Hello All!

It sounds like you have it pretty well sorted out.I do have a manual in my XJS V12, andhere's the straight scoop:

1. Gearing is everything ... almost everything. Having a lower1st gear and an overdrive 5th (and even 6th) gear along with 3 or 4 other well spaced gears in between lets you get the power from that glorious V12 to the road. A manual gearbox comsumes less horsepower than an automatic, so you have more power getting to the wheels. When you replacethe torque converter with an aluminum flywheel your V12 will rev like you only dreamed possible. Combine all of these things and you can literally knock 2 seconds off of your 0-60 times and add MPG's at the same time.

2. Once you have ALL of the parts lined up it does take about 25 hours to convert from auto to manual.

3. Luxury vs Sport - While the manual absolutley ads to the sportiness of an XJS, it does not eliminate the luxury. The V12 is so smooth and torquey you can still have effortless, civilized cruising. As a matter of facta manualis even more relaxed at speed than the automatic, because the rpm's are lower.

4. V12 performance - YES the number one thing to do make sure your V12 is running properly! There are also numerous bolt-on power upgrades.

5. The XJS platform is well suited to high performance GT driving. With the addition of a larger front anti-roll bar, a rear bar, polyurethane rack mounts, Bilstein HD shocks and quality set of sport springs an XJS is an extremely competent road machine. It is has a well-designedchassis that just needs a little help.

6. Modern automatics vs Manual gearboxes - Yes, modern automatics are nearly impossible to out perform in real world situations, but the XJS does not have a modern automatic. Many drag racers use automatic trannies because they make it easier (for girls and uncoordinated people) to produce consistent run times.

ooops - better go to work now

Robert Hall - The Driven Man