My own 1975 XJ6C

Update 1, March 2015, See below

Update 2, February 2016, Click Here

 

The car itself had been converted years ago with a carbureted Chevy 350 Targetmaster and a T700R4 transmission, and was overall in ok running shape. But it was very different looking as a full fiberglass body kit (of unknown origin) had also been molded into the body all around. It looked like no other XJ6C. All of this work had been done years and years before, and the whole car was showing it's age. The right side floor was weak with rust, the body kit install had cracks here and there, and the engine was tired. But it was a good place to start. Here are a few pics of the car as it arrived.

(when was the last time you saw wire wheels on a car with a body kit?)

Work began right away- out came the 350/700R4 which was sold off to a street rodder. I already had found a wrecked 1998 Camaro donor and that good LS1 and 4L60E automatic package was pulled out and prepped for the Jag. Over the next 2 months, that LS1 was in and out of the Jag probably 20 times for test fits, etc.,. Finally the correct set of mounts, shifter pieces. oil pan, and exhaust manifolds had been finalized. Much to my surprise, virtually none of the conversion parts used on the earlier SBC Jag conversions would work with the LS1- an entirely new conversion kit and related parts were needed. Luckily, because the XJS and the XJ6 coupe/sedans were built on the same basic platform, the parts developed here also were good for the 76-96 XJS cars. Anyway, that work led to the offering of LS conversion kits for these models, all of which were very well received by customers. The conversion in this car came out very well and features:

• 98 Camaro LS1/4L60E (EGR and air pump removed)
• 2 1/2" mandrel bent true dual exhaust (under the differential in back for less restriction)
• High flow cold air intake with K&N filter

As I mentioned earlier, the car needed a lot more work than I earlier expected. The right side floor was too rusty to save, the brakes were barely adequate, and the front suspension was worn out. Starting from the front to the back, everything that needed to be done was done-the car got the full Jaguar Specialties treatment, using all of the parts we offer::

• Front suspension rebuild with polyurethane A-arm and steering rack bushings, new sealed balljoints and tie rod ends, new KYB shocks, and 1" front sway bar upgrade.
• Steering rack upgrade to later XJ6 Series 3 style (better steering ratio, more reliable)
• Rear suspension freshened with new KYB shocks, new trailing arm bushings, and a 3/4" rear sway bar kit
• Brakes fully redone- XJ6 Series 3 master cylinder, new booster, braided steel brake hoses, all new rotors (cross drilled in front), rebuilt calipers and semi metallic pads
• 17" XJR wheel set with 255-45-17 tires
• Lowered 2" front and 1 1/2" rear

This was a project I worked on when there was time from other products- there were periods where it would get a lot of attention over a month or two, and then sit for 6+ months. This wasn't a straight out thrash to completion. The body also needed some work, so that was next area to look at. The rusty right floor was replaced (that was quite a job). Then I decided a classic but smooth look was what I wanted, so the car got the following  body mods:

• Removed all side marker lights
• Removed al trim and emblems
• Removed energy absorbing bumpers- go to earlier chrome style
• Use Series 1 XJ6 hood and grill (gives more classic look up front- better fit with earlier bumpers)
• Add European 7"  outer headlight conversion (better night lighting and improved front end appearance)

There is still much to do on the car, but it's getting closer. The body work is nearly done, so paint is coming in the nearer future. And then I can look at the interior ( I'm off to a good start there with 89 XJS front seats- made by Recaro- very comfy) ...

Anyway, here are a few pics of the car now so you can what's been accomplished (sorry it's a little dusty...)

: