To cut a long story short I decided on having the car completely rebuilt with as many modern extras/changes as I could I am not bothered about keeping the car as original I wanted it to drive like a more modern car. Everything has been renewed or restored from the gearbox which is all synchro and has an uprated 4.2 overdrive unit, the rear axle with a 3.54 lock diff has all bearings replaced and new UJ's to prop shaft, the steering rack, the hubs wheel bearings all rubber bushes etc etc. It has a very expensive suspension system consisting of rear Boge shocks heavy duty lowered Coomb springs front Gaz shocks and a Harvey bailey front roll bar all professionally set up for the car it does not roll, the handling really is superb!
The engine was totally rebuilt it is a 3.8 with a new 4.2 injection head (bigger valves), new 8 to 1 pistons triple SU's mounted on a MK 10 inlet manifold, fully balanced bottom end many new parts running on unleaded fuel. Fully rewired new leather, carpets, refurbished wood etc etc. Modern extras like all 4 electric windows, remote central locking, alarm, interior light delay, cruise control, rear view camera, sat nav.......as I say lots of extras that I have listed below with pics. The car goes and stops like a dream it really does shift and sounds great! But the best bit is the handling for such an old heavy car it is a revelation.
I have recently had it up for sale at £49,995 then dropped it to £45,995 which might sound a lot but compared to cars at JD Classics and some older Vicarage that are for sale it is cheap! I have had quite a few people wanting to swap various cars but after considering what it stands me at and what I can replace it at I have decided I am going to keep it. It's one of those cars that make you smile every time you drive it and it is adored by people wherever it goes.
Here is the list of extras;
Power steering fitted and a new 65 amp alternator
Aluminium competition radiator
Coopercraft front calipers with vented discs and EBC pads rear E-Type calipers
Oil cooler
Competition stainless steel free flow exhaust with cast iron heat wrapped manifold
Battery moved to the boot
Upgraded Smiths heater with stainless steel water pipes and electric engine cooling fan
Water ingress Perspex carb shield
8 new Cream Smiths dials made for the car
Leather centre armrest
Oil temp gauge
Electronic speedo with digital odometer
High torque starter motor
Fully alarmed
XJ40 front electric seats with rear illuminated walnut picnic trays
Electric front and rear windows with rear window immobiliser switch
Heated FRONT and rear screens, front on a time delay
Cruise control actuated from the gear knob
Remote central locking with auto window closure plus auto door locking when ignition turned on for occupant safety
New wiper motor with variable speed wipers
Sat Nav
CD player and memory card
Bluetooth phone and IPod connection inc lead
Rear view camera
Interior courtesy light delay
Upgraded speakers and amp
Hazard warning lights
Here are some pics the XJS I have also just finished restoring and will post a topic in the XJS forum.
