manual XK8 / XKR

[Ecosseven]

Does anyone know what is involved in converting an Mk1 XKR from auto to manual gearbox?

I love the shape of the car but couldn't bring myself to drive an automatic. I know the auto suits the car perfectly but I find that driving a car with a manual 'box adds enormously to the enjoyment.

All the best.

Martin.

[NormanD]

This is something that I have looked into for many years as I would love to convert my XKR to a manual.

But for the likes of you and I it is just not feesable. The Engine ECU has to talk to the gearbox ECU. As soon as you take the auto box out the engine just will not work. Infact you cannot put the 4.2Lt 6 speed gearbox into a 4.0Lt 5 speed car.

Elite & Performance Jags did do a convertion on a XK8 and did get it to work at a high cost of some £25,000 pounds. I may be wrong but even then I don't think the prodject was finished as a saleable convertion

[monthefish]

Jag actually produced 2 manual XKR's - perhaps you could contact them and make them an offer?

[NormanD]

monthefish said:

Jag actually produced 2 manual XKR's - perhaps you could contact them and make them an offer?

Yes but I believe they could only use them on the track as the speedo etc runs through the standard ECU's so they did not work.

[monthefish]

NormanD said:

monthefish said:

Jag actually produced 2 manual XKR's - perhaps you could contact them and make them an offer?

Yes but I believe they could only use them on the track as the speedo etc runs through the standard ECU's so they did not work.

They worked fine on the road.

[a8hex]

I was googling Jag flywheels the other day and came across a site in the US that implied they had a lightweight flay wheel and racing clutch assembly for the SC 4.2 V8. I didn't take too much notice because that wasn't what I was searching for.

[designXKR]

Elite were recently selling their manual conversion on ebay. I don't think it sold the first time and was relisted but I can't find the listing now. It may be that they sold it but if you really want a manual try calling them.

[NormanD]

designXKR said:

Elite were recently selling their manual conversion on ebay.
I don't think it sold the first time and was relisted but I can't find the listing now. It may be that they sold it but if you really want a manual try calling them.

It was re-listed but still didn't reach the reserve

[The Pits]

I too wish they'd do a manual. Sadly it wouldn't sell and so it's not worth Jag spending the money or time to develop. Aston Martin, to their credit at least made the DB9 available with a manual but they are as rare as hens teeth. You never know but as the Aston v8 vantage uses the Jag 4.2 V8 and a manual box there might be some way of getting it to work. Or just get a AMV8, have you seen the prices lately?!

[sjwb]

The speed signal is provided by the ABS module; nothing to do with the engine or transmission ECMs.
Oh, and the speedometer worked perfectly.
There were in fact three cars built.

Edited by sjwb on Saturday 24th January 20:14

[DickLotus]

The time must nearly be right to buy a cheap enough XKR coupe. Ditch most of the interior, Carbon fibre panels, 18 or 19" wheels, uprated standard brakes, Poly Bushes, ditch the aircon, Get rid of the Auto and get the 5 speed tremec box, emerald engine management. Supercharger pulley and radiator, ported heads and high flow cats take out middle boxes and sort out the pipework. Who needs an Aston, just get a bit closer to a sports car?
Sorry if it makes you spit feathers, but it makes me smile.
Richard

[Cecil]

Dropping a manual box in an XK8 was covered in one of last years JEC mag's I will have a look and see if I can figure out which one

[GavinPearson]

Getting the manual transmission into the car is the easy part.

Making it work with the electronics in the car is the nightmare.

[msinclair]

The Elite XK8 manual was featured in Feb 2008 Jaguar World Monthly and is now for sale at £9750 on www.carpartssale.co.uk

[monthefish]

msinclair said:

The Elite XK8 manual was featured in Feb 2008 Jaguar World Monthly and is now for sale at £9750 on www.carpartssale.co.uk

the ad said:

JAGUAR XK8 6 SPEED MANUAL, yes MANUAL. The only one available,

[NormanD]

monthefish said:

msinclair said:

The Elite XK8 manual was featured in Feb 2008 Jaguar World Monthly and is now for sale at £9750 on www.carpartssale.co.uk

the ad said:

JAGUAR XK8 6 SPEED MANUAL, yes MANUAL. The only one available,

So why were no more made.

I would have loved a manual gearbox in my XKR.

OK fitting the gearbox in is not to hard, the problem is getting the engine ECU and gearbox ECU as well as all the other electronice to TALK to each other

[XKRacer]

I've done this and binned the original ECU!

[Ecosseven]

Hi folks,

Thought I would move this back to the top. Anyone got any more thoughts or advice on installing a manual box into an XKR. Are there any jag specialists that I should be talking to? Prices for late model coupes are now very tempting!

All the best.

Martin.

[NormanD]

Ecosseven said:

Hi folks,

Thought I would move this back to the top. Anyone got any more thoughts or advice on installing a manual box into an XKR. Are there any jag specialists that I should be talking to? Prices for late model coupes are now very tempting!

All the best.

Martin.

Martin

Myself and Tom @ TLJaguar 0118-973-7779 my machanic are again looking into doing a manual conversion on my XKR

[Ecosseven]

Thanks the for head up Norman. The more I think about it the more the idea of a fettled XKR manual appeals. Lovely shape, upgraded suspension, tweaked engine (say 500bhp), RWD, rare, and all for a bargain price. Who needs a 911 anyway?

Norman, any ideas on a ball park figure for the conversion?

Edited by Ecosseven on Sunday 7th June 12:20