[R-390] R-390 and Jagrolets

[DAVEINBHAM@aol.com]

I have owned a bunch of Jags over the last 30 odd years. I currently have 2  
XJ-6's. 
Both Chevrolet powered.
I think you should look at putting a Chevy 350 in your Jag the same way you 
would look at putting solid state rectifiers in your R-390 in place of the 
26Z5's. Both are reversable if you should ever want to " restore" to original 
condition. 26Z5's are bloody expensive as are Jag engine parts. And the solid 
state rectifiers are very reliable for day to day service as is the Chevy 
engine.

As to putting the Chevy 350 in an XKE, you are going to have to alter the 
sheetmetal but that is reversible because all the body panels are still 
available. You can put a Ford small block in an XKE without altering the 
sheet metal. I have not done that one myself, but I have seen it done.The 
Ford engine is narrower than the Chevy. 

And for your file of barely usefull information, one can easily turn an XKE 
coupe into a more valueable ragtop with all factory parts. The XKE was 
originally a ragtop from whence the coupe evolved.

Kindest regards,
Dave
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In a message dated 8/9/02 1:08:59 PM Central Daylight Time, 
tbigelow@pop.state.vt.us writes:

<< Surely it would be better to buy a solid state radio than to
 > modify an R-390.  This reminds me of the guys who used to put small block
 > Chevy engines in their Jaguar XK-E's.  To gain some added reliability, they
 > made an abortion out of the most beautiful car ever made, when they could
 > have just bought a Corvette.
 
 Saddest part is that the Jags are a very reliable car if you maintain them
 properly. Unfortunately too many people want the looks but have all they can 
do
 to change the oil regularly. At least their problems are solved now with the
 Forduars. Plug-n-play mentality, not unlike ricebox vs. tube rigs.
  >>