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Don't quote me , but I think John intends to replace the outer rails with boxed sections and adding the Formosa framework and roll hoops to the chassis , I think it will be plenty strong enough ...
Its a bit OTT ...But will be an impressive car if he can keep the arse end on the road !!
Hmm, nice, simple swap. Just bolts in, doesn't it?
No more complicated than anything else really ...John says the sump fits between the rails ok , clearance on the bonnet is going to be mostly ok ..maybe a larger bulge ...
Oil filter will need a remote fitting and a modified thermostat housing apparently ... I think a little nibble on the centre for gearbox clearance , and obviously , new mounts ..but no more than the inline 6 in Eric's has thrown up really ...
The 5.3 isn't a very tall engine. The 5.3 XJS had a flat bonnet, it only gained the bonnet bulge when the 3.6 straight 6 was fitted and that was canted over.
Make sure you change the plugs at this stage, they will probably never get changed again!
Great engines but tall and heavy. Early 60's models don't have valve stem seals so tend to drink a bit of oil. Carbs can be expensive if they don't come with the engine.
If it has the smooth cam covers it is an early engine, ribbed covers came in in the 70's.
2.4 gutless, don't bother.
3.4 very sweet.
3.8, this is the one everyone wants nut generally expensive.
4.2, later engines and for our purposes the best as it is the most modern.
Engine capacity is cast on the block.
Johns been tinkering away and is working with fitting a SBC flywheel and clutch , apparently its not too bad to convert ....
whilst hes been collecting parts and planning the car out ..he's made up some aluminium hinges , they duplicate the existing hinge but are chunkier and lighter ...
We can now officially say these are available ...£40 each ..
