Terry,
Bob Gauff (motorcarman) is probably the most experienced Jag mechanic on the forum. Take his advice seriously.

 

'ditto'

 

I sent you more information through your email

 

Bob-

I've downloaded Course 168 from this forum, thanks to your generosity. QUESTION: What does Course 180 have that's not found in Course 168?

Thank you!



.

 

Thanks again everyone for your opinions and advice, I am taking all of it seriously.

I have taken Mr Motormans advice and started my homework on Motor Repair Course 168, and will also pass a copy on to my friend the machinist who will be helping me.

I am definitely not ruling out another motor but not till we get this one out and have a look to see if it can be saved. My kids are telling me to put in a LS1 but if I wanted a Corvette i would've bought one.

I've almost got the garage sorted and plan on beginning disassembly this weekend. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

Terry

 

The Engine Course 180 was earlier and was replace by 168 when the V6 was introduced.

bob gauff

 

Made good progress today on engine removal.
The question now is, I'm working in my garage with a floor jack and jack stands. Should I remove the trans with the engine, or unbolt the trans and just remove the block?
Most of things I've seen say to remove them as one. Is there a reason for that?
Thanks in advance!
Terry

 

Suggest you seriously consider dropping in a Chevrolet LS Engine and 4L60/65/70e transmission. Jaguar Specialties


Now is the time to think about it, certainly. Your horsepower possibilities are beyond what you would ever want, and the stock Jag rear can likely tolerate up to 450 HP or more if you drive sanely.

I assure you, no one will mistake it for a Corvette, it will simply be an exceptionally fast, and unusually reliable XK8.

The fact that you can eliminate the Jag ECU and TCU in favor of the GM units is a huge plus, especially since Jaguar has decided that they won't even provide new units when these go bad ( and I heard quotes of $6000 even when they were available) and even if you find a dealer to flash a salvage unit the costs are obscene compared to easily programmed and widely supported GM ECU's.


As a comparison, for a California emission legal LS swap I performed recently I purchased a brand new 2008 E67 ECU (a far more advanced ECU than my XK8 ECU) for $390 through GM and had it programmed at the dealer for $112.


I have a good motor in mine, but am slowly getting fed up with the Jag electronics and lack of reasonable service for Jags from the previous decade.

 

Brought it out without the transmission, took 2 of us about 7 hrs total.
Next stop is the machine shop on Monday and then we will see what happened.
If it's not salvageable, then will have to decide LS1 or find another Jag.

 

Glad you were able to get it out and hope you find that it is reasonably salvageable.

 

Got the motor disassembled.
The bad news, as suspected cylinder 1 spun a bearing and number 2 was also ruined in the process, the other 6 look ok.

Is the AJ26 crankshaft interchangeable with the AJ27 ?
And you guys weren't kidding about the astronomical price of replacement parts!

Thanks, Terry

 

Here you go.

1997 JAGUAR XK8 CONVERTIBLE PARTS CAR

 

Or perhaps 1998 XJ8 Jaguar Short Block

 

Don't forget your oil cooler and lines! Pacific Oil Cooler Services in California did a full clean and test of my cooler, and they are certified by the FAA. About $120 for the cooler with shipping.

If you do the full rebuild, you will be shocked at the cost of all the lower end bolts.

My rebuild was as much for my own education and pleasure as a labor cost saver. There has been a lot of satisfaction for me every time I turn the key and hear it purr. A lot of work, though.

TC