I was looking at different options to fix the transmission in my XJS. I had just finished checking the modulator, cleaned the pressure control valve of the transmission pump and changed the fluid and filter again. No dice. Same problems persisted. So I was examining my options and saving up my money. Trying to find a shop you can trust to do a good job is hard enough. Paying for it is another thing. I had considered swapping in a used transmission into my XJS. I checked around with two specialty Jaguar wreckers and they wanted 600.00 and 650.00 dollars for a used transmission with a 90 day warranty. One of them said that they would only warranty the trans if it was installed by a "professional" shop. That was it's own problem.

Anyhow I've been mulling all this over, while constantly checking CL listings for Jag parts. I found a listing for a used XJS trans for 250.00. I called and spoke with Carlos from Continental. He told me that the tranny had come out a known customer's car and only had 53,000 miles on it. I told him I would think about it and call back when I had time to see it. I got a text later and Carlos said that he was lowering the price to 180.00 and he was giving me the first crack at it. I called him and said that I would pick it up tomorrow.

I found Continental in an old run down industrial section of Oakland. The shop was like something out of a time warp. It was neat, with a lot of old Jags inside. Carlos' father J.C. had opened the shop about forty years ago. They were both very nice knowledgeable gentlemen. Carlos showed me the car that the tranny had come out of. A very nice, clean black coupe with a very nice black interior, lattice wheels, and a rear deck spoiler. It had sustained a minor valley fire due to leaking fuel lines but the hood did not appear damaged. Overall the body and paint looked very good. The engine and transmission had been removed. Carlos told me that he was listing the car on E bay with an opening bid of a thousand dollars. It would be a shame to part this car out, it would be a great candidate for a Chevy swap as the injection wiring harness was burnt. Carlos was not anti Chevy as there were a few transplanted cars there. They also had some V12 motor and XJS body parts around the shop.

If you read this and are interested in the XJS or looking for parts give them a call. It appears that they have a lot of experience with older Jags as well as newer models. They were working on a supercharged XF when I was there. I was just impressed by their operation and am not related to the business in any way.

Continental Jaguar Specialists 2215 International BL. Oakland Ca. 94606
(510)532-6603 INFO @ JAGSERVICE.com

 

Do they have a PDU?

 

YUP!!


Years back, I drove by the place. I was on business and no time to stop and check up. But several really nice Jaguars in front. I considered farming out my rear caliper replacement to them.


Carl

 

I thought that the V12 used a GM Turbo 400 with different housing. That can be repaired by any tranny shop. I was quoted $1000 Canadian if I removed and replaced it myself.

 

You are correct. The turbo 400 uses a Jaguar V12 specific bell housing. It's a straightforward rebuild. It's just that some shops don't seem too enthused with removing and reinstalling it in the car. It's just a vibe I pick up when I talk to some shops.

 

Here's the car:

1991 Jaguar XJS Coupe Really Nice Project Car That Has No Engine or Transmission | eBay

Looks nice. Tempting.

Padre

 

Oops.

eBay: You won this auction.

1991 Jaguar XJS Coupe really nice project car that has no engine or transmission


Padre

 

Well, I hope the car ends up back on the road.