2JZ Swapped Jaguar XJS Build | Top Gear American Tuned

Bryan’s no ordinary 21-year-old driving a 30-year-old car. That car is a Jaguar XJS, but instead of an LS swap for reliability, the original V12 was traded for Toyota’s famed turbocharged 2JZ. Rob takes the Santorini-black XJS for a proper midnight cruise on the empty streets of downtown Los Angeles
to learn about this unique build, and grab some late-night street tacos. Now, what's your ultimate engine swap?
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[@stuartkarshagen6274]

This has got to be one of the nicest builds on this series, not a race car with a roudy exhaust, just a sleeper cruiser. Well done young man 👌🏻

[@chrisprice4658]

The dude has some style ✌️😎😎

[@claudedottin1312]

Exactly , style it has simple yet stunning

[@altonbay629]

Have owned several XJS over the years. There is something about the cool elegance of the vehicle. It's posture, the flying buttresses, Connoly leather, burled walnut dash and ski slope... But, there was always the (hem hem) "dependability issue". Especially with the V-12. This young man has put some real new class into this classic. Great job!!!

[@zumaanandrade3961]

@@altonbay629 My bwoy put a ford small block 350 twin turbo in his Jag. it's a sleeper alright.

[@prithvirajjadhav5500]

But dear that original v12 was remarkable

[@MishraArtificer]

Thank you for not butchering a *running* Jag V12 for this. I don't normally like seeing super bizarre engine swaps (except for putting piston engines into FC and FD RX7s, because *sticks out tongue in Rob's general direction*), but I'm all for doing it to keep a dead car on the road. Besides: you could get an XJ with an inline six back then, too, so it's not *that* heretical...

[@chesspiece81]

There were more of these powered by SBC than Jag engines in the 80s-90s but this makes sense too. Those BBS look perfect on it, he just need to figure out a way to get the center caps to fit the front.

[@wolfgt12]

I recall Matt Farah reviewed one on his old series. I almost thought it was the same car but switched out the vetter motor for a 2jz.

[@adrianharrison5208]

yes sure there was

[@letsgetdoing]

These builds are the builds most backyard mechanics LOVE!!!! Everyone with money can throw money at something until it works but they have NO swag. My guy got that swag in his build! Salute my guy!

[@gregoryfranks7347]

Damn right when I saw this car on a video the other day. And was so flabbergasted I had to message the owner and tell him how extraordinary of an idea and execution this build was. Well what do you know the next video that feature this car happens to be on the number one automotive channel in the world, scratch that the universe. Top gear doesn't get any better I knew how special that car was when I saw it and if any car out there deserves it it's this car. I think the gentleman that built this car I think we'll have a pretty remarkable career. This is a project that you don't have to be rich to do but it's also two of the best automotive styles and we all love made it before anyone else thought of it. Again I say to this young man out freaking standing!!!🤙💣

[@janpruijser8649]

Love this, but PLEASE start uploading in 4K! So nicely shot, it deserves it.

[@Snoo42]

Please keep on doing this show it’s actually amazing.

[@sprezzatura8755]

The six-cylinder engines in these cars were very reliable. Also the 6 literr V-12 last generation was a spectacular power plant.

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

And the pre-H.E 5.3L is better for mods. 😄

[@iainbagnall4825]

This looks so mint. Although surprised he didn't go with a manual transmission? if I was building one of these, the supercharged straight 6 from the first XJR and a manual trans would be my choice, but the 2JZ has such great aftermarket support it makes it a more viable swap especially in the US, I can pie in the sky about different engines all day long but the right engine swap is the one that gets finished.

[@carado1984]

Or at least a 4l80

[@PlayinWithMahWii]

Most of the manual transmissions that came with the 2JZ, such as the W58/R154, are infamously weak. The V160 is strong enough for it but infamously expensive. CD009 from a 350Z would be strong enough but was probably too big for the transmission tunnel.

