I finished my LS-Swapped Jaguar. Here's what I think.

In this video I finally take you all for a ride in my LS-swapped 1990 Jaguar XJ-S! This project has been over a year in the making and I'm so thrilled to be able to share this video with you all. This project tested my patience more than any project I've ever taken on, and the results were worth it! If you want to see the entire journey on how this car got to this point, check out the playlist here: • Jaguar XJS LS Swap: Pu...

[@Alquerian]

I think those who swap the V12 for the Chevy V8 by and large are making the right choice. What you get with the Chevy V8: Reliability, Better Power, Better MPG, Less Expensive Maintenance, Lighter Engine and Lower Center Of Gravity. You 100% made the right decision.

[@throwback19841]

Most of that is due to the ubiquity of the Chevy v8; that is in no way a criticism, its just a fact of a well-developed platform. My only point is that the Jag V12 is not an inherently bad engine. Its just a pain to get parts for and there's not much expertise on them to be found in the states. I'd cheerfully run one in the UK where emissions tests are a bit more intelligent and there are loads of parts and specialist support.

[@TyphoonVstrom]

@@throwback19841 I disagree. The V12 is a great engine from the cylinder decks down. The heads are a horrible compromise, as is the intake. The engine was never fully developed and the installations were very poor. Any engine that drops valve seats when overheated is not fully developed. And yes, they overheat easily because of the very poor factory installation into the vehicles. The biggest shame to me (a Jaguar enthusiast) is that Jaguar never went back and fully developed the V12. It could've been so much better in every way with a little work.

[@Alquerian]

@@throwback19841 It definitely matters whether you are in the states or UK. If I were in the UK, I would probably leave the old v12 in there.

[@Alquerian]

@@TyphoonVstrom All of the issues that you mention about the V12 is only the half of it. I am a Jag enthusiast myself, but not for their engineering, for their styling. I am definitely not a purist.

[@LCDqBqA]

@@TyphoonVstrom >The engine was never fully developed It was developed into a 750HP 24 hours of Le Mans winner... Twice over. TWR are reworking the heads (as we speak) and expecting 800HP+ from the NA V12.

[@derherr65]

I'm fairly confident that anything electrical in a Jaguar "only working sometimes" is factory stock. Never forget, Lucas didn't actually invent darkness, but they did perfect it!

[@05gtdriver]

Yup. Like the old joke. Why do the British drink warm beer? Because Lucas built the refrigerators... 🙂

[@dj_paultuk7052]

As a Brit, i think you did the right thing. You gave that car a whole new lease of life. It has more power, better torque, better MPG. And modern reliability. Geez whats not to like. It even sounds better too !.

[@Blowncapacitor84]

I COMPLETELY agree with you! Any person with any sort of intelligence would say you did the best thing for that car! Parts availability, fuel economy and not to mention reliability will be waaayyyy better!!! Great job man!

[@Haffschlappe]

A Lexus V8 would be eben better

[@gglen2141]

Any gearhead worth his/her salt would appreciate the engineering challenge and benefits of LS swapping anything. If anyone ever gets huffy about it you can be rest assured you are living a happier life than they are.

[@CanopyFlyer150]

Lucas Electronics: The inadvertent inventor of the intermittent wiper. Excellent work on this project!

[@alan8353]

I live in the UK. I love what you've done to the XJS. It's a credit to you. The parts and knowledge is more available for the straight 6 and v12 over here and are great when you get a good one or have the finances and patience to rebuild them. And at the end of the day you will still have the inherit problems they always had ( oil leaks from the rear oil seal and so on). A newer better engine is a logical solution. I myself have put a Rover v8 engine in my series 1 xj6. A temporary conversion I did 12 years ago that has proved so good I won't be bothering to convert back. If you keep the bonnet ( hood) closed who would know. I've been to Jaguar shows here and they really aren't as stuck up as I was expecting. You get the odd one or two who have nether owned or worked on one give their opinion. Once I point out that point they leave muttering. The point is you've kept the car on the road and most people prefer a car that is converted and cared for rather than original and not. Great job. I'm very impressed. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@geethsan1567]

As a Jag fan, my impression is that you just gave the car a second life. It just feels like it fits in all just really well. Awesome work,.bro.

[@crimsonghost6454]

It's great. I own a Jag now as well and have owned several. I have no issue with the ls swap. It isn't hurting anything but the puckered butts of the haters. Love it

[@Haffschlappe]

A Mercedes 560 V8 swap is even better

[@branhicks]

Internet trolls will never not be a thing. The community you've created with your content agrees this is some nice work!

[@p.a.jacobs5514]

Man, I am blown away.Way to go.12 cylinders are over rated. That car makes a lot of jag heads jealous as hell. Keep on trucking.

