Hello,
I purchased a 1967 S-type back in May with a 1987(?) XJ6 4.5L engine swapped in. The car was in horrible shape all around, so I removed the engine and am currently nearing the end of disassembling the engine in order to rebuild it. I have a few questions regarding the engine, specifically with how I want my Jag to perform after it's restored:
-Is the XJ6 a reliable enough engine that I could treat it like a somewhat modern car engine and not need to worry about a daily/weekly tune-up routine (I also have a '66 porsche 912 which requires a significant amount of carburetor tuning on a regular basis, and I would prefer not having that in this vehicle)?
-If I wanted to sell the engine, would I be better off selling it as parts, or reassembling and selling as a completely rebuilt piece or maybe just keeping it and putting it in another build somewhere down the line? (and is there a general price range that these engines go for in a running condition that I could somewhat expect to price it at?)
-With the S-type being all steel and extremely old, I want to make it into a pure luxury, extremely comfortable vehicle--would the XJ6 engine be suitable for that or would I be better off going with a more small block chevy type rig?

Sorry for throwing so much into one post, but I appreciate any feedback available!

 

An '87 XJ6 would've been a 4.2

It'll have the Lucas CEI ignition which is as good as any other out there. It'll have Bosch fuel injection which is as good as any other out there. You won't need frequent tune-ups or repairs if you keep both....but I'm not sure that's in your plans

While you have things apart replace the ignition module which is inside the amplifier box. It's about the only thing that fails in the ignition system. It's a GM part, Delco D1906.

If it has old school points ignition from '67 I'd replace it with Pertronix

If t has the SU carbs from '67, you'll be fine. Set 'em once, correctly, and then leave 'em alone

Cheers
DD

 

I agree with Doug.

My S Type was a 1965 3.4ltr, original car with the horrible BW DG Auto trans, and SU HD6 carbies.

Swapped the trans for a BW66, S3 XJ6, and the SU carbs for HS8 with manual choke.

S3 Electronic distributor found its way into the beast.

I then made and fitted A/C, without condensor in front of the radiator.

Power steer came via a I FORGET, with a BMW pump with remote reservoir.

Man, that was a loooong time ago.

Awesome car, Grace Pace Space, what ,more could you want.

That 4.2 or any XK engine is SUPER reliable.

Clean oil clean air, clean fuel, will run forever.

Carby tunes, exactly as Doug said, set them RIGHT, leave them alone. That worked with ALL my XK engined cars for too many miles and years.

 

Hi,
is the 4.2 liter engine carbed or fuel injected? It must be carbed because a fuel injected system will not fit in the S type.
I am contemplating doing the same to my 1965 S type.
The price of a 1987 4.2 liter engine is up to what you are willing to pay or sell.

Overall the 3.4 and 3.8 liter engines are peppier than the 4.2 but the 4.2 is a lot more reliable and it has a lot more torque to move that heavy chunk of S type steel.
Rebuilding either engine is expensive and labor intensive. I think that for less money you can find another 4.2 engine.

Last, the S type is a very simple car compared to any Porsche. The SU carbs are very reliable.



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The 87 block has improved coolant flow between #3 and #4 cylinders. Be sure to install upgraded main seals on the crank. Replace the pistons with 9:1 Mahle versions. Add tappett tie downs in the cylinder head. Add an aftermarket electronic ignition. The HD8’s are remarkably maintenance free when rebuilt properly. Contact Joe Corto for more information. Haynes manuals and this group will get you through with facts and support.

 

The Series 3 block has improved coolant flow between #3 and #4 cylinders. Be sure to install upgraded main seals on the crank. Replace the pistons with 9:1 Mahle versions. Add tappett tie downs in the cylinder head. Add an aftermarket electronic ignition. The HD8’s are remarkably maintenance free when rebuilt properly. Contact Joe Corto for more information. Haynes manuals and this group will get you through with facts and support.