The Curfew XJ-S - V12 manual

[KrisP]

lukeharding said:

KrisP said:

is it easy to convert an XJS to manual? and for someone (ie me), is there a sweet spot in the range in relation to engine and age?

Its not overly difficult, as they're old enough to not have too many electronic barriers (unlike the XK8/R that followed), and conversion kits are readily available. I've also got a convertible that I'm thinking of converting.

In terms of a sweet spot in the range, it depends what you look for. Coupe, cabriolet or convertible, and whether you really want a V12 or are happy with a straight six. I'd say that a 3.6 manual is probably the unsung hero in the range, and is quite easy to modify a little.

I'm not adverse to modifying a car is the first aspect - would only be interested in a coupe, but am not wedded to a 6 or 12 cyl model.

lukeharding said:

The conversion kits for later cars are five speeds, and really change the characteristics of the car, making it feel more sporting, more involving, and more alive.

This is the essence for me - I want something that spans comfy GT to something a little more sporting. I can see the appeal of an early 3.6, but also appreciate the styling of a late 4L manual of which a few are for sale it appears

[lukeharding]

KrisP said:

lukeharding said:

KrisP said:

is it easy to convert an XJS to manual? and for someone (ie me), is there a sweet spot in the range in relation to engine and age?

Its not overly difficult, as they're old enough to not have too many electronic barriers (unlike the XK8/R that followed), and conversion kits are readily available. I've also got a convertible that I'm thinking of converting.

In terms of a sweet spot in the range, it depends what you look for. Coupe, cabriolet or convertible, and whether you really want a V12 or are happy with a straight six. I'd say that a 3.6 manual is probably the unsung hero in the range, and is quite easy to modify a little.

I'm not adverse to modifying a car is the first aspect - would only be interested in a coupe, but am not wedded to a 6 or 12 cyl model.

lukeharding said:

The conversion kits for later cars are five speeds, and really change the characteristics of the car, making it feel more sporting, more involving, and more alive.

This is the essence for me - I want something that spans comfy GT to something a little more sporting. I can see the appeal of an early 3.6, but also appreciate the styling of a late 4L manual of which a few are for sale it appears

This is one of those modifications that improves the car across the board (including, potentially, fuel economy (although I have seen 31mpg+ out of my 4.0 auto). A V12 with a manual gearbox is a special thing indeed to my eye, but there is a lot to be said for the lighter 3.6/4.0 cars which handle better to some degree, although you have a less special engine. I've not driven a 4.0 manual but one is certainly on my list to own!
I don't think you could find many cars more comfortable than an XJS either.

[lukeharding]

Service time for J258 yesterday.



And a peek into the shed of dreams this morning....



ETA, the faded jag now runs, thanks to new plugs and leads. All 12 cylinders firing, but not happy with throttle applied. New fuel filter arriving tomorrow too...

Edited by lukeharding on Wednesday 2nd December 16:52

[lukeharding]

Well, in a very minor update the faded XJ-S now runs properly, as we tracked the issue down to the ECU, and so pilfered one from my 5.3. XJR-S temporarily. It is supposed to be for sale now that it is a known quantity, but I don't really want to sell it....

My daily XJS also passed 212,000 miles just before I got home last night.

[Stick Legs]

I applaud you sir!

Marvellous work and relly enjoy seeing these XJ-S' getting some love.

I have had a few and they are marvellous cars. Currently struggling with the 'used to be able to buy them for £1500' thing which afflicts all cars of that era!

The red on the XJR-S restoration will look stunning!

EDIT:

Post your XJS 4.0 pic on the dirty cars winter 20/21 thread. It's a winner!

Edited by Stick Legs on Wednesday 9th December 11:24

[lukeharding]

Stick Legs said:

I applaud you sir!

Marvellous work and relly enjoy seeing these XJ-S' getting some love.

I have had a few and they are marvellous cars. Currently struggling with the 'used to be able to buy them for £1500' thing which afflicts all cars of that era!

The red on the XJR-S restoration will look stunning!

EDIT:

Post your XJS 4.0 pic on the dirty cars winter 20/21 thread. It's a winner!

Edited by Stick Legs on Wednesday 9th December 11:24

Ha, thank you!

I struggle with the same sort of thing, but there are still some bargains to be had occasionally!

I'm really excited for the XJR-S to be finished, its going to be fantastic.

[browno]

Some great cars on this thread - what a collection you've got - I only wish I had the space!

