlike the DB7 series engines, the Jaguar engines (AJ16 supercharged, V12) were of concurrent production for the X300 series and had similar power outputs, the I6 having a slight HP advantage. That led many to say that the V12 powered Jaguars felt too heavy in the same type car. Plus the V12 cars were usually tuned softer. The XJ6R is "sport" tuned and has as much power and is a bit lighter than the XJ12.

With the DB7, the V12 was introduced after the initial I6 supercharged models, and that V12 puts out considerably more power (420HP), significantly higher than the previous AJ6 based supercharged. This coupled with a refreshed, nicely tuned sport suspension, and perhaps a manual transmission, is a recipe for FUN. Not to mention the panache of the V12, as a more traditional Aston Martin product from the time.

I assume the supercharger can be upgraded on the DB7 with a pulley (at least) as many have done across the Jaguar line. But this is a tough first-world decision that probably comes down to personal preference amongst those few cars available these days. My preference would be a V12 Vantage Volante. No surprise there! Please let us know what happens.

 

You will have fun with all sorts of performance upgrades possible on the XJR: Andy bracket, larger supercharger pulley, larger intercooler pump, stainless steel exhausts from head to tail, conversion to manual, decat, air box ..... oil cooler...larger brakes, a 3.58 differential, turbocharging, practically anything any motorist enthusiast can think of, which are well covered in the thread entitled DIY Modifications to improve Performance and Fuel Economy of AJI6 and AJ6 Engine. The V12 is a very different breed, a comfort cruiser ideally on a LWB. The XJR is a beast; the supercharger whine is intoxicating; you will want to step on it so not a comfort saloon when it comes to highway cruising. However, the XJR6 is a Jaguar legend appreciating in value, but it would be hard to find a good example that is rust free and well-loved by successive keepers.

 

Thanks guys. The I6 is just so clean I figured if I could upgrade it to be a bit more comparable HP wise I wouldnt mind. Ideally I like everything about the v12 but this one car got me thinking. Its more of a mental thing really. Im a car guy and like to tinker anyway..Im still thinking it over and have some test drives planned.

 

Another aspect is cost / valuation. A V12 will likely cost more and be worth more in future than the Aj6 engined car. Modifying an AJ6 car might be fun, but in AM world is unlikely to add to the value. I have never heard of an AJ16 supercharged upgrade to the AM, but imagine it might be feasible. Whether it is worth it financially I would be much less sure about.
As I am sure you know, the AM V12 has no relationship to the Jag V12, and is a more modern and higher performance item, despite its much maligned parentage.