Jaguar LS1 LSx Conversions - XJ6 XJ8 XJS XK8 XJR XKR
#1
Jaguar LS1 LSx Conversions - XJ6 XJ8 XJS XK8 XJR XKR
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)
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)
#4
Gauges, etc
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.....
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.....
Last edited by the-jag-guy; 11-02-2011 at 06:35 PM.
#6
Jag LS Kits
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......
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......
Last edited by the-jag-guy; 11-02-2011 at 09:39 PM.
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#11
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?
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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?
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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.
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.
Last edited by Docked Wage; 04-03-2013 at 06:57 AM.
#17
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Last edited by Docked Wage; 04-03-2013 at 01:01 PM.
#20
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?
What donor engine should I look for, and what would all would I need to purchase to make this work?