I don't know if you've already seen this, but none other than The Stig was talking about the curfew car and breaking it with the Car Throttle guys on their podcast - thought I'd share it (the discussion in general was quite interesting about Ben's time on Top Gear, but this should line up with the XJS chat).

https://youtu.be/gg8jG2mlxdA?t=4519

[lukeharding]

haha thanks browno, glad you like them. Yes someone had pointed me to the podcast and I've listened to the XJ-S part and he certainly isn't wrong about the fumes part. The engines lifting from their mounts and smashing the rads (in the other cars rather than mind I'd hope), really does go to show the attitude of the way they were built.

[lukeharding]

Just over a year ago we went and tried to film a Christmas video with the Curfew - and as usually the way with anything involving that car, it didn't go to plan (the fuel pump failed).

Edited by lukeharding on Wednesday 30th December 11:56

[LewG]

Great cars, out of all the cars I've owned the only one I really miss is the XJ-S, such understated coolness
With hindsight I wish I'd have done some longer trips in her or a jaunt abroad. Never know might have another one day

[helix402]

I suspect the BMW box used for manual conversions will be the 5 or 6 speed E46 330d box. The 5 speed in particular is popular with the Japanese drift scene.

[lukeharding]

LewG said:

Great cars, out of all the cars I've owned the only one I really miss is the XJ-S, such understated coolness
With hindsight I wish I'd have done some longer trips in her or a jaunt abroad. Never know might have another one day

They really are great cars, and very enjoyable to drive. Ideal for long journeys I think.

helix402 said:

I suspect the BMW box used for manual conversions will be the 5 or 6 speed E46 330d box. The 5 speed in particular is popular with the Japanese drift scene.

I've no idea, I've not looked at one with a BMW conversion. The Getrag unit is good though, and I'd be curious to see if the Guy Broad 5 speed conversion would work (as its designed for the XK engines, but the original XK box was also used on early V12s), but I'm almost scared to ask the price!

There is a BMW 840 for sale at the moment that I quite like (despite not having gotten on with the 850 I used to have), and I keep wondering how easy it would be to manual convert one of those...

[Penguinracer]

Definitely retro cool with almost Italianate styling.

I think as we move into the BEV era V12 cars (of all brands) will be valued as the ultimate ICE classics.

What's the word with the Tremec TKO 500 & 600 conversions - are they considered any good?

[MX-6]

Penguinracer said:

Definitely retro cool with almost Italianate styling.

I think as we move into the BEV era V12 cars (of all brands) will be valued as the ultimate ICE classics.

What's the word with the Tremec TKO 500 & 600 conversions - are they considered any good?

I've thought that too, I wouldn't be suprised to be see V12 cars of any type appreciate in value.

[lukeharding]

Penguinracer said:

Definitely retro cool with almost Italianate styling.

I think as we move into the BEV era V12 cars (of all brands) will be valued as the ultimate ICE classics.

What's the word with the Tremec TKO 500 & 600 conversions - are they considered any good?

I'd hope so, I don't think the Jaguar V12 really ever gets the praise it deserves, especially considering the longevity and amount produced.

I don't have any experience of the Tremec conversions - though I suspect it is a conversion that happens more in the US than Europe for some reason.

[LanceRS]

LewG said:

Great cars, out of all the cars I've owned the only one I really miss is the XJ-S, such understated coolness
With hindsight I wish I'd have done some longer trips in her or a jaunt abroad. Never know might have another one day

Funnily enough I was standing with this in it’s new garage about 2 hours ago

[LanceRS]

[helix402]

lukeharding said:

I've no idea, I've not looked at one with a BMW conversion. The Getrag unit is good though, and I'd be curious to see if the Guy Broad 5 speed conversion would work (as its designed for the XK engines, but the original XK box was also used on early V12s), but I'm almost scared to ask the price!

There is a BMW 840 for sale at the moment that I quite like (despite not having gotten on with the 850 I used to have), and I keep wondering how easy it would be to manual convert one of those...

840 manual swop is straightforward, the hard part is sourcing a manual box.

I think this company may have some knowledge re BMW boxes in old Jags:

http://www.all-gears.co.uk/home.htm

Edited by helix402 on Wednesday 16th December 22:50

[LewG]

LanceRS said:

She still looks great, Graeme's garage is most certainly what it deserves, not an old chicken barn

[LanceRS]

That she does, I drove her a few weeks ago, I’m still a bit jealous