I’m new to this board and to Jaguars. I’ve just purchased my first
Jag, a 1953 XK120 FHC with no drive train, so the V8 route is an
option for consideration. Am I correct to assume that the main
reasons people do this are for more power, reliability and economy?
What are the physical limitations in doing this? What is the
percentage reduction in the overall value of the car by
substituting a foriegn engine? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.–
Bains
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
I’m new to this board and to Jaguars. I’ve just purchased my first
Jaguar, a 1953 XK120 FHC with no drive train, so the V8 route is an
option for consideration. Am I correct to assume that the main
reasons people do this are for more power, reliability and economy?
That sums it up pretty well…
What are the physical limitations in doing this?
Basically, if the engine will fit into the engine bay & leave enough room
for a radiator, etc…
What is the
percentage reduction in the overall value of the car by
substituting a foreign engine?
Well, that depends on the car. If you are dismantling a concours winner to
lump it, the value will plummet. Since the car has no drivetrain now, you
will be adding to the value by making it drivable again. Lumping is a labor
of love. None of us would consider lumping a car simply for resale sake.
Wouldn’t be worth it. But if you plan on keeping the car & driving it &
driving it, this could be the way to go.
As far as your model, I’ll let someone with more experience in that model
take over for the details. I don’t know what engines will fit under your
bonnet.
In reply to a message from Detscorach sent Thu 7 Nov 2002:
XX120 Experience.
I never owned a 120, but I sure did try hard to do so in my earlier
years. I have 3 separate experiences with the car. One was my
friend’s 120, His wife referred to it as that damnjag (one word).
It hjad a startingf problem, her solution was to keep the starter
engaged until the motor was ‘‘started good’’. Flywheels are expensive
to replace. The next was another 120 that dropped a valve and BADLY
grooved the cylinder. Fixed the head, new pisrton & rod and it ran
just fine!! I did see a fixed head coupe at the Alameda car show.
The chevrolet v8 looked at home. The radiator was small as was the
electric fan. Owner says it runs cool except in traffic on very hot
days. I like to see fine cars restored to wjat hey were but if that
is not possible, returning them to the road is better than sitting
or going to scrap. Don’t change the lines and character.
Good Luck! JAGCAD aka Carl–
JAGCAD 94 Cadillac LT1 powered 83 XJ6
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from Bains sent Thu 7 Nov 2002:
Bains,
The car you are talking about is a gem, and in good nick worth a
fortune.
Original engine was small but strong. If you want to keep it
looking like a real Jaguar but running well, consider a XJ6 SIII
motor that has better specs mated to a 5 speed toyota box.
The car will then stun you and sound like the real thing
Cheers,–
The original message included these comments:
I’m new to this board and to Jaguars. I’ve just purchased my first
Jag, a 1953 XK120 FHC with no drive train, so the V8 route is an
Bains
–
Ron McGrice
Brisbane, Australia
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
