LS1 LSx V8 Conversion for Jaguar XK8 and XKR, 97-02

Building on our experience from the XJ8 LS1 conversion, we took on a similar project with a 98 XK8 convertible. This was a local one owner, 97k original miles car with a skipped timing chain that trashed the engine. Bad for them, good for us.

 The XK8 and XJ8 use basically the same original drivetrain, so we anticipated that much previous knowledge from our XJ8 conversion could be applied.  A wrecked 2004 GTO with low miles contributed its LS1 engine and 4L65E transmission and the work was on. Skipping forward, to the running/driving result, the car is a dream to drive. There is virtually no weight difference between the original Jag drivetrain and the LS1 package, but the extra power and torque makes for a great performer. Everything fits under the hood, all of the gauges work properly, the original Jag shifter worked perfectly with the new GM transmission, the AC is cold, and even the speed sensitive steering operates as it should. From the outside, with the hood closed, the car looks (and sounds) like a stock XK8 (at least until you put your foot into it…..). The added reliability and reduced running/repair costs of this drivetrain should easily pay for the conversion over time.

 Just like our earlier conversion on the XJ8, this installation is designed to keep overall costs low by using:

• Standard GM front accessory drive parts (including the AC compressor in its stock location),

• Standard GM high flow exhaust manifolds (no expensive custom headers required)

• Standard GM LS oil pan with only mild modifications (no expensive aftermarket oil pan required)

 With this work completed we now offer a kit and related parts for any customer to do a similar conversion on his/her XK8. The conversion is basically a bolt-in: there is no drilling, cutting, or welding required on the car. The conversion is designed around any LS engine (car versions of 5.7L-6.0L-7.0L, or truck versions of 4.8L-5.3L-6.0L; please contact us for details). The transmission of choice is the 4L60E or 4L65E 4 speed auto overdrive transmission (although we have had at least one early XK8 customer who used a 6 speed manual transmission behind an LS1 in his XK8; contact us for details..)

SEE VIDEOS OF THIS CAR- Click Here

Please feel free to Email or call for more info- we're happy to help. Attached are a few pictures of the XK8 prototype