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

​@@PlayinWithMahWiiCD009 is no bigger than the TH350/TH400 that came in those jags.

[@jensenhealey907efi]

I have a 1985 XJS that originally came with the 3.6L naturally aspirated AJ6 motor and the 5 speed manual Getrag trans but I have swapped in the 4.0L AJ16 motor from the later X300 sedans. It runs really nice and I enjoy driving it with the nice manual transmission.

[@simonofelmet7508]

Gorgeous car and cool build. My dad had a concours winning 86 XJS and I will always have a soft spot for them.

[@davidclarke7728]

I owned an XJS V12 for seventeen years and toured all over Europe and it never ever let me down , only thing ever broke was high pressure powers steering hose but could still be driven tho garage , I too am a Jaguar lover , had 4 litre , 4.2 litre and 5 litre XKR , recently owned 3 litre F type now own 5 litre F type R awd , love it

[@johnmuzic3475]

Damn my dad bought several XJS coupe V-12's in 1989 and 1990 when I was a kid...loved those things more than words can describe..the smell of the leather, wow..the smooth power delivery...teh presence...always breaking down though, especially the electrical systems...but loved it..he had a dark blue one, a black one, and a red one with white interior with red piping, my favorite of all time...what memories...

[@SupraUK_]

No way Isaiah slipped in a "that's not going anywhere" in a TG video LOL

[@michaelevans933]

He stole the show with that one

[@UncleManuel]

This episode had totally Larry Chen vibes! Those video shots look stunning, especially if you have the whole city almost to yourself... 😎🤟

[@CoreyWhite-dr1xh]

This car looks so flawless and awesome rolling through that city at night, just glowing and marks class and taste, not just a build that has many cousins to pass by every day, its way better than the normal builds everybody seems to do one after another, its its own show, and yes its a show stopper, head turner, jaw dropper, cup spiller, slap you not one time but two times, and makes you smile all while watching it roll by, its nothing we see everyday, so for this, i say , what a fine representation of doing yo own thang, its perfect....

[@EstorilE36M345]

I’m in love. I’ve listed after XJS since I was a kid in the 80s. This is perfect.

[@andrewnotmyrealname7827]

Rob needed to wind it out in the tunnel, if he did, I didn't hear it because the music was louder than the car.

[@marshmellow3110]

Always loved that car. Wheels look great, and the engine is obviously incredible.

[@rondye9398]

Back in the 1980's I built an XKE with an aluminum 406 Chevrolet under the hood (bonnet) connected to the 4sp. box. AC, PS, etc. Raised the rear gears to 2:88 and still only used 2 and 4th. Never should have sold it. Have pondered these XJ-S's. I have a '65 4.2 Jaguar just waiting for a couple turbo's! This car looks fantastic.

[@R19Robbin]

Such an unique and good looking car 👌

[@sarahdell4042]

How did this episode fall under my radar?! Awesome episode & car!

[@MickeyMishra]

I can't believe Rob Dahm is in it! 🤩

[@West4ea]

Stunning I’d love an XJS. If it looked like this

[@3xeplodng_3agle_studios]

They're cheap still. Help bring 'em back. I love mine. Going for some power upgrades and a manual gearbox at some point but they're great stock. Don't sleep on the V12 either. They're a bear to work with until you learn all the little nuances. Most people just don't want to bother with the time and extra effort. Given the condition most original or even second owners left most of them in, I don't blame those people. But that extra time and effort is SO worth it. There's nothing like a jag V12 on Earth. When tuned up and turned up, they gain a sort of British muscle car vibe to them. Had they wired it all better, not run with Lucas or Marelli, and not been forced to comply with emissions in the 1970s like the rest of the auto industry; I'm confident they'd have been capable of being an SBC/LS rival as far as how easily modifiable and swappable they'd have been with the same level of aftermarket support.

