Jaguar Mk2 3.4 / 3.8

Author
Discussion

Bobo W

Original Poster:

764 posts

252 months

Monday 23rd November 2015
quotequote all
I'm toying with the idea of buying a Jaguar Mk2 next year. Having driven a Mk2 2.4 for many a year I'm reasonably familiar with the model but just fancy a bit more power. As such I have a number of questions mainly around differences between the 3.4 & 3.8 and sensible modifications to improve things a bit without the need for a second mortgage:

Q. Is there a noticeable difference in performance between a 3.4 and 3.8 ?

Q. The 2.4 has non-assisted steering which is a bugger at slow speeds but gives good feel as the car speeds up. I've read that fitting a 420 power steering box is a good solution however my experience of power steering systems of this era is that they are overly light and my concern is I would loose that feel.

Q. Improving the braking is quite high up on the list of things to do. I've seen a number of cars advertised with Coopercraft brakes, is this the de rigueur option ?

Q. In terms of engine modifications, cost has to play a factor. It's going to be quite a step up from 2.4 to 3.4/3.8 but then I'm thinking a bit more performance would be nice, the only thing is having no idea of relative cost, thoughts of putting a straight port head on with larger carbs is maybe pie in the sky and there maybe a more cost effective alternative

Bobo W

Original Poster:

764 posts

252 months

Monday 23rd November 2015
quotequote all
A dyslexic Mk2 appeals although not being mechanically minded, how easy is it to put a 4.2 in?

Having said that and without wanting to appear too contradictory, I'm somewhat reticent to change the car too much. I'd like to keep things as original as possible albeit that opens up an enormous can of worms over what is "original", trigger's broom and all that.

Just to clarify I'm looking to buy another car and not modify the 2.4 if that makes sense.

Edited by Bobo W on Monday 23 November 16:04

Bobo W

Original Poster:

764 posts

252 months

Monday 23rd November 2015
quotequote all
Anyone got experience of driving them ?

Bobo W

Original Poster:

764 posts

252 months

Monday 23rd November 2015
quotequote all
Thanks for your replies

Bobo W

Original Poster:

764 posts

252 months

Sunday 6th December 2015
quotequote all
Once again thanks for all the replies, lots to think about for next year