Comments on the jag sedan thread here from a non-bc reader, Joe
Augenbraum, former XKE owner and former professional Jag mechanic. He runs
the exoticar mailing list and currently owns a Merak - if you think tuning
an SU/Stromberg 2-carb engine is fun, try 3 dual-downdraft webers on an engine
that fouls plugs if you let it idle too long while tuning...
One question: which years were Series I, II, and III XJ6's?
Randell Jesup
Date: Tue, 13 Dec 94 11:10:28 EST
From: joe@sol.asl.hitachi.com (Joseph Augenbraun)
To: Randell.Jesup@scala.com
The 5-speed conversion is available here too (I don't remember if its a
Toyota, though). There's no point, however, as the cars were available with
a 4-speed plus overdrive. Of course none of the overdrives ever work, but
it wouldn't be British if they did.
Basically there are *no* XJ6's in the states with manual transmissions.
Earlier sedans have a 50/50 chance of having a manual in the states (except
for the big ones like 420G's which also always have an automatic)
Series I XJ6's are desireable IMHO because the front end treatment and dash
are different, giving it sort of a transitional old-world charm -- half way
between a Mark II and the later XJ6's. They also have a manual choke which
is a big win.
Some or most early Series II XJ6's have the same carb's as Series I's (dual
Strombergs), but have a wretched water-based automatic choke. These never
work and cannot be fixed.
Late Series II's have FI, as do Series III's. In this application its a good
thing, the cars start and run beautifully, which is something that cannot
be honestly said of the carburetted cars.
The fine handling / ride characteristics of XJ6's are a result of a huge
number of difficult-to-replace rubber bushings. These degrade over time and
miles. Even though they have identical suspension, you will think that a
1976 is a fair to middling car and a 1986 strikes the finest balance between
handling and ride you've ever felt on a softly sprung car. The difference
is the dry-rotted bushings. (The bushings aren't expensive, just time-
consuming to replace).
There are a couple of modifications that every XJ6 should get. The steering
rack is held in with wimpy foam rubber bushings; sliding in a couple of washers
to limit movement transforms steering response. FI cars come from the factory
set too lean and with too slow response on the air flow sensor. Breaking off
the potting compound to get in and make these adjustments is rewarded with
0-60 times decreased by a second and a half, and no problem passing emmisions
either. XJ6's are famous for cooking their transmissions. This is due to
inadequate cooling of AT fluid in the radiator; an aftermarket transmission
cooler should be installed. Every 6 cylinder Jag engine needs tappet guide
hold-down plates installed at 40k miles. Any car without these will make
horrible knocking sounds even at idle. Installation is an easy two-hour
process. All XJ6 catalytic convertors clog at 70-90k miles. Replace or
ream it out, or you will lose the head gasket at 100k miles.
I personally prefer the Series 3 cars. I would avoid series 2 carbureated
cars like the plague (they just cannot run well). Series 1 is kind of fun
because they're a little more funky. An XJ6 with a manual trans would be
a cool toy, but unfortunately they don't exist in the US.
Joe
|