XJS 3.6 or 4.0 Manual - What Are They like ?

[redgriff500]

I'm looking for a 2+2 I want something nice.

I'd like a 4200GT but I'm unwilling to pay £15k and the associated running costs, an XK8 would do but they don't make manuals and I hate Autos.

I've considered and dismissed a Monaro, 996, 968.

I know an XJS isn't really in the same league but will it be a nice drive and able to be hussled along an A road ?

There seem to be a few about £3-6k

[redgriff500]

jagnet said:

Alternatively, no need to dismiss the XK8/R straight away - the auto issue could be remedied with a 5-speed Tremec manual gearbox conversion.

I looked into that last year despite seeing ads etc I couldn't find anyone actually offering a conversion.

IIRC it was also going to cost £5k which on a £5k car makes no sense and on a £10k car - I'd rather buy a 4200GT

[redgriff500]

Royster said:

What about buying a V12 and having a manual gearbox conversion done? That's what I've got, along with some AJ6 Engineering goodies, it's an absolute flyer, and the acceleration above 100 mph is just relentless (had a Cerbera 4.5 before this).

Sounds rather special and sooooo smooth.

It is tempting (my Dad has a V12 with manual box in his garage) BUT at 8mpg I simply wouldn't use it.

[redgriff500]

Royster said:

8MPG? Ouch.

I live in London and around town, mine averages 15 mpg, and on the motorway it does 30 mpg (according to the obc).

Has very long diff ratio so 70mph is about 1800 rpm.

Well thats what his last V12 HE XJS made (he did mainly short trips as do I)

I recently had a 5.7 Monaro and averaged 12-14.