XJ8 LS Swap Project
#61
#63
Congrats Keith! Now there are two of us lunatics.... Maybe I'll send you a red on chrome 6.2 emblem to get some color contract on your car!
@RandyS - The wiring really isn't all that bad with the Jaguar Specialties kit. Speedo, tach, warning lights, etc all work as Jaguar intended, just with inputs from the LS ECU. Jaguar Specialities did the hard work and have a proprietary CAN module that bridges much of the Jaguar weirdness, with a couple other adaptations for the Gen4 LS evolution since the original LS swap kit was designed. The LS programming itself actually gets simplified to remove some of the GM stuff can complicate things (VATS) and even deleting VVT if you'd want to. (I removed it as I upgraded my cam, Keith's is a drop in L99 so still has VVT) Jaguar Specialties support for the innumerable questions that came up throughout my build has been rock solid.
@RandyS - The wiring really isn't all that bad with the Jaguar Specialties kit. Speedo, tach, warning lights, etc all work as Jaguar intended, just with inputs from the LS ECU. Jaguar Specialities did the hard work and have a proprietary CAN module that bridges much of the Jaguar weirdness, with a couple other adaptations for the Gen4 LS evolution since the original LS swap kit was designed. The LS programming itself actually gets simplified to remove some of the GM stuff can complicate things (VATS) and even deleting VVT if you'd want to. (I removed it as I upgraded my cam, Keith's is a drop in L99 so still has VVT) Jaguar Specialties support for the innumerable questions that came up throughout my build has been rock solid.
#64
If I were to do another one, two weekends to do everything except wiring. Wiring probably another two weekends.
#65
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57loboy (03-04-2024)
#66
2000 XJR at Copart in Portland Oregon
I get email notifications from Copart. This one came up today. For anyone near Portland thinking of a swap this looks like a good candidate. Listed issue mechanical. Body and interior look good. Can't really tell paint condition from pics.
https://www.copart.com/lot/44931844/..._content=Image
https://www.copart.com/lot/44931844/..._content=Image
#67
That XJR is a perfect candidate and same year as mine so wiring is already "familiar"...I have a friend that has asked if I'd build him one now - - not sure how I want to respond. My AC module is in and stopped the AC panel from beeping at me whenever key was on. Still have to chase the CAN connectivity issue with my car, but then it's time for tuning. Wideband O2 sensor ready to go for that. I'd agree with your time estimate as well. Time things right and it would line up well over 4 weekends. Those who can fab their own exhaust would save time too. Turnaround on the custom driveshaft was super quick from the shop in Tulsa. Referring to the JS manual as a "guide" is accurate, especially since it was written for LS1/LS2 3rd Gen LS engines and so much changed with the Gen4. I think we are the only ones that have done electronic accelerator installs...
#69
Not that it’s a huge inconvenience but, now I know what it must feel like to check and fill oil on the other side of the engine bay with an LS. The RHD crowd were probably a little bit WTF about having to check and fill oil on the other side of the engine bay with the AJ-V8. An LS swap should be a great reason to upgrade for the RHD brethren.
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57loboy (03-11-2024)
#70
#71
Looks great Keith! Am a bit delayed on the tuning for mine as I couldn't find/get a DB-9 female to USB connecter with chipset this weekend to read from the wideband O2 sensor. Thought I had one... Has delayed things until early next week due to work/travel/life. Plan now is for that to happen next Tuesday evening.
#72
#75
The following 3 users liked this post by pcolapacker:
#76
#77
Been driving daily for about two months. Waited to post these pics until cleaned up engine.
For those thinking of doing, my net cost is a little under $6000 and I still have lots of parts for sale. Hoping to get down at least another $1500.
Breakdown:
XJ8 1483
XJR 3940
Camaro 7493
Cars total 12916
Kit 2670
Driveshaft 1100
Flash 350
Intake Tube 150
A/C request module 197
Exhaust parts 187
Transmission dipstick 177
Oil cooler and hoses 200
Exhaust 600
Headliner 591
A/C Parts 325
A/C Labor 1451
Dent 700
Hoses and misc parts 200
Parts total 8748
Total 21654
Sold directly or on eBay and
some parts used on my 2003 XJ8 $15940
Net cost $5714
For those thinking of doing, my net cost is a little under $6000 and I still have lots of parts for sale. Hoping to get down at least another $1500.
Breakdown:
XJ8 1483
XJR 3940
Camaro 7493
Cars total 12916
Kit 2670
Driveshaft 1100
Flash 350
Intake Tube 150
A/C request module 197
Exhaust parts 187
Transmission dipstick 177
Oil cooler and hoses 200
Exhaust 600
Headliner 591
A/C Parts 325
A/C Labor 1451
Dent 700
Hoses and misc parts 200
Parts total 8748
Total 21654
Sold directly or on eBay and
some parts used on my 2003 XJ8 $15940
Net cost $5714
The following 2 users liked this post by pcolapacker:
03_jaaag (07-07-2024),
Addicted2boost (07-05-2024)
#79
Center panel covers up main Jag engine connector and a couple other connectors that are wrapped in electrical tape and zip tied so serves a purpose. I have center panel from parts car. Could cut a piece and epoxy from bottom.
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03_jaaag (07-07-2024)
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