the-jag-guy

iTrader: (11)

Hello all-

This is Andrew from Jaguar Specialties (www.JaguarSpecialties.com)- I've been reading through the many LS conversions in this section and they're all great. We've done a lot of work with LS engines into Jaguar cars over the last 3 or so years, and now have pretty good set of kits and parts for these sort of conversions. And these are fabulous cars to drive with LS power. In case you're not familiar with them, these cars all have fully independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, and power rack & pinion steering. And of course they're comfortable as well- leather interiors, full power etc.,. Fast, stylish and comfortable- what's not to like??

Our kits cover the following models:

1970-1987 XJ6 XJ6C XJ6L XJ12 XJ12C and Vanden Plas

1976-1996 XJS and XJSC

1998-2003 XJ8 XJ8L XJR and Vanden Plas

1997-2002 XK8 and XKR

Here are a few pics of cars built by us and our customers recently- I hope you like them. Email back with questions, comments, etc.,.



74 XJ12 with 03 LS1 (from Australia- note RHD)



75 XJ6C with 98 LS1 (nearing completion)



84 XJ6 with LS1 crate engine



89 XJS convertible with 98 LS1



98 XJ8 sedan with 98 LS1



98 XK8 convertible with 04 LS1 (from GTO)

Fahrenschnell

iTrader: (1)

Very Cool....I would like to do a xk8 conversion as soon as I am able for a daily driver.

Jones'n

Do all the gauges read right on them after the swap?

the-jag-guy

iTrader: (11)

Yes, all of the gauges read right- the car itself doesn't know anything is different. The Jag shifter works perfectly with the GM trans (even the J-gate style on the later models), and the AC is cold with the automatic climate control working perfectly.

One other thing to mention- the later models (97 and up XK8 and 98 and up XJ8) all use a CAN system (a computer network) to connect to the engine controller for engine data (rpm, temp, etc.,.). We developed the correct module/software to communicate between the LS PCM and the chassis. No one else has been able to do that. What that means is that an LS swap on these later models can actually be done and retain all of the stock gauges/cluster with no mods.....

Fahrenschnell

iTrader: (1)

That is awesome.....How much do these kits run? PM me if you prefer.

the-jag-guy

iTrader: (11)

It's not a secret- kits for the Jag LS conversions start at only $795............

And each kit comes with a detailed, illustrated conversion manual to walk you through each part of the swap- prep of the engine and car, eng/trans mounting, shifter hookup, cooling system, power steering, basic electrical, AC, driveline, and much more. Very detailed......

3xbrowncutty

pretty cool swap

narx66gmc

There is a conv 80s jag in my uncles garage getting one of your swap kits right nOw!! Great setup and easy to read instructions he says.

the-jag-guy

iTrader: (11)

Small world there- send me a PM as to who your uncle is- I'm sure I'd remember him. I talk personally to every one of my customers.....

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

That's neat..some of them cars arent too heavy either..

cdepaiva

so I'm pretty new here and I needed an expert opinion. Do you think it'd be cheaper for me to buy my uncle's 87 xj8 for about $1000 and swap it with an LS1 engine and fitting transmission. (not only with parts and labor, but long term as far as maintenance fuel etc) OR would it be more advantageous to buy an 03 xj8 and ride it the way it is for another few years until I look into swaping that engine with another newer more powerful jaguar engine?

the-jag-guy

iTrader: (11)

I think you already Emailed me directly on this and I sent you a reply......

Docked Wage

Even the 03 XJ's had their share of woes. I know firsthand... Being able to "ride it the way it is" is a dicey proposition especially if it has over 100K on the odometer. Been there done that. The only way I'd own another one is buy it with the intent of a swap.

Z28-Vortec

iTrader: (4)

This is awesome!

Docked Wage

Hey Andrew,

Have you guys done an S-Type yet? The V6 versions can be had for a song and the 4.0 ones all have their share of problems too.

My wife has always wanted an S-type but I would not do it because of the Jag powertrain.

the-jag-guy

iTrader: (11)

No, we haven't done an S-type yet and won't. The XJ8's are much nicer and better cars for the same money. And there has been almost no interest in an Stype conversion

White Out

iTrader: (2)

Very cool swaps.

Timing chain tensioners are about the only major issue with the older 4.0-4.2 motors. I wouldn't say driving one with over 100k miles is dicey at all.

Docked Wage

As a former owner of one I beg to differ.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my XJ8 but there was no way I would ever own another one with over 100k on it without having a backup vehicle. By the time mine got to 155K parts were failing as fast as I could replace them.

I travel once a month for work and it got to the point where i would no longer trust the car for a trip to the airport to catch a flight.

There is nothing like the ride or style of the XJ8. Every time I drove the car or for that matter even walked up to it I smiled. As a matter of fact my wife said I loved the car more than her. Depending on the day her or the car could be in the top spot.

So yes, the Jag was a love affair and the day I left it behind at the dealership as a trade in was like a breakup with a really hot chick that was a head case...really fun to look at, a blast to drive but I knew that once a month all hell would break loose and I would pay dearly.

We are better off without each other.

Docked Wage

I do miss her... With an engine and trans that I could trust maybe things could have been different.

mattsk8

I might be able to purchase a 99 Vanden Plas. It has around 90k miles on it and its very clean. I'm not sure exactly what engine it has now, but I hear what sounds to me like a faint bottom end noise at an idle. I think I can get the car at a respectable price.

What donor engine should I look for, and what would all would I need to purchase to make this work?