Also bitten by the XJ-S bug...

[pimgmx]

Really going for broke on this one then?

Guess I'm beyond the point of denial now, Naki...



This arrived today: a rebuilt 3.54 diff to give it more sprinting oomph in low gears...

[pimgmx]

I just returned from a visit to the workshop, to get our daily MOT'd.

The manual conversion is now finished mechanically and electronically; only a couple of small finishing touches and it's finally ready for the next stage in the project...



The brand new ski slope makes the worn gear knob look even worse

First time I heard the car's new stainless pipe soundtrack, and I am far from disappointed!
Click images below for short clips:

1 - cold start



2 - a bit more throttle...

[leo_denmark]

Nice !

New injector rubbers I suspect ? They often make much more clicking noise.

And no overrun valves. Now I consider removing mine to get some exhaust popping

Leo

[pimgmx]

New injector rubbers I suspect ?

New-ish...
I haven't replaced anything in the engine bay yet (apart from fluids & filters), and will replace fuel lines, O rings, injector caps and wiring harness when it returns home.

[naki_k]

Really going for broke on this one then?

Guess I'm beyond the point of denial now, Naki...



This arrived today: a rebuilt 3.54 diff to give it more sprinting oomph in low gears...

Blimey! There’s me thinking it will have plenty of pace off the line! Hold onto your trousers, this is going to be a rocket ship. What happened to GT cruiser?
Why do I get the feeling you have already looked at how to shoehorn a supercharger or two in there?

[pimgmx]

Why do I get the feeling you have already looked at how to shoehorn a supercharger or two in there?

You know me too well, Naki!

But no, that kind of heart surgery doesn't just require a mammoth-sized piggy, you also need one of your eyes permanently glued to the coolant temp gauge, not my idea of fun...

The workshop's done for now: the whole manual-conversion process is finished.
I'll be away from home (again! ) next week, so have asked to deliver the XJ-S back home the week after.

Next step: more interior work to be done by myself and (ouch!) getting the car booked for a respray.

[naki_k]

Massive scoops to funnel in cooling air required!
There’s always the next thing.

What’s you plan long term for wheels? I assume you are not sticking with the 15” Lattice? That would be too easy?

[naki_k]

16” Lattice?

[naki_k]

Really going for broke on this one then?

Guess I'm beyond the point of denial now, Naki...



This arrived today: a rebuilt 3.54 diff to give it more sprinting oomph in low gears...

Presumably whilst fitting this the entire back end will get refurbished too?

[pimgmx]

16” Lattice?

Latest thinking is to have the OEM 17"s from my X300 XJR basket case refurbed...

...whilst fitting this the entire back end will get refurbished too?

That's the plan for 'Phase II', most likely not before next year.
So, apart from the diff:
- replace/upgrade front & rear suspension bushes with blend of OEM rubber and polybush;
- modified steering rack bushes;
- front & rear adjustable GAZ shockers and Eibach springs;
- ARB-compatible radius arms;
- rear ARB and beefier front ARB;
- braided brake lines front and rear, remote bleeder kit for back axle;
- overhaul front & rear brake calipers;
- upgrade pads to RedStuff or similar

With less than 26K miles on the clock that should make it 'better than new' in the handling department...
(and leave a gaping black hole in my wallet )