I recall from Kirby’s book that the V12 engines in the XJ-S and XJ-12 were GM TH400s with a different case to match the Jag bolt pattern. Even the dowel pins are in the same locations.
Soooo…
Does the rear end of the Jag-version TH400s have the same tailhousing and tailshaft? Because if they do, that opens the possibility of a reverse lump.
For example, I have a Chevy 4x4 pickup with a 350 and 4L60 tranny. If the aft end of the Jag-version of the TH400 can marry to ‘regular’ TH400 components, then I could theoretically swap my Chevy 350 and 4L60 for a V12 and a TH400 (a much stouter transmission for which many aftermarket performance parts are available) married right up to my transfer case so I would maintain 4WD and the rest of my driveline. (It is no problem to marry a TH400 to a transfer case.)
Is this feasible?
Kirbert
(Author of the Book, former owner of an '83 XJ-S H.E.)
2
Probably feasible. You’d certainly end up with an interesting vehicle. You’ll probably get a lot of puzzled looks from your redneck friends.
When the LT1 in my 96 Roadmaster Wagon croaked, I was minutes away from deciding to fit a carburetted V12 manual,.
I decided the electrical and pipework systems of the car would probably give me more grief than I wanted but the prop-shaft connection didn’t cause me any angst as the shaft end can always be changed to suit the trans.
Mostly though it was two other pre-existing projects that decided me against spending time doing bespoke work and trouble-shooting on a workhorse load-lugger vehicle. If I’d had nothing else on my plate I’d have enjoyed busting the conventional swap route. Instead I just replaced the LT.
