This is a beautiful 1997 XK8 with a LS1 out of a 2000 Corvette. The swap was completed using a kit from Jaguar Specialties. Their kits allow you to run any 1969 or newer Chevy V8 into multiple Jaguar models. All kits are bolt in and require no drilling or welding. This is nice feature in case you ever want to return your Jag to factory specs. The kits fit these Jag models
- 1970-1987 XJ6, XJ6C, XJ12, XJ12C and Vanden Plas
- 1976-1996 XJS, XJSC, and XJS convertible
- 1988-1994 XJ6 Vanden Plas and Sovereign
- 1998-2003 XJ8 XJR and Vanden Plas
- 1997-2002 XK8 and XKR
Source: Jaguar Specialties
Where did you get the jaguar valve covers
Those are GTO covers that I think someone has cut the “GTO” letters off and put their own “Jaguar V8” badge over it.
Need to swap a 2008 XK
I have a 2007 xk also thinking of swap
can you send photos of installed gm v8s
If you asking for photos of the swapped engine inside the engine bay you can view a lot in their gallery http://www.jaguarspecialties.com/LS-gallery.asp
i have found the 5.7 caprice engine which i believe is the ltz and would like to know if the difference is huge as far as swap is concerned. I require some insight and would hugely appreciate your kind response.
I don’t believe there is much difference. Their kits appear to be universal and work with all Chevy V8 engines.
I would suggest contacting Jaguar Specialties for more details.
Looking to do the conversion,
Is this, or another, chevy powered xk8 for sale?
Can anyone tell me the average cost convert my 2001 VanDen Plas Engine to a LS1 or other V8 and a Shop to do this in CO or CA. Thanks
I’ve spent $15,000 on my LS conversion…..be careful who you contract to do it…putting an LS in a chevy is NOT the same as putting one in a Jaguar. Besides wiring issues I have had engine overheating issues…I currently took the heads off, had them shaved (they were warped). put new head gaskets, new water pump, and new non collapse able water hoses on and replaced the radiator. We also wired the fans to run whenever the ignition key is on. If I still have issues after this I am selling the car!
Did you use Jaguar specialties kit?
1998-1903 XJ8 XJR and Vanden Plas
1997-1902 XK8 and XKR
IS this a typo? Should it be 2003/ 2002
Thanks Freddy for catching that mistake. Article is corrected.
Do you have to use the gm trans with the swap kits
I believe so. The company lists transmission options as T350, T400, T700R4, 4L60, 4L60E, and T2004R.
When I called I was told they Only do LS1-LS6 conversions and that I can’t use a 700R4. As an electrician I prefer to Simplify. Do you guys offer a Carbureted 69 or above 350/700R4 or not ?
Hi Neal. Thanks for updating us on Jaguar Specialties. I am sorry. We (Engine Swap Depot) do not make or sell any swap kits.
Jaguar mechanicals were never the cause of reliability issues. Jaguar problems were always related to an over complicated approach to electrical components and related wiring. Getting those bit sorted out, was always the Jaguar nightmare. Most old Jaguars are sitting about, due to electronics failures, not mechanical failures. Making a Jaguar into a Caprice Classic, does not solve its, electronic issues. What about the overly complicated HVAC system? Or the unreliable dash components? How does a Chevy V8 resolve these problems?
One needs an approach which includes electrical, and HVAC in order to make the XJ6 reliable. I would start with a “Painless” wiring harness and work foreword from there. I would simplify the HVAC, the gauges, and approach to control switches, by installing an aftermarket, American steering column and components.
I would construct an intake which allowed the Holly TB (sniper), and toss the OEM FI. I would update the alternator, starter, and AC compressor, and install a later cooling fan approach. A good mechanical distributor would round out the bits.
That should get one to a reliable Jaguar, retaining its 4.2 mechanicals. The Jaguar was capable of producing just over 200 hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque in the mid 80s which is more than the 1980s Chevys 165 hp of the same period.
Of course the other approach would be to fit a late model 4cyl turbo charged engine into the XJ, it would lighten up the 4k lb vehicle considerably, and provide more power than the original 650 lb, 4.2. Consider the Ford 2.3l ecoboost which delivers 280hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque… of course one would need to convince the engine its sitting in a 2017 Explorer…
If money is an object however, there are more less costly ways to build that dream car…. just because one can fit a v8 into an XJ, doesn’t mean one should take on such a task. Especially if one is relying upon someone else to make the conversion
You’re right. There are many attractive Jaguars sitting only because of electrical issues. XK8 is often mentioned as a future classic. A “painless wiring” hardness and associated upgrades (great idea) would be popular! Agree that having a Chevy engine in a Jag isn’t really an improvement.
I put a 408 stroker motor in my 2001 xk8 (the original motor blew at 38.5k miles)… all in it was around $27k (ouch, I know)… but the jag kit and new oil pan etc was $3k, the exhaust was $1k, trans was $2k, the wiring harness was $1k, my blueprint motors small block was $5K, the labor was around $10K (its a 70 hour job, so…), LS6 heads and all fuel injection and LS6 manifold and cam and all accessories was $2k and the head rebuild, etc was $1k, the gauges and tuning and dyno was another $1k, etc etc etc BUT, the car is perfect now… 470hp and 525 ft lbs at the wheels and the car is my dream car now. Sexy, beautiful and FAST. I will have it forever.
Also, I never really had any electrical issues with the jag, but rather suspension issues (front upper shock mounts) and convertible top hose issues. I always figured the ZF 5-speed in my MY would have the ticking time-bomb A-drum failure, but the motor went first.
Hi Chris. Thanks for sharing your project costs. It is great to hear your are driving and enjoying it. A well built dream car outlives its price.
Chris I have a 1999 Xk8 still running great im the second owner. It has 114k on it. Want to put a LS motor in it. Im not a great mechanic and was looking for someone to put it together foe me. Any one you could recommend to do the work? Thanks
Not sure where you are located, but if near South Florida I can definitely have someone for you. If not, check with Andrew at Jaguar Specialties and he may have someone near you. When I first called Andrew he put me in touch with a local guy who had an 1997 XK8 with an LS3 in it and it was great to see that and talk with him. Where are you located?
Did anyone have issues with steering linkage? I used the required headers for my 5.3 LS
Where can I buy those great weels for my XK in Europe?