Jaguar V12 project
Discussion
I did a fair bit of measuring before I chopped the shell to pieces....the rear wings needed flairing out by about 12mm to fit the tyres. And though my plan is to build a full spaceframe inside the shell it did cross my mind that you could far more easily adapt an MX5 to take both the V12 motor and XJS rear suspension....
I've kept the relevant bits just in case I'm tempted to try it one day....the motor easily fits the original front chassis 'legs' (though I think there may be some ex manifold clearance issues!), a bonnet bulge may be needed as well....a W58 box fits in the tunnel....and if you were to make a new subframe to replace the Jaguar 'cage' it should be possible to get the diff, driveshafts, etc in as well....
Just as I was writing this I've seen a link someone sent me....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ZIIVsUV3U
Its been done already! and to a Mk 1 as well!!
I've kept the relevant bits just in case I'm tempted to try it one day....the motor easily fits the original front chassis 'legs' (though I think there may be some ex manifold clearance issues!), a bonnet bulge may be needed as well....a W58 box fits in the tunnel....and if you were to make a new subframe to replace the Jaguar 'cage' it should be possible to get the diff, driveshafts, etc in as well....
Just as I was writing this I've seen a link someone sent me....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ZIIVsUV3U
Its been done already! and to a Mk 1 as well!!
Yes, agree about the look of E type screens, I was worried that the Mazda one would look out of place but it seems ok, the real bonus though is that using the doors and hardtop as well means that everything all fits beautifully in place and seals properly!
I've been playing about with it today and found I can comfortably move the engine 6" back from its original position on the XJS which apart from improving weight distribution also gives me more space to alter the front suspension.....
Since ride quality (not to mention saving work!) is more of a priority than handling I made the decision to retain the rubber mounted front subframe....
But to do away with the existing Jaguar coil springs and separate dampers and replacing them with coilovers...that does work but means the lower mount has to be much further inboard than it need be and a sort of outrigger has to be made for the upper mount so that the spring fits through the upper wishbone (unless I reduce travel to about 2"!). So, I'm mulling over using inboard coils with a pushrod running from the lower balljoint area, through the upper wishbone to a pivot and then to the springs.
But 2 things I'm not certain about and would very much welcome opinions....
The pivot itself, thinking of something in aluminium rather than making it myself and first thought was motorbike ones but not sure they are man enough? Most seem to have either 8 or 10mm bolts where it pivots....like this Ducati one
And second question, mounting the pivot itself and the damper mount....should that be to the new chassis or the subframe....both ways are possible.
On the XJS the spring is located in the subframe but the damper directly to the bodyshell...bypassing the rubber mounts as it were....not sure which route to take....or come to that if it even matters!!
I've been playing about with it today and found I can comfortably move the engine 6" back from its original position on the XJS which apart from improving weight distribution also gives me more space to alter the front suspension.....
Since ride quality (not to mention saving work!) is more of a priority than handling I made the decision to retain the rubber mounted front subframe....
But to do away with the existing Jaguar coil springs and separate dampers and replacing them with coilovers...that does work but means the lower mount has to be much further inboard than it need be and a sort of outrigger has to be made for the upper mount so that the spring fits through the upper wishbone (unless I reduce travel to about 2"!). So, I'm mulling over using inboard coils with a pushrod running from the lower balljoint area, through the upper wishbone to a pivot and then to the springs.
But 2 things I'm not certain about and would very much welcome opinions....
The pivot itself, thinking of something in aluminium rather than making it myself and first thought was motorbike ones but not sure they are man enough? Most seem to have either 8 or 10mm bolts where it pivots....like this Ducati one
And second question, mounting the pivot itself and the damper mount....should that be to the new chassis or the subframe....both ways are possible.
On the XJS the spring is located in the subframe but the damper directly to the bodyshell...bypassing the rubber mounts as it were....not sure which route to take....or come to that if it even matters!!
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/OGaqt1JU.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/cUrbPsof" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/cUrbPsof.jpg)
Well, one of the main reasons would be cost, even with importing bits from Aus its still half the price (under £2k) of any other Jaguar auto to manual conversion. You can get conversion kits for them in the UK but, as far as I know they just use an adaptor plate and a Jaguar bellhousing and I prefer using a proper new custom made one....
Also though, they are very tough, have a nice change, good ratios and are very light, heres a bit more about them...
http://www.retrotech.co.nz/Tech/Toyota-boxes.php
Also though, they are very tough, have a nice change, good ratios and are very light, heres a bit more about them...
http://www.retrotech.co.nz/Tech/Toyota-boxes.php
Thanks, should be some progress worth taking pics of in a week or so, have been slowly renovating bits and pieces but another project pushed its way to the top of the queue.....I do a bit of classic racing and my bike had a problem making a stripdown necessary....so took the opportunity to clean up/repaint etc.....makes a nice break from welding!! 
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff