Classics Saloons Forum

Alex,
Are you thinking of the 700R4 GM tranny, or one like the original GM type?

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1968 Jag 420G SOLD
1976 MG Midget, Denner "Ferrari" nose conversion
1972 Alfa Romeo Spider
1952 Jag XK120 FHC
1956 Jag XK140 FHC
1989 Nissan Pao (JDM)
1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
1951 Hudson Super Six

Right now I'm planning on the 700R4. which, by my understanding, is a really good fit for the XK with the 3.54 gearing. My main complaints with the stock Borg Warner fitted to the car is the gear ratios don't seem ideal for the XK engine, especially compared to the much more sprightly performance of manual transmission cars like my Mk2 and 3.8 S-Type, and the higher RPM at highway speeds due to the differential. The 700R4 should fix both these issues and is a pretty straightforward, well supported conversion.

--Alex Haugland
Eugene, Oregon
USA

Mike,
Yep agree.
At 60 mph, my 420G (Mk 10) is beating itself to death.

Are you using the kit from the guy in Dallas, or does the 700R bolt right up?

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1968 Jag 420G SOLD
1976 MG Midget, Denner "Ferrari" nose conversion
1972 Alfa Romeo Spider
1952 Jag XK120 FHC
1956 Jag XK140 FHC
1989 Nissan Pao (JDM)
1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
1951 Hudson Super Six

I was figuring I'd probably get the kit from John's Cars in Texas, though I plan to check with my mechanic who has installed a few 700R4s over the years if he has a different preferred source. Hefting transmissions around is outside of what my back will allow me to do by myself so I'll outsource the installation to him.

--Alex Haugland
Eugene, Oregon
USA

John's Cars -- that's the one.
(BTW, have you ever spoken with John?)

Please keep posted how the installation goes!

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1968 Jag 420G SOLD
1976 MG Midget, Denner "Ferrari" nose conversion
1972 Alfa Romeo Spider
1952 Jag XK120 FHC
1956 Jag XK140 FHC
1989 Nissan Pao (JDM)
1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
1951 Hudson Super Six

Hi Mike--unless you're going to enter the super fussy Concours activities, enjoy the 3.8 in that it has more power to move that big car along, if you look on the tag which SHOULD be on the right side of the engine compartment you'll find the original information including engine #'s etc. the block has it's size cast on it's side. I have about everything removable from a MK-X having disassembled a terminally rusty one if you need bits.
Cheers;
Michael

I Sold My Mk-VIII--the one in Hitchcocks VERTIGO cinema (which has since been decimated after the new owner died and his mother gave it to the body shop owner in payment for the bill who has NO idea of classic Jaguars so has stuffed a chevvy engine in it and removed all the lovely leather for probably purple velour cloth. I rescued the engine and BW and am dragging a MK-1 which has been sitting in a shed for 27 years to refurbish with this engine: a 3.4 with S head, 3/8" cams and H8's and a GM 5 speed. This old girl has a race history as indicated by it's previous conversion to a manual and roundels. So will be a fun project! This should keep me busy over the winter!!

2 seeks ago I got an exhaust kit and installed it on my S-type.
Last week I showed it for the first time. It got "Chairmans Choice award." I remain stunned.
Yesterday I found a short-to-ground at the front left side 5 way connector. It had essentially dissolved from 50+ years of being soaked in PS fluid so that all 5 circuits were touching each other and their mount bracket.
Today I rehabbed and rewired the right front turn signal housing.
Tomorrow I aim at reverse lamps/ license lamps and brake lights (brake pedal seems fine).
I have had the car for just over 6 years and have been throwing money at it (and time) as often as possible. I believe it sat for 20 to 25 years before i got it.

Today? Drove it. But the last two weeks? Well, the RH wiper wheelbox stripped out (RHD, so drivers wiper).
Bad enough the wipers crossed.
You cannot get a new wheelbox. No Longer Available. Evilbait has them, but what kind of condition?
The players want to sell you a $650US uprated wiper system. I spent some considerable time building a new wiper motor from three partials to replace the single speed with no park out of probably a Morris Minor

Got a buddy in Louisiana, who has been out to visit and actually rove my MK2. He had a couple from scrapped cars.
Got them Saturday, spent some considerable time pulling bits off the interior to access the silly thing.
Clean and lube, put the "new" one in, then did forensics on the old one.

Top 1/2 of 2/3 of the teeth wore off.

Cleaned and compared to the second unit I got.

Dug out my numbered drill bits and dial caliper. Old gear OD is about .005"+ smaller than the "new" one.

Shouldn't be a problem.

Then I looked at the housing "shelf" that the rack, worm, cable rubs on and holds the gears in mesh. Looks odd.

Laid numbered drill shanks in, slid from one end, onto some of the undamaged teeth and compared to "new" unit.

Old shelf is dished...badly....and there is at least .015" MORE clearance.

Could be a problem.

So, being the cheap fella I am (not by choice) we'll see how this does. One light rain drive yesterday, worked fine.

Heard the argument that nobody wants to invest in re-making these parts....but they sure as heck are willing to build a new uprated system for $650US to sell you.

Continued Rehabbing and reinstalling fuel tanks and pumps on the 66. I have not got the brake lights sorted yet, but driving season is essentially over so no rush there.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019-11-09 08:19 AM by JH4jags.

Prepped my car trailer to fetch ANOTHER Mk-1 carcass making three Mk-1's with them and all the bits I've accumulated over the eons I hope to recreate one or more, Being single, I really don't want a saloon, don't want an E or XK but DO want a Jaguar, having had several, A 'bastard' 140/150 shooting brake would do it, Saw one in Jolly olde which had the rear of a Morris minor Traveler added, NICE! The purists would probably lynch me if I did have/make one~~HMMM! maybe the rear wood from a 48 Pontiac on the MK-1??--need a place for my Dog companions you know.

Very interested in seeing what this would look like, and especially any progress.
Is this going to be a fast fabrication?

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1968 Jag 420G SOLD
1976 MG Midget, Denner "Ferrari" nose conversion
1972 Alfa Romeo Spider
1952 Jag XK120 FHC
1956 Jag XK140 FHC
1989 Nissan Pao (JDM)
1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
1951 Hudson Super Six

I suggest using a spare roof to continue the "proper" body lines. Maybe use rear door skins as the tailgate? Lots of work!

Pekes or Newfies?

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1968 Jag 420G SOLD
1976 MG Midget, Denner "Ferrari" nose conversion
1972 Alfa Romeo Spider
1952 Jag XK120 FHC
1956 Jag XK140 FHC
1989 Nissan Pao (JDM)
1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
1951 Hudson Super Six

Over the last few days I have been working on renewing the carbs. They are very ugly inside with actual chunks of stuff and a rusted in half spring. I am surprised that the car ran.