[@krnt13]

This is a much better engine than an LS, mainly because it keeps a similar sound to the v12 and I love that.

[@eddy0803]

and because one of the versions of the car in the UK came with a straight 6, so its not like its been butchered to make it fit.

[@adambenk0]

I wonder, how much does the LS weight and how much does the 2JZ

[@amandeepbaa6978]

2jz the world

[@lorddoobsworth144]

@@adambenk0 actual all-aluminium LS engines are significantly lighter then 2JZs, the iron block truck V8s are a similar weight

[@adambenk0]

@@lorddoobsworth144 Really ? That is amazing.

[@markniblett4857]

Nice very nice. Yes I have an xjs so I understand that itch. At 62 I've been scratching for a while. God speed my man. Maybe soon we can go for a drive. If you need anything give me a yell.

[@orlandovera4046]

I’ve always loved the look of this year Jag…

[@daboy12s]

beautiful car, we had a Lister XJS in the workshop a couple of weeks back and its made me want one!

[@JerryFlint6]

Just found you - what a brilliant conversion. No it's worth watching Tom Walkinsham hustle the V12 around Mount Panorama.

[@nickcook7408]

Original V12 engine in these were solid and reliable. They were let down by the shittiest wiring looms and connectors you’ve ever seen.

[@woodyTM]

AKA shitty owners that never took care of their car.

[@captainamerica8172]

I love the look of this jaguar. I was thinking of doing something similar but would want a twin turbo LS. Or maybe just supercharger.

[@buzzshytyear3358]

I do like a xjs! I had a v12 when I was 19/20. Did sod all mpg and drank as much oil but I got it as a dog and improved it to where my talent at the time could take it, then the gearbox died and I couldn't afford to fix it anymore. Wasn't a fast car, but just had a certain thing about it that I really liked! Seeing this makes me want another for sure!!

[@CJWatson-e7z]

What a lovely interpretation of the Jag. All the lines, more than enough power and zero concerns about it running well.

[@drumsticknuggets5123]

Agree Street tacos after a cool night time drive is the best. Very cool jaguar.

[@lucaswong6478]

@bryanpontifes I cannot express how impressed I am with this build, certainly one of the greatest I've seen. Keeps the spirit of the original perfectly while still being distinctive and having modern reliability/convenience despite being an 80s Jag. Not to mention, you're only 21 and probably did it on a shoe string budget with limited tools. Hats off to you!

[@Schmitzelhaus]

I love that front, the bumper really completes the look!

[@burgundyexpress]

Imagine that with a V12, that would be amazing!

[@yamcha111]

it came with a v12

[@johnnywoods9473]

So they removed a V12 and replaced it with a Lexus engine out of my mum's car? What a shame.

[@banditpsycho3573]

@@johnnywoods9473weak v12 vs built 2jz hmmm not sure what wins.

[@neilthompson3017]

Not a jag without the v12

[@aumkar2]

So happy for Rob! Excellent content.

[@claudedottin1312]

So beautiful yet simple. I dont know what happened but this did something to me as far as just wanting to night cruise. Excellent!!!

[@tristanmayor6302]

Obviously I follow Rob's channel, but his association with TG gives authenticity. Rob is definitely the real deal. Great presenter too

[@DirtyJaguarRacing]

I can't tell you how happy we all are that you hit traffic- that nighttime street scenario was ridiculous! This driver is definitely a man of taste, but did you check the trunk for silverware or stolen paintings? 😉

[@katherinestiletto]

Do you mind picking up the check? I’ve got to go warm up the Jaaaaaaaag!

