I have a 1969 XKE in near perfect body condition. I am thinking of placing a small block V-8 in it because I cannot find a original engine and transmission.

I live in Utah near Salt Lake City. Is there anyone out there who has has experience placing a small block V-8 in a XKE frame? If so, I would love to visit with you. My tel # is 801-898-4726.

email is gmattotalusa.net>

thank you for any feedback.

Gary Mitchell

Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 20:56

I'm just giving an opinion on " to do or, not to do ' the conversion. I didn't see any part of Gary's original post asking for opinions on to do the conversion or not. His request was for anyone who has the experience with the conversion. Nothing about should I, or shouldn't I.

Anyway Gary, look into one of Jags early V8's and tranmissions. That would be neat. Hell, if a V12 can fit in an E model, one of Jags V8's should do just fine, plus the name JAGUAR would be on the valve covers and no one could raise their nose about a Ford or Chevy engine.

Garfield

05/XJ8L

Submitted by deltajhotel@aol.com on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 13:12

Hell why not just go out and buy an old Mustang or Chevy Camaro if you want an American V8.
Put the E-Type on EBay or JCNA or Jag Lovers and allow a Jaguar Enthusiast to restore it back to its former glory

Just my 2 eggs and a ham sandwhich

Submitted by vineyardman68@… on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 12:15

Edited on 2012-08-22 12:17:40

I would like to see the end result. In fact I don't ever remember seeing a 1096 XKE, course I'm not quite that old---close---but not quite.

However, it's your car pal and if you want to put a V-8 in it, have at it. It's the same old story: A long lost friend you were always going to go see. Now he's gone and you never made the trip. You'll always be sorry.
Lifes too short not to do the things you really want to do.

Same here, if you don't do it, you'll always wonder and be sorry you didn't. Hell, you can always put it back the way it is, no issue.

Have fun and let us see the results.

Garfield
2005/XJ8L

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 14:56

Not that I would advise it but there are a couple of good conversions out there using a ford small block V8 done by an engineer at Lockheed, He bought an E type new drove it home and did the conversion, -engine & gearbox-, He made it without doing any modifications to the frame. he did reset the torsion bars. A number of times, for car shows, he would refit the 3.8. He sold it with the V8 and included the original motor which had less than 1000 miles on it. he did two similiar conversions for friends at the JPL in Pasadena. I have no idea what happened to the cars. I doubt anyone could do such a conversion today unless they had an open end budget!

Submitted by NE48-24099 on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 14:14

So let me understand this intent. You take a classic worth approx $40K, spend $10K to basterdize it, making it worth $15K, thus taking a $35K loss. Interesting.

Submitted by coventryclassi… on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 12:59

Hey Gary, We have been this route. You will keep better value if you stay with the original Jag engine & gearbox. I have availble what you need. Let me know if I can help.
Good luck, Tom

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Mon, 08/20/2012 - 16:54

Gary that is not a smart move and to be truthful you have not actually tried to find a proper engine. I will call you!