Engine sizes

[jeff1954]

Have the XK120/140/150 all got the same engine eg 3.4 Ltr as it says in this month's mag, or is this a misprint. I states that the numbering 120/140/150 is to do with the top speed of the car, in which case if they all have the same engine they should all do the same top speed. It also states that the 3.4 engine went on to power the DS 420 Limo. I know for a fact that statement is wrong as I am an ex Jag mechanic. Maybe I'm reading it wrong I don't know.

Jeff.

[piman]

Hello Jeff,

they all used the 3.4 but Jaguar developed the engine increasing power as they went along. The most powerful being the 150 'S' with about 250 bhp, as against the 120's 180 bhp.
I'm sure you are right about the limousine, I think, as indicated by the model number it used the 4.2 engine.

Alec

[stuarthardy]

That's right, but the XK150 S ultimately used the 3.8 litre engine as later fitted in the E-Type. The engines were basically the same, just different displacements and states of tune.

I don't think the XK150 was ever claimed to do 150 mph but I could be wrong.

Regards

[XjRestorations]

As above - all XKs had the 3.4ltr XK - in different specs - except for the 150S that ran the 3.8ltr as found in the E-type.
ALL DS limos had the 4.2ltr XK.

All the best,
Keith

[piman]

Hello Stuart,

"I don't think the XK150 was ever claimed to do 150 mph but I could be wrong."

Poetic licence? The E Type was supposed to do that but, by all accounts, needed a bit of tweaking to achieve it?

Alec

[jBlackwell]

Hi all,
The claimed top speed back in those days was complete poetic licence. The DB5 was claimed to have a ridiculous top speed which it never came near, but it sold the car.
In saying that, does that mean the XK120 should have been renamed XK173 after Norman's run in Jabbeke.

James

[XjRestorations]

Only models fitted with a perspex gold fish bowl and no drivers seat could be called the XK173

[piman]

Hello James,

"The DB5 was claimed to have a ridiculous top speed which it never came near, but it sold the car."

I don't remember that? Certainly the engine horsepower was overstated but so was that of other competitor's engines. Aston's sold on their bespoke construction and cost the David Brown organisation more than they recieved in selling the cars.

Alec