1983 Jaguar XJ-6 5 speed manual gearbox conversion

My trusty 300k mile XJ6 needed something to help keep her young, and I decided the best thing would be a manual gearbox. This was a 5-speed Getrag 265 from a 1981 BMW 528i. With a bit of luck, help from friends and an excellent machinist who was willing to do small odd jobs, I was able to make this a reality. The transformation in the car was truly amazing,she now seems to have some enthusiasm, whereas before I think she had decided to settle gently into the good night. I had the windows down when I made this video and the noise you hear as the car picks up speed is from the wind and the lens cap banging against the tripod. I will try to do better next time.....

Details of the project can be seen at http://jagsouthrestoration.com/83XJ6_5Speed/Page_1.html

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Jaguar
• XJ6
• manual gearbox
• manual transmission
• 5 speed
• Getrag 265

[novom2001]

The transformation is amazing, even in a car as well worn as mine. There were no instructions, and this was my first time to do this job. A friend had come across the adaptor plate to mate the tranny to the bell housing some time in the past, so I knew It could be done. From there, I just took it one step at a time. If you follow the link to my website,you will find a general idea of how I did it.

If you want to do it for your car, I will be happy to share with you what I know.

[TheRealKeiff]

Are there instructions that you followed or di know know how to do this through experience? i really want to do this to my 87 xj6 and would love to know how you did this!!! brilliant sir brilliant!!!

[novom2001]

@TheRealKeiff The transformation is amazing, even in a car as well worn as mine. There were no instructions, and this was my first time to do this job. A friend had come across the adaptor plate to mate the tranny to the bell housing some time in the past, so I knew It could be done. From there, I just took it one step at a time. If you follow the link to my website,you will find a general idea of how I did it.

I will be glad to share what I know if you decide to do it to yours.

[WaterCottage]

Did the Jaguar crankshaft have a pilot bushing hole in it already ?

[novom2001]

@WaterCottage Yes, the pilot hole in the crank is the same one that is used for the automatic's torque converter. You just need a bushing to suit your application.

[tylerwerrin41]

Hi Novom,

I did some research -- you can adapt the stock fittings to either An-3 or An-4. I plan on going with the An-4, just in case i upgrade to a stiffer performance clutch later on. If you are interested, the summit part # is: 641001 for an4, and 640281 for an3. How long was your clutch line from master to slave? I need to buy steel braided lines today :-). Also, i found a cheap slave cylinder w/ bleeder, which can be used as a replacement for the stock (92 camaro.)

[novom2001]

@tylerwerrin41 I used a steel line from the master to a homemade L - bracket which I mounted on the 3/8 bolt that holds the fender braces to the firewall. From there I used a flexible line of 12 inches or so to another L - bracket mounted on one of the bellhousing bolts, and another steel line from there to the slave. Basically I copied the way it is done on the E-type and I used E-Type lines and fittings. Are you planning to use a flex line all the way from master to slave?

[johntechwriter]

Too cool for school! How I'd love a 5-speed in my XJR.

[Haffschlappe]

Dont forget your driving gloves :)