Hello all, Its been a long while since I've worked on my car or been on here due to moving cross country and other work stuff. I have recently started working on the car again, its a 1976 XJS (5.3L EFI V-12). I have a few questions for sure to start with one will be juding by the enclosed picture how far should I tear down, clean, and build back up given I dont have the space to completly remove the engine. On the other picture I have highlighted two rails (one on each bank) and was wandering what they are/do? Also pretty much all the wires have lost their braiding/wrap and I would like to redo that but have it look good what would be the best wrap for protection while still looking profesional/presentable.

Also any other recomendations on what I should do/have done (ie. slight modifications or ideas) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
John Groves
1976 XJS

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Wed, 06/10/2009 - 09:21

Hi John,
till just lately I was not aware of the amazing work that cats do.. a friend of mine has a convertible with no cats ,it was unbearable sitting in the car with the top down, of course it would not pass air care either........ He then purchased a set of cheap cats from e bay..... they really need 4, however with just two installed the breathability of the air around the car was once more breathable............ the newer cats are low back pressure and so have little effect on performance I believe........... with asbestos already stuck in my lungs this is important for sure to me............. I would suggest you get a set, they were only about $50.00 apiece.

Submitted by marionandjohn@… on Wed, 06/10/2009 - 09:09

Great! Thanks for the info. I will check into JC Witney. So since I have no cats then the Air rails dont really do anything right? Great looking engine Art

Thanks
John E Groves

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Wed, 06/10/2009 - 00:09

If it is not leaking do not touch it. The rails are for the air injection on start up to send in

Oxygen to the cats to help them light up ( I believe ) upon start up. they only run for awhile as pollution control, however the pulley runs forever till the bearings start making noises.....

I believe JC Whitney sell heat reflective coverings for the wiring etc with a slit to slide over the wires or pipes..
Good luck.....