Originally Posted by
Homestar
They aren’t actually worth a lot to be honest, they seem to be the entry level as far as classic Jags go - Being a Series 2 built by British Leyland, it’s value is somewhat less than what you may think.
Those Series 2's are starting to go back up in price, particularly a nice unadulterated one like yours.
The last of the Series 2 XJ6's from 1976 were undoubtedly the best, I am very familiar with them, but have forgotten lots...
Stay with the original engine as all parts are readily obtainable and inexpensive, and it is a nice engine.
Its only fault being the coolant surrounding the cyl head studs, thus will eventually corrode if the coolant hasn't been maintained.
There is a stud behind each block welsh/core plug for access to drill out when the stud snaps...
About 4 yrs ago I rebuilt my 3.8 Mk2 engine with lots of "E" Type parts for a little over $4k
It only started getting expensive when I added stainless steel extractors, lightweight flywheel, "D" type cams, etc when I got carried away.
Not to mention the electric/hydraulic power steering rack, 4 spot alloy brake calipers, triple laced wire wheels etc all from the UK.
With the 5 speed Celica gearbox it would stay with an E Type up to around 110 mph, tested at a Symmons Plains Jaguar Car Club event day.
Interestingly, yours being a '77 and depending on what month, it almost certainly had either a) Stromberg carbs with water heated/controlled auto chokes, or b) the SU's but with the diabolical SU auto (exhaust gas) heated choke which worked very well...... but only when it worked, which was not so often.
Looking at the EGR valve and the fact you mention the pumps are in the tanks, I think yours may have had Strombergs, as my memory can't recall seeing SU's with the EGR but I'll stand corrected as "age" is my enemy here!
In your car, someone has fitted either early XJ6 Series 1 carbs/manifold with SU auto electric choke to replace the Strombergs, or simply an SU electric choke assembly to replace the SU AED (Automatic Enrichment Device)
Yours is an excellent conversion and well within the spirit of keeping it original, as the "lazy" people these days just fit a manual choke cable with linkages which work well but a bit of a pain to use. Certainly not in the realm of a fine Jaguar!
Cherish the car, it is a beauty!
EDIT: The fuel supply pipe has been bypassed from the air cond hose intercooler for some reason. Might be a good idea to re-connect this to assist with potential fuel evaporation problems.
Before: Ser 2a LWB, Ser 3 S/W, 1979 RR 2 door, 1981 LR Stage 1 V8 (new), 1985 LR 110 V8 County (new), 2009 RRS TDV8
Now: MY13 D4 TDV6. "E" rear diff. Cambo's magic Engine & Auto Tune.
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