XKE & V-8

Does anyone know if the current 4.2 lt V-8 would fit in a 1970 Series 2 XKE. I have the opportunity to buy one that needs a complete restoration. However, the car does not have an engine and I was wondering if I would be better off putting a modern driveline in the classic body. I've seen a couple of XKEs with Ford & Chevy engines, not one with the Jaguar 4.2 V-8.

Reply to
wm thor
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"wm thor" wrote in news:R817b.133662$ snipped-for-privacy@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net:

If you want the vehicle to eventually be worth something, try and keep it close to original specs.

The Jaguar V8 could be a good idea, however the computer wiring system would be a nightmare. Easier to fit the V12 with four SU's.

Ron

Reply to
Ron McGrice

Try it and let us know, that would be pretty interesting if you could pull it off. Just please dont be a redneck who destroys a classic E-TYPE with a chevy or ford motor.

Reply to
James

The V12 won't fit in a Series 2.

The Series 2 was designed for the 4.2L inline 6.

While the idea of dropping in a modern V8 may be appealing on some level, the complication and safety issues plus degrading of the resale value make that project a real nightmare.

The problem with the V8 is that in order to get it to fit, the frames need to be altered. These frames cannot be welded safely and will break near the welds.

Now what would be fun is dropping in one of the XJ6 4.0 litre engines.

Unfortunately, this would also be an engineering nightmare as the intake and headers are reversed and the XJ engine sits at a slight slant. This would probably involve fabricating an entirely new oiil pan plus other modifications.

I would find a good 4.2 Liter 6 and set it up to what ever horsepower that I could afford.

Much easier to deal with and there is a lot of room for power improvement. Dropping in a 5 speed is also very easy at this point. Richard H. Kuschel "I canna change the law of physics."-----Scotty

Reply to
Richard Kuschel

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