[@mcclendonreport]

Arguably one of the most beautiful cars ever made, the Jaguar XJ-S. Sheer elegance. I'd proudly drive one with an engine swap; even a V6 would be fine by me.

[@Beehashe]

Well done! The Red Jags is running! The Red Jag is running! To paraphrase Paul Revere.

[@conservativemike3768]

Fifty years ago we used to call this engine swap a “California Jag.” In the 1970s we had a classic coupe combined with a solid GM V8 and El Torino transmission. Possibly the best merge of style, comfort, performance, and reliability I’ve ever seen to this day.

[@jayjuggrnaut]

I like your story and decision-making process. The amount of money you put into the car isn't crazy to me, unlike folks that put 6/7 figures into renovating a vehicle.

[@Mrsteve4761]

For $15 grand you now have something fairly unique and full of character, as well as having experienced the joy that comes with the self-satisfaction of having done the work yourself, and to a successful end. Those of us who follow your channel know you're a real 'do-er' where I've known others with similar challenging projects to have simply given up mid-way. So now enjoy the fruits of your labor and drive the heck out of it.

[@reinkansman1081]

Thank you Aidan for making this finale to a lengthy and sometimes grueling project. I hope you enjoy this accomplishment for a long time.

[@amnril]

My father had a 1978 V12 XJS in British Racing Green, as it was almost new it was amazing but boy it was a total nightmare once that V12 needed work. He soon got rid of it.

[@dethray1000]

i have a '94 xjs convertible with only 80k miles on it--i am 6'2' and it is tight--the rear seat was put there to declassify it as a sports car--your insurance would be much higher if two seats--my little nieces fit good back there --mine is metallic red and i get compliments constantly--the car drives great-

[@gregsmachines8386]

I like it. I’ve got an XJ-S too and the v12 is fine. Agree not as much power but it is a beautiful engine. Don’t have a problem with someone swapping a V8 though. It does sound nice.

[@0MyWay01]

That muffler resonator combo sounds great on my tv. From that grin you are wearing it pull’s pretty hard! Nice job 👍

[@georgekriese4687]

I've got a low mileage '94 with the 4.0 straight six. If were a high milage 12 however I'd do what you did. Time to work on cosmetics like a new wood veneer ski slope & fix up the leather seats. Thanks for getting it back on the road.

[@Electrondivize]

I have been following your rebuild from the start ,I would like to see the look on your Neighbors face now !

[@annahopp]

I don't even like V8 conversions. But I do like this one! There are plenty of 1980s Jaguar XJ-S out there. Not all of them have to be original. If you ever come to Minnesota, you are always welcome at our Jaguar and British car shows. We respect all car enthusiasts and do NOT have a thumb up our rear. 🙂

[@hainkm]

I love it! I currently have an 86 XJS that I'm stripping down to make into an EV ... So if an LS swap was sacrilege....oh my. Nice work, sounds fantastic and if you used the trans kit I think you did, with the Corvette servo, those 4L60E gremlins should be gone, too.

[@magnoliav12]

I did a swap on my XJS as well, but mine was a Cadillac 500 engine instead. I had to do a lot of mods in order to get it in there. In hindsight, I should have done the LS swap with 4l60 like this guy did. I didn't use the 'kit', I built my own mod kit instead and used that. I should go with the 4l60e for cruising on mine to make it better. I get a lot of compliments on it too.

[@trinipattan1472]

I had a 1990 and a 1991 xjs. Both v12. They were very nice cars and I was able to work on them just fine. That said, I would have absolutely no problem sticking an aluminum ls under the hood just because they weight less, are more powerful and get waaaay better gas mileage than the 5.3 v12. Especially when you add a 5 speed auto instead of the 3 speed it came with.

[@alanmcclelland5245]

Congratulations on your build. A blend of classic styling with modern running gear. As an XK8 owner and old mechanic, I have no condemnation with your project. I hope you enjoy your car for years to come.

[@jkline398]

Don't worry about "all those" jag purity guys, there's really not many of them anymore. Where did they all go? To more reliable places, the ones left are like your grandpa that still thinks we are fighting Japan. They may never drop the low compression v12 era

[@frederickking-p4x]

I have a XJS JAGUAR 1982 silver just had the canopy done as it was parachuting looks good now next the leather seats...We do use Jaguar but don ' t take it out when it rains😅 ... had 7 years of Jaguar pleasure....❤

[@shanew3293]

Great Job and you helped save your sanity by removing that Jag V12 🙂

[@ThePooneil]

Outstanding! I had a friend with a TR-8 and the first thing he did was remove the fuel injection and put a holley 4bl on it to make it more reliable

[@jameslaidler2152]

The original prototype of the V-12 was literally a V version of the XK6 4 litre straight 6 twin cam engine. Why they went single cam after that and didn't keep the twin cam 8 litre is beyond me. As far as I'm concerned you did the right thing.

