Was wondering if anyone can help me distinguish whether my car (1973 XJ6) is a 2.8L or a 4.2L? Was told it was a 4.2, but (as this is obvioucly my first classic car) I have no idea how to confirm which engine is in the car. I believe it is a Series 1. I'm looking to increase the power a bit without losing its originality.

Also, if it is a 2.8L, are there any reasonably inexpensive ways to up the engine ouutput a little? During the test drive it takees off like a rocket, but almost immediate gives up and for the rest of the ride it feels heavy (like the engine's not really big enough for the car).

Thanks
Joe

Submitted by m_zavos@hotmail.com on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 13:43

Joe,

Thanks for noticing - I had not updated my profile in a while - guess I am a bit of a hoarder...

The '72 was a 5-year pull it apart, put it back together bolt by bolt project. I tried to keep it as authentic as possible - figuring as long as I was going to do it, do it right. I have also been fortunate enough to win a national award with it in class C10.

These cars are a lot harder to find the correct parts for than most people realize, but I could write volumes on that subject...

mike

Submitted by m_zavos@hotmail.com on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 13:38

Joe,

Thanks for noticing - I had not updated my profile in a while - guess I am a bit of a hoarder...

The '72 was a 5-year pull it apart, put it back together bolt by bolt project. I tried to keep it as authentic as possible - figuring as long as I was going to do it, do it right. I have also been fortunate enough to win a national award with it in class C10.

These cars are a lot harder to find the correct parts for than most people realize, but I could write volumes on that subject...

mike

Submitted by m_zavos@hotmail.com on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 13:35

Joe,

Thanks for noticing - I had not updated my profile in a while - guess I am a bit of a hoarder...

The '72 was a 5-year pull it apart, put it back together bolt by bolt project. I tried to keep it as authentic as possible - figuring as long as I was going to do it, do it right. I have also been fortunate enough to win a national award with it in class C10.

These cars are a lot harder to find the correct parts for than most people realize, but I could write volumes on that subject...

mike

Submitted by jquinn@cambrid… on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 10:56

Hey Mike. Thanks for the info, it's exactly what I needed. I also only now realized I posted in the wrong section (XJS vs. XJ Saloons).

You have very nice stable of cars on your list. How long have you had your 72' XJ6? How do you like it? Have you done any modifications to it? Keeping it original?

Thanks again,
Joe

Submitted by m_zavos@hotmail.com on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 16:33

Here is information on production information which I always use to tell which is which:

Look at the VIN number:

XJ6 2.8 1G1001- and up (RHD models), IG50001 and up (LHD models)
XJ6 4.2 1L1001- and up (RHD models), IL50001 and up (LHD models)
XJ6L 4.2 2E1001- and up (RHD models), 2E50001 and up (LHD models)
Sovereign 2.8 1T1001- and up (RHD models), IG50001 and up (LHD models)
Sovereign 4.2 1U1001- and up (RHD models), IG50001 and up (LHD models)

or look at the engine number:

XJ6 2.8 starts with 7G
XJ6 4.2 and XJ6L starts with 7L
XJ12 and XJ12L starts with 7P

mike