[@gregoryfranks7347]

youre a jag fan. now youre probably thinking about the xkr growing up but you must love jags because this was the same as the sec mercedes this is what f1 drivers had in there garage in the 80's unfortunately they were probably broke down. still this was the prettiest coupe of its day. im still just in awe how clean and just right.its what this car should have been. being the jag man i am going to tell yousomething only a jag guy would understand. this is a car that mr. tom wakinshaw would be impressed by. there is no higher compilment you could ever get. i grew up dreaming of a trw xjs or a lister, arden those less known but way cooler than anybody realized. i think this is going to be the first of several cars that are going to grace a top gear thumbnail. you have something special. i think you better get ready this is your new business card. i wish you all the success that is going to be coming your way. i think if you keep at it some kid might have a poster with one of your future cars. wow. 1 in a million. i'll take an xj6 coupe(cant remember what its called but id like it similar to a widebody trw race car. lol

[@78Outlaw]

2J a nice swap and fits well because these motors were also originally offered with the OG 4 litre straight six so works well

[@T.S.T2014]

Love Jag’s, love this series and love this build he has completed.

[@justastratos3148]

My grandad has 2 XJRS’s so the TWR Bodykit brings back memories. Also, what a graduation gift jeez.

[@FishinginGaming]

GOD DAHM ROB IS GREAT AS A HOST

[@PlayinWithMahWii]

Love these videos with Rob! But we need 4K quality on the stream! KZbin 1080p cannot do the camerawork in this video justice!

[@awesom6588]

2jz actually makes a lot of sense, car came with an inline 6 and a v12, preserves the smooth revving character but adds aftermarket reliability and performance upgrades.

[@JayB-bq7hh]

I love the body lines of the XJS , a true classic, but better with reliable motor for way cheaper repairs !!!

[@2.fresh767]

You made the right choice, Jags are the business. Big shout from lil old England.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@returnofthestrangers]

Such a brilliant idea ......loved this jag always

[@sjaguartype]

I’m really really conflicted here… It’s beautiful and vey well presented and no doubt with the Toyota engine (possibly) more reliable…. But and it’s a big but, the V12 has plenty of potential for tuning, and the big cat deserves a big engine

[@AutoAndChill]

Can't honestly blame you for not wanting to work on a Jag V12. I love cars that were made for slightly too long to see how they evolved over the lifetime they were produced and the XJS is a proper Jaguar that ended up being a very beefy beast indeed, so a modern 6 cylinder making a lot of power just makes perfect sense in one of these, it looks comfy too

[@MarcSob22]

V12 any day!

[@carholic-sz3qv]

Nope, v12 might be great by not that popular anymore in swaps and also reliability and parts….. a 2jz or bmw good engines are good enough

[@woodyTM]

@@carholic-sz3qvyou must forget the cost to fabricate something like this to end up with a vastly inferior platform.

[@EmirHKS16]

Who remember the nitrous powered Jag? Damn old goooddd days

[@MbTrojansurgeon]

And the 90s groovy music!

[@Veryperceptivecat]

I'm totally not into JDM, but my God... I love this build!

[@lorddoobsworth144]

JDM cars are right hand drive cars officially sold in the Japanese market, that could be a Toyota or a BMW. There's nothing 'JDM' about this.

[@Veryperceptivecat]

@@lorddoobsworth144 you know exactly what I wanted to say by 'JDM'... you must be really fun at parties.

[@lorddoobsworth144]

@@Veryperceptivecat I don't get invited to partys bro 🤣, fair enough sorry for being a nerd lol

[@Dario.Mtz10]

This is amazing! I really love CLASSICS!

[@nickcook7408]

XJS requirements; Tyres, brakes, suspension, SIGNIFICANT weight reduction, Judd V10 & Drenth sequential. Mission accomplished.

[@2bht765]

Fascinating episode, the 6.0 v12 was the best one of them, they only made a small number in the last of the the XJS models! Anyone know what the song from the intro mark until the 1.30 point is, especially from 1.25-1.30 It's now stuck in my head and I tried Shazaming it with no luck!

