Greetings fellow listers! Perhaps I may have missed the thread or not researched the archives that well but, is there any records of the most powerful Jaguar XK inline 6 cylinder engine? When I mean "most powerful", I'm speaking about all aspects as in torque, horsepower, RPM redline, etc. I guess fuel efficiency would be irrelevant. I would like to find out how that engine was set up as in: total displacement, type of block (iron or aluminum), type of pistons, type of connecting rods, valve diameter, head angle, cam timing and grind, carburetor or injection, dry or wet sump, inlet and exhaust diameter, type and diameter of exhaust headers, type and diameter of intake runners. I know that the behavior of the engine can be tuned by experimenting with various lengths and diameters of manifolds or runners. I also realize that the aspects of what you want the engine to do will depend on what you intend to use it for, such as short distance sprints, long distance endurance runs, hill climb rallies, etc. Hence, I'd also like to find out what vehicle or chassis type it was used in, what gearbox was mated to the engine and what type of race was it used it. Most importantly, who gets the credit for designing such a monster and if they would produce or still are producing more clones of that engine. Sorry for the lengthy series of questions. Maybe I might find the answers myself and if I do, I'll post my findings. Thank you for reading my inquiry.

Very Respectfully,

Lenny B. Ramjattan, N4WZQ
LBR700527atnetzero.net
1966 Jaguar Mk X, 1D76577BW
Pembroke Pines, Florida, U. S. A.

Submitted by LBR700527@netz… on Fri, 04/29/2005 - 22:10

Hi Pat!

Thanks for your response! I really was curious about the potential of the XK engine because of the recent series of articles in the Jag Mag and Jaguar World. I realize that the sky's the limit or in this case, the bank account. Don't worry, I don't think I am gonna go crazy with my Mark X! The power might have very little effect with the body weight, even if I strip the interior down. Then again, what fun would a stripped down Mark X be? Granted I would have to pull out the seats and the would to halt the rusting cancer on the body. I will need a local company to help me refinish all my wood. The front windscreen weatherstrip began to leak and water damaged the dash and then the floor pans. I got my work cut out but I know I can do it!!! My experience as a Bus Mechanic for Broward County comes in handy. The only drawback is the budget and the foreman of the house (the wife)! I wish I had funds available for me to get a little creative but I make do with the cards I'm dealt with. Again, thanks for your kindness and candidness.

Very Respectfully,

Lenny B. Ramjattan, N4WZQ
LBR700527atnetzero.net
1966 Jaguar Mk X, 1D76577BW
Pembroke Pines, Florida, U. S. A.

Submitted by mcload@ev1.net on Fri, 04/29/2005 - 11:06

Edited on 2005-04-29 11:16:57

Well offhand, I think the factory prepared engines for the C and D types were the "strongest" inline 6-cyl. engine (or perhaps the lightweight E's), but they were obviously specially prepared.

But if you want to build a strong race engine specifically out of a Jaguar 6-cylinder block, then you need to start with a good, late-model block and go from there. You can bore out the cylinders and use larger racing pistons and rods; get a crank ground that has more stroke; use higher-lift racing cams; assemble a bank of Weber carburetors; use headers on the exhaust; aluminum flywheel and racing clutch; etc, etc. Point is, you can build as big and as powerful an engine as you can afford...and we are talking BIG money.

I don't know that anyone is offering a "crate" Jaguar race engine ready to go. A lot depends on how "stock" you want the engine to be. You're not going to be able to change the angle of the Jaguar intake manifold, though you can certainly use bigger valves.

If you're after pure speed then you'd be better off using a Corvette engine (God forbid). There's only so much you can get out of a 6 banger.
Hell, you can run nitrous if you like...the more radical you get, the less longevity of engine life. I've seen a few Jaguar race engines come out of Classic Jaguar in Austin, TX....maybe they can help.

Patrick McLoad
1966 E-Type, Right-hand Drive Roadster
#1E1445