XJS 5 speed swap
#1
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I'm not in the market, but I've been curious about conversions.
I've seen thedrivenman's conversions, and they look stellar. However, I am kind of confused as to why a special transmission must be used.
Couldn't a transmission from an older GM be swapped in?
Going new, wouldn't TR-3550 TKO TREMEC 5 speed work?
I've seen thedrivenman's conversions, and they look stellar. However, I am kind of confused as to why a special transmission must be used.
Couldn't a transmission from an older GM be swapped in?
Going new, wouldn't TR-3550 TKO TREMEC 5 speed work?
#3
#5
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Read some of the suggestions from Kirby's book, lots of folks were using Toyota Supra transmissions mainly in AUS, Richmond 6 speeds work too GT Jag has them although expensive and I believe that Bradley Smith used on on his wicked machine. I chose the TKO because of it's performance and abuse rating as well as the gearing which I found to be awesome for the XJ-S. More importantly if you get a TKO you can opt for the 0.68 5th gear which makes the car really economical, yes, a V12 that gets 30mpg in 5th with a 3.54 rear end. When I had the 2.88 rear, my highway mileage was 36mpg!!!!
You can also opt for an enhanced automatic, a 460LE from a later car, a 700R4 will provide OD gears and can be modded for performace very easily. The most difficult thing is mating the transmission to the engine. Chad Bolles used to provide adaptors from the V12 to a GM case bolt pattern that helps fitting the GM Autos or even manuals for that matter. With the TKO and Richmond as well as Supra transmissions you will need to source a bellhousing...not easy, I had to make my own after several casting and milling attempts before it came out right.
You can also opt for an enhanced automatic, a 460LE from a later car, a 700R4 will provide OD gears and can be modded for performace very easily. The most difficult thing is mating the transmission to the engine. Chad Bolles used to provide adaptors from the V12 to a GM case bolt pattern that helps fitting the GM Autos or even manuals for that matter. With the TKO and Richmond as well as Supra transmissions you will need to source a bellhousing...not easy, I had to make my own after several casting and milling attempts before it came out right.
#7
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#9
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I already have a T5 which I'm thinking of rebuilding myself. The rebuild kits aren't very expensive, but I wonder if there is a kit to strengthen it?
I'm also very disappointed in Driven Mans reputation. I'm considering getting a bell from 5 speed conversions. They look like they're cast aluminum and I hope there is less issues with alignment.
I'm also very disappointed in Driven Mans reputation. I'm considering getting a bell from 5 speed conversions. They look like they're cast aluminum and I hope there is less issues with alignment.
#10
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The Driven Man kit might not be that bad, if it was supported well. Their attitude is what made whole experience a bit sour and like this:
Phase 1, before you got your kit shipped -
....So you gave us your money, so what, it's not like we owe you something for it fast, 10 weeks are new 4-5 weeks.
Phase 2, after you get your kit and it is missing things -
....So you got you crap and some of it is missing, stop calling us, after 3 calls in 1 week, we will be hanging up on you. Yes, some of it does not fit, we can size it for you, but it will be extra and it will be 2 weeks before we can get to it. Oh, we forgot to put in instructions and these are not available for open download, just e-mail us and boss will reply in a week or so, after he is back from somewhere more important than YOU. Oh, you cannot keep your car on a lift for a month, well it rolls, so roll it off and get back to it when we send you some of the missing stuff.
In case you were wondering, I was being sarcastic, however this should give you an idea that monopolies, even in such small market niches, are bad.
Phase 1, before you got your kit shipped -
....So you gave us your money, so what, it's not like we owe you something for it fast, 10 weeks are new 4-5 weeks.
Phase 2, after you get your kit and it is missing things -
....So you got you crap and some of it is missing, stop calling us, after 3 calls in 1 week, we will be hanging up on you. Yes, some of it does not fit, we can size it for you, but it will be extra and it will be 2 weeks before we can get to it. Oh, we forgot to put in instructions and these are not available for open download, just e-mail us and boss will reply in a week or so, after he is back from somewhere more important than YOU. Oh, you cannot keep your car on a lift for a month, well it rolls, so roll it off and get back to it when we send you some of the missing stuff.
In case you were wondering, I was being sarcastic, however this should give you an idea that monopolies, even in such small market niches, are bad.
#13
#19