Challgene priced XJS convertible (just add engine and transmission)

"Only" $1,000

https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/port-jefferson-station-1991-jaguar-xjs/7694323372.html#

PO has already gone through the trouble of removing the V12.

Always wondered what is the best Chevy v8 conversion kit for these Jags. Perfect candidate.

Never understood those of simple minds who'd think a pos lump is better than the smoothest v12 ever. AND, those engines can do WAY over 300k. Keep your 40s tech in your rust buckets, please.

In reply to Docwemple :

Frenchy is that you?  JK. 

In reply to Docwemple :

I think BMW beat Jag for the best V12. The cost to replace with parts, you might as well buy a runner, but for one that doesn't have an engine, a Chevy conversion is a great choice. Let me know when you buy and restore it, looking forward to the final cost and review 

In reply to Docwemple :

Drove a friends xjs a few times around '99 or so. Ok engine, stock. Decent car. Wouldn't pull one out to do a SBC. Would definitely NOT track one down to "restore" that. 
For the money to buy a 12, and build into more fun than, well, ok, there interesting hp numbers could be built applying modern made parts to 60 year old design "lumps!!!"

Old school engines can still make power fairly cheap 

In reply to 03Panther :

It's not about hp per buck. I guess if you don't get the alure, the sound, the feel of a v12, no point in conversing. A push Rod v8 is agricultural and sounds like crap. Really smelly crap

In reply to Docwemple :

I've worked on and driven nearly every model jag from 1948-1997; our family owned several growing up from S1 E type to XJ6. They are great cars stock, I love the XJS (I6) especially. But for a missing/blown v12; I would just have a LS1/LT1 instead for cost/simplicity. Preferably a destroked high revving v8 like Oil Stain Labs. It's a cost justification for this example. 

In reply to Docwemple :

Oh, we get the allure. We just don't agree with your (or Frenchyd's) condescending absolutes. Most of us love the jag v12. We just don't hate a push rod v8, or insult folks that do. 

In reply to 03Panther :

Ironically has the TH400.

Grecobeemer said:

In reply to 03Panther :

Ironically has the TH400.

Well, had. 

In reply to 03Panther :

I only get on it when people dis a beautiful engine, without knowing said engine, and then stuff an agricultural lump in it. Some cars, mostly those that came with agricultural lumps, can have anything stuffed in there and it bothers me none. Put a pushrod v8 in a Jag, Porsche, Ferrari and you destroy the car. On some cars, the sound and feel of the engine is an integral part. And it's not condescending to speak that way. It's actually the opposite.  Kinda like when certain groups ban books they haven't read, or dis those who went to college to expand their knowledge base. If all you want is power, then the cheapest is probably electric now. But that would really grate on the pushrod v8 crowd. Hmmm... maybe....nah.

Docwemple said:

In reply to 03Panther :

I only get on it when people dis a beautiful engine, without knowing said engine, and then stuff an agricultural lump in it. Some cars, mostly those that came with agricultural lumps, can have anything stuffed in there and it bothers me none. Put a pushrod v8 in a Jag, Porsche, Ferrari and you destroy the car. On some cars, the sound and feel of the engine is an integral part. And it's not condescending to speak that way. It's actually the opposite.  Kinda like when certain groups ban books they haven't read, or dis those who went to college to expand their knowledge base. If all you want is power, then the cheapest is probably electric now. But that would really grate on the pushrod v8 crowd. Hmmm... maybe....nah.

Condescension is actually exactly what it is, "below one's dignity". Let them have their fun.

Merry Christmas.

In reply to Docwemple :

Except, no one put down a V12. Most of us, from past history like the 12. Most tend to agree, in some parts of that. Not everyone does. I just don't assume that anyone that doesn't is worthy of being insulted in a pompous, condescending, and derogatory way. Hard to ruin a shell, that is not worth much more (or maybe less) than scrap price

You said  there is no point discussing it with folks not as refined as you, yet...  here we are. 

In reply to Docwemple :

You're right Tesla Swap would be better than that archaic 70's v12. Maybe a modern K swap or LS swap. Great ideas. Thanks for validating that there are better options than stock. 

While it would be marvelous to source a replacement Jag V12 and trans, the resulting product would probably be underwhelming in performance and return on investment. The late model, '87 to '92 in this case, Jag V12 clocked in at 680 pounds dressed. So if one was to put in an LS, which comes in around 450 loaded, there's going to be some front suspension issues with regards to spring rates and damper settings. 

Losing more than 200 pounds off the front of the car may have a positive effect on handling as well as overall performance. And the extra (is there such a thing as extra horsepower?) 100 ponies or so will probably motivate the 200 pound lighter car down the road with greater alacrity.

Simple minds indeed...