Mk2 Jags

[benjj]

So it seems that ever time I pick up the wife's iPad I end up looking at Mk2's on Car and Classic.

So, to those in the know, just how well fettled can these be while keeping things period? By that I mean what sort of ommph and handling can the 3.4 and 3.8 deliver using parts available at time of manufacture?

I'm pretty damned tempted.

[v8250]

Take a look at Rob Beere website and get your chequebook out. I'll pm you when back from alpes.

[XJ13]

benjj said:

So, to those in the know, just how well fettled can these be while keeping things period? By that I mean what sort of ommph and handling can the 3.4 and 3.8 deliver using parts available at time of manufacture?

Go for it Ben and catch yourself some blaggers! These can be surprisingly well-handling and quick cars and "period" parts (or their equivalents from younger Jags) aren't that difficult to get hold of. There's a lot of experience about in how to make these cars handle and add a little more oomph without emptying your wallet (especially - as I suspect - you already know one end of a spanner from the other).

[boyzee]

I had this mk2 3.8 back in 1966,they are great cars.The handling and brakes can be greatly improved with modern parts that are available plus modern tyre,s make a difference.Even a standard car can be a
good everyday classic.

[benjj]

Thanks gents, looks like things are about to get expensive

Ideally I like the thought of a 3.8MOD. As any tweeks would need to be of period (apart from wheels/tyres, exhaust) it would limit it a bit but, by the sounds of it, not too much.

Gut thinking would be the 3.8 on a diet could be terrific. Lexan side windows, carpets out, bigger, lighter and safer fuel tank etc. Would need to keep ignition as points rather than electronic which is a bit of a bugger.

Lots to think about...

[Flatinfourth]

I have worked on plenty of Mka 2s in my time, including a couple of years of Beacham Mka 2s and e types. The Mk 2 can be a fabulous car, but its handling is not to everyone's taste, it's great if you want to master that style. The 3.8 with manual and overdrive is vital to get good performance - and it tunes very well. Arguably a bastardised car with a 4.2 on triple carbs is a nicer way to go but frowned upon by the purists.The 3.8s fuel consumption is fearsome, worse than a two door Range Rover 3 speed auto, rarely passing 15mpg. Beachams are amazing but quite removed from the original with its V8 and independent rear suspension, very fast too! The biggest problem is corrosion, as it is impossible to rectify cheaply. Get a good credible inspection done. Woodwork needs to be excellent, as is fussy to fix. Have fun!!

[roscobbc]

Period modifications eh? - not Mk 2's but back in the day over the pond 'S' types were often transplanted with small block Chevy's - using a c/r Muncie and a 'hot' small block would certainly 'pep' things up a bit and being a little lighter would possibly even improve the handling?

[WJM]

The S type has IRS and so handles better than a Mk2, they are a bit heavier though so slightly slower. The 3.4 mk 2 is only a bit slower than the 3.8, the 2.4 {as used by Morse} is much slower and will barely do 100mph but is very smooth.

Not all Beechams have got v-8s, some just have a souped up XK which I think is better. As standard the MK 2 is reasonably fast and smooth {the 3.8 will do about 125 which in the 60s was very fast} , for the time handling and brakes are OK but can be improved with more modern upgrades. The big things I would look at are the steering and gearbox. Early MK 2s have a Moss gearbox which is tough but the later Jag gearbox is much better to use. Some MK 2s have power steering but even then it's very low geared, a very worthwhile mod is to put a more modern rack and pinion set up in. The interior is great but can be very costly to restore if some of the wood and leather has been damaged.

There used to be a lot of tatty MK2s around a few years ago but these days most have had some sort of restoration at some point, the key is whether it was done properly.

Bill

[stuarte]

So Ben, why periods mods only? Is there a sub story we don't know about here?

[benjj]

.Thanks all, very interesting.

The car would be used for out and out rallying, from HRCR Clubman events through to HERO/CRA stuff and European stuff.

That being the case the prettiness of interior and paint is not a consideration. It would swiftly be fitted with some period bucket front seats, possibly a half cage and all carpets/sound deadening etc out and replaced with alu footwells and rests.

I would not be in the game for a rotbox though, really not interested in repairing, welding, paint etc.

As for modifications, these would HAVE to have been available during the lifespan of the car itself. Engine transplants are also out.

So by the sounds of it a 3.8MOD with Jag 'box are the essentials...

