No video with sound because no exhaust yet. Don't want to cook the engine compartment. Problem was one required wire was not connected to the ECU. Took me a while because my wire color didn't match color in wiring diagram.

 

I can not even imagine the challenges you face in the cross wiring of these cars. There is so much
proprietary instrumentation, however maybe I am overthinking it.

 

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.

 

The Jaguar Specialites manual was a general guide as different LS engines have different wiring. Also got from Jaguar Specialties two modules that connect the CAN system and A/C system to the Jag. Spend a lot of time looking at the GM wiring diagrams and tracing paths. Was stumped for a long time because would crank and pop a couple times but would not start. It has a fly by wire throttle which should work with key in "on" position. No movement. First ordered new pedal and then throttle body. No change. (Since didn't actually install them returned for refund.) Checked both TB and pedal from connector on ECU for proper voltage and resistance. That was good. Also at injectors had 11V at "on" and 9.5 at crank. Not enough to fire them properly. With my scanner was able to see all live data. Thinking I had a bad ECU. Was about to click on Rock Auto to order a new ECU and send to programmer but first decided to go through all wiring again. Lots of wires coming out of ECU that are unsued. I'd double check with wiring diagran, cut one at a time and soder to needed connection. If not needed, I'd put some heat shrink tubing over the end. Did this to one of the three power wires to ECU. What threw me for so long was that the diagram had this wire on Pk/Bk while mine Or/Bk. All well that ends well.
If I were to do another one, two weekends to do everything except wiring. Wiring probably another two weekends.

 

Thanks! All know we Floridians aren't as manly as you Texans so I just ordered a low restriction muffler instead of straight piping it like yours.

 

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

 

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...

 

Towing to exhaust shop Friday. Don’t want to cook engine compartment with exhaust coming straight out of manifolds.

 

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.

 

Bar the gap for the original header tank, that looks totally at home in there.

 

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.

 

Finally got her back from the exhaust shop after three weeks. The L99 is giving me unbelievable fuel economy.

 

Oddly, I'm averaging the exact mileage. A breathtaking improvement over OEM mileage...

 

 

Florida has max of seven characters but still requires a space. Can’t use seven characters and center. Thought this looked best. Would rather have had no space then fewer would figure out meaning.

 

Well suited plate for the car. What’s your next plan for the car?

Can you imagine a 800hp KA20 or 24 turbo swap in one of these cars then have a KA24 XJ plate? That would be a weird swap.

 

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

 

Very well done! Great job 👏!

That hole where the expansion tank once was located looks a bit off but, I’m not sure if that whole center panel not being there would make it look better or worse. 🤷‍♂️

 

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.

 

Very well done. I am certain you have a bit of pride in your work
and well you should. That could not have been an easy swap.