Wheeler Dealers GRM Episode 10: 1985 Jaguar XJ-S / L98 5.7L SBC swap

Welcome everyone to another episode of Wheeler Dealers GRM, where a forum member buys a derelict car in need of a little TLC, then blows the budget and sells the car for a loss! (Or something like that ) In this episode, we have one of Britain's absolutely classic GT's, a Jaguar XJ-S! But since this is the GRM version of the show, it has a small block Chevrolet V8 swapped in. We released a teaser of this build, now it's time to get to work.

Here's how we found the old girl, advertised on the local CL for way too much money. A cursory inspection found a straight car with no evidence of prior damage, a respray in the original black all over, and no rust.

She'd need a lick with a mop and some general tidying, but she was obviously in good nick.

Further inspection showed some ghastly flexpipe for the tailpipes that would have to be addressed.

Under the hood the original V12 had been swapped out in favor of a 5.7L SBC, specifically a 1989 L98 TPI motor from a Crammit. A test drive revealed why the motor had not sold yet, she misfired and bad. It was obvious somebody threw a lot of parts at the problem (new fuel pump, MAF, plugs, coolant temp sensor, injectors, and coil) to no avail. So we did the only reasonable thing, and ponied up a significant number of quid and drove the beast home!

A quick stopover at the local ethanol-free station for a tankful of 92 showed just how bad of a decision had been made this time...

As a newcomer to wheeler dealer, I'm watching to see how this is supposed to work.

MOAR.

I'm going to guess I'm the only person here rooting for fixing the misfire by replacing the boat anchor with a Jag V12?

My bet for the misfire is a bad distributor and/or injectors.

Also, those sheepskin seat covers. Argh. Somewhere there are some very cold sheep that would look much better in those covers than that Jag's seats.

In reply to Xceler8x:

They are fake!

And smart money is on the ignition control module in the distributor.

I'm going to say firing order.

In reply to Dusterbd13:

wouldn't that be funny if it was that easy!

You'd be amazed how many sbc that I have found 180 out and still running. Same with firing order backwards on the distributor cap.

Since injectors, firing order, and ignition module have already been said, what about the ECU tune? An ALDL cable ($60 or so) and Tunerpro (there's a free version) would be pretty much everything you need to check the maps.

GLWS. I could never get my heart into a neutered Jag-u-aren't.

HappyAndy wrote: GLWS. I could never get my heart into a neutered Jag-u-aren't.

The L98 has 245BHP/345TQ versus 242BHP/300TQ for the HE V12, and is 270Lbs lighter (which is also all from in front of the front axle). There's nothing neutered about it.

Please tell me this was under $2017, and I'll be on my way from New Mexico tonight!

Javelin wrote:

HappyAndy wrote: GLWS. I could never get my heart into a neutered Jag-u-aren't.

The L98 has 245BHP/345TQ versus 242BHP/300TQ for the HE V12, and is 270Lbs lighter (which is also all from in front of the front axle). There's nothing neutered about it.

BUT THE CHARACTERZZZZ! And the Solezzz!

Or something like that. I think it's awesome. And the good news is there are plenty of them still out there sporting the v12. Mostly broken down in someone's back yard.

WAIT.... is that flexible exhaust pipe I see sticking out the back?

Careful with the flexpipe. I cut myself to the bone on two to fingers pulling it off a Range Rover once. Why is it always British cars?

Damn, that's expensive gas.

Brokeback wrote: Please tell me this was under $2017, and I'll be on my way from New Mexico tonight!

Yup! It's going to cost you more that $2017 to get it from me though

Bobzilla wrote: WAIT.... is that flexible exhaust pipe I see sticking out the back?

Yep!

I like it. Very cool. Curious to get your impressions once it's fixed up a little. Also, I might be interested!

In reply to Cotton:

I flipped an actual V12 one years ago, so I am really interested to see how this one plays out, too.

Good thing you are far away. I sold my RX-7 and have money burning a hole in my pocket.

Those are damn near the Canadian prices for gas!

The gas is from the only ethanol-free station to sell 92 octane. I like to fill up my flips through there to help clean things out and ensure they run their best.

This should be uh.. entertaining. What all do you think this car will need to get it to a sellable state?