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

Where else would a classic jag be right at home? 😂 the mechanic my bro. Not this one though. It has a robust heart

[@UPRISING144K]

Great build, but how many gears does the auto have? Seems like a different transmission might be better, maybe he will change it in the future? 6 speed would be awesome. But looks great 👍

[@sl0wmk6.5]

Sick to see this. I’m in the process of ls swapping my 76 xj6. Glad to see I’m not the only 21 year old into jags 😂

[@orangelicious33]

Beautiful Jag. I’m working on a 84 XJS Chevy conversion. Love the wheels and rims. They look great what are they!!!! Please, please, please!!!

[@1961ebutuoy]

Beautiful car. He isn't the only one with a thing for the beautiful Jags.

[@siansroadtonirvana]

This Jaguar looks awesome!

[@cuuntreeboy]

I literally spent 2 hours looking for a facelifted XJS to buy after this video

[@AraCarrano]

Good to know all the warning lights function at idle.

[@Hotpack7279]

Is the Exhaust missing? I would have the need to fill that Holes under the Rear Bumper,

[@JakeTheSnakeProductions]

I LOVE this car.

[@jensenhealey907efi]

Keeping the awful TH400 trans seems like such a bad choice to me. A V12 powered XJS is totally transformed if it is manual swapped to a Tremec TKO or similar 5-speed transmission.

[@ceedoubleyou]

being your channel, would've much rather a 20B under the hood, now that would be a swap and a half!

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Yes it's a credit to you on this build if I knew more about 2jz I do one have the xjs I would run a 4l80 or one the new 6 speed auto transmission

[@alhamedi66]

Amazing beautiful xjs project costly .what the wheels size and spec

[@temp8420]

Stunning. Beautiful

[@olezevs]

That's a clean build, well done 🤟

[@aronbennett4760]

Cool build. Beautiful car.

[@Pirustae]

There's nothing like a Jag

[@SenpaiAndy]

The homie I’m so proud of him ❤

[@AlbertManiscalco]

he should 3d print a tiger hood ornament for this one :)

[@raycroal]

how does he design and make his own front bumper splitter?? do companies do that for customers?

[@AmirPomen]

Never in my mind come accross rob dahm being top gear presenter...keep em coming

[@RTree613]

Nice build

[@RossTierney-x2u]

Hi there, what size wheels are these? Thank you

[@mrharry8466]

I really love that car

[@mambastu]

Looks great on the BBS

[@farouqshahrouriarts]

This Jaguar looks amazing

[@anthonyorafferty5632]

Great looking car. I went in the 80's From UK in Germany with the XJS V12 5.3 . The Berlin Wall had just came down 14 days before. Eastern Germans were looking asking what? They were told 'That is the English guys' We felt like Spitfire pilots

[@ktgmeasap]

My 5.3 V12 is on its last legs…Found this vid because of that. I wish I had the know how to do a swap like this!

[@BahnstormerUK]

A British Supra....love it ! Great car great video.

[@martindurkan1547]

Where did you get the wheels from ?

[@Stark707.]

The XJS looks soo good

[@hakandelabiarritz6750]

this is to destroy an icon. should be forbidden.

[@Drum44er]

This thing is clean!!

[@I999-g2s]

Just needs black wheels and trunk full of weapons… Something so classic about the XJS.

[@TheCabrooster11]

Such a really cool build not in anyway the norm’ but undoubtedly beautiful and unexpected.

[@ec6933]

What a wild contraption

[@IDv8I]

They were always a very sexy car, the swap makes so much sense. I would have loved to hear that 2J scream though. Thanks again Rob.

[@acesonmurray4660]

congratulations you built a Lexus .

[@JohnnyRempit]

Everytime you say Jaguar, I can't help hearing Jeremy Clarkson saying it in his accent. 'It's a Jaaaaaaag'

[@drvisnic1541]

This is nice and original. I personally would love an xjs convertible car with no convertible top at all. They are very rare. But with a Ford 4.0 Barra Turbo conversion 👌 🏆 🥇🙌

[@shaned1500]

that jag is beautiful