Edited by benjj on Wednesday 26th December 19:34

[Flatinfourth]

You need to find out whether the Moss box is a requirement, if not, lose it for a four synchro, which will transform it. Also get rid of the standard spring clutch and starter motor. They are all rot boxes, it's all about how well restoration has been done.

[XJ13]

benjj said:

Thanks all, very interesting.

The car would be used for out and out rallying, from HRCR Clubman events through to HERO/CRA stuff and European stuff, hence the heavily regulated mods list.

That being the case the prettiness of interior and exterior is not a massive consideration. It would swiftly be fitted with some period bucket front seats, possibly a half cage and all carpets/sound deadening etc out and replaced with alu footwells and rests.

I would not be in the game for a rotbox though, really not interested in repairing, welding, paint etc.

As for modifications, these would HAVE to have been available during the lifespan of the car itself. Engine transplants are also out.

So by the sounds of it a 3.8MOD with Jag 'box are the essentials...Thanks all, very interesting.

The car would be used for out and out rallying, from HRCR Clubman events through to HERO/CRA stuff and European stuff.

That being the case the prettiness of interior and paint is not a consideration. It would swiftly be fitted with some period bucket front seats, possibly a half cage and all carpets/sound deadening etc out and replaced with alu footwells and rests.

I would not be in the game for a rotbox though, really not interested in repairing, welding, paint etc.

As for modifications, these would HAVE to have been available during the lifespan of the car itself. Engine transplants are also out.

So by the sounds of it a 3.8MOD with Jag 'box are the essentials...

You can say that again .... sorry

Interesting thread - has got me full of cunning plans and have started a search for one myself.

[Huntsman]

This is a greta plan. It'll be a riot.

[WJM]

I know a guy who bought a 2.4 but put in a 3.8 out of an old Mk 9, can you do this ? The 2.4 had lower gearing which restricted the top end but gave great acceleration, ideal for competition I'd have thought. Looking for a car with a good body but a shagged interior in the UK will be difficult, look at warm countries like the USA or SA though I must admit I know nothing about shipping costs.

Bill

[XJ13]

Some interesting South-African cars here http://www.ananzi.co.za/motoring/jaguar-mk2-for-sa.... (1 Rand = 7 pence). Mostly right-hand drive of course although the most rust-free cars are likely to come from the Highveldt rather than coastal areas such as Natal or the Cape.

I lived there for a while and still have some reliable local contacts there if anyone is interested in looking at the possibility of sharing a container? One of my friends is a partner in a Jaguar Garage and I am sure he could be persuaded to cast an eye over any potential purchases.

Weren't Jaguar Mk2s assembled in South Africa at one time?

Just "thinking aloud" at this stage.

Edited by XJ13 on Thursday 27th December 06:50

[benjj]

Very interested

[iSore]

WJM said:

I know a guy who bought a 2.4 but put in a 3.8 out of an old Mk 9, can you do this ?

Technically yes, but would it not be a problem regarding the logbook for eligibility?

I had a lovely 3.4 m/od ten years ago, Carmen red with wires, Reutter seats etc. It had uprated alloy calipers and Konis but was otherwise standard, and it drove very well. A good XK is a lovely engine as well. I'm firmly against all this Vicarage/Beacham nonsense. It's an old car, it proved its point 50 years ago, job done.

H&H had a rough-as-bks 3.8 ex race car a year or so back that didn't make a fortune. It was supposedly up together mechanically, had a cage etc but needed a £1500 tonce up to make it look halfway decent.

[roscobbc]

boyzee said:

I had this mk2 3.8 back in 1966,they are great cars.The handling and brakes can be greatly improved with modern parts that are available plus modern tyre,s make a difference.Even a standard car can be a
good everyday classic.

Reminds me back in '68 at the 'heady' age of 18 when I bought myself a late MK9 - for £35-00. An ex company 50K miler in dark metallic grey. It had been standing for a couple of years - soon as I drove it away the complete rusted-out exhaust system fell off and then the core plugs popped!.
The thing is Boyzee - have you still retained those youthful 'MOD' looks?

Edited by roscobbc on Thursday 27th December 12:10

[lowdrag]

Well Benjj, if it's period parts I guess period prices are also required?

Here's the list of factory parts for tuning the Mk 1, and I have the tuning booklet for the 3.8 E-type which might be more relevant if you want me to send you a scanned copy.

[V8 FOU]

Ben.
Go for a 340. It has the straight port E type head, it's lighter and cheaper......
The 3.4 vs 3.8 ain't a big difference either.