[@ZoomStranger]

Good on you - I've a Jaguar Daimler and after cooking two 4 litre engines after Mild sporty driving you are dead right. Forget the armchair experts - my neighbour has a V12 XJS same as yours and he can and has rebuilt it no problems - but any time he's taken it to a Jag place they have baulked at the scale of work they are and declined the job. In closing, the Jag Daimler is sitting in a friend's paddock because it had a fire under the dash. If you have a front opening bonnet Jag, Stop whatever you are doing and physically check the bundle of cables which rub against the pair of bonnet cables through the firewall...

[@richardlong1567]

Fantastic job......sounds great - looks even better - 10/10.....

[@b1heqh54]

I was impressed with amp fixin' - but now you've got my respect...nice work man

[@broeheemed32]

His real passion is neurosurgery!

[@partylee007]

Nice! Awesome LS swap and pretty car. There are lots of nice cars (like that one), that need the LS treatment, or the Crown Vic treatment otherwise they would be off to the scrapyard before their time. You saved that car from the junkyard.

[@RogierYou]

You have every right to be extremely proud of this car!!!!

[@mgboyd4765]

Impressive that you did most of it in the driveway without a lift.

[@frankc1430]

Nice job! I always hated Jaguars V12. Now you can bring it to car shows. Only thing different I would do is flip those tires around and get rid of the raised white letters. Just doesn't seem right on that style of car.

[@And.r.ew.90]

I’m European, and I love it and the V8!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Man alive, anyone that denigrates what you did here needs their head examined. That’s an awesome accomplishment.

[@tommcguire6472]

Way to go! So let other people get screwed over by this guy.

[@0p161]

LS is the tool for the Job

[@jeskohelms304]

Be proud of your accomplishments, as I am sure you are, she is sharp, guy!

[@3ducs]

Nice work! I had a 1984 XJS, lovely car, teal over tan, falling down headliner. That three speed automatic really let it down but once moving it was fast enough. You're right about the V12 being silky smooth, it complimented the smooth ride. The car would corner well also. Back when I had it the thing to do was to put a four speed automatic in them, what you have done though makes a lot of sense. I'm about to get back into Jaguars, a 2016 F-Type 3.0 S with 6-speed manual will arrive in 8-9 days. We never see them here in New Hampshire, I've never sat in one much less driven one, but this old man will have one soon.

[@johnvender]

You did the sensible thing with the LS V8. Here in Australia it was very common to put the Holden 5 L V8 into XJ6s, great ride, reliable and easy and cheap to fix in the rare case the engine actually needed work.

[@genericsomething]

These have always been my favorite Jag. The LS swap makes sense if you want to drive the heck out of it. I'll take mine in black.

[@henrywit6147]

You make many great points, and made a good decision. You've taken a plain-Jane Jag and turned it into reliable performance sleeper. Taking this to "crazy" would be to fix the v12, and swap it into the Yukon!

[@philsowers]

Came for the radios, stayed for the random car videos. ;) Jag sounds great!

[@robertlundstrom8061]

I admire your incredible skill to do the conversion! Great job 👏.

[@jonathanlindsey858]

Love seeing your XJ-S on the road and driving beautifully! This is one of my favorite automotive designs: low, long, and sleek! Enjoy it!

[@VcArena]

Love the swap. Lighter, more economical, better mpg, but dang i wish you put a real cam and did heads on your 5.3 while the engine was out. However, the lq4/lq9 bolts right up with everything you have already for whenever its time to upgrade. Acessories, intake, exhaust, all your mounts, everything.

[@haqitman]

Nice work and you should definitely be proud. I like it. It's way cool. Screw the haters.

[@kristoffermangila]

The haters consists of Jaguar traditionalists (about equal parts British and American) who moan at the fact that the gas-guzzlin' V12 (that can be fixed, in their opinion) was swapped for a better-performing, fuel-efficient, highly-reliable GM LS V8...

[@1967250s]

Rock on, dude! Excellent work, and good save.

[@uhn100]

I have enjoyed watching your videos of this Jaguar XJS and you have done a wonderful job of restoreing it to what you want V8 Straight 6 or V12 it a individuals choice I have a 95 40.litre 6 convertable I love it so don't take any notice of negitive peoples comments at the end of the day it's what we want and enjoy I wish many happy miles driving your XJS

[@PlaybackMansion]

You did that car a huge favor by LS swapping it. Good you know how to rebuild the 4L60. I've smoked three of em

[@BeastMR2]

I’m the midst of a similar project. Nearing the end of my paint prep (rust repair, stripped to bare metal, primering, etc), and then it’s on to replacing the old 1980 350 with a 5.7 Vortec V8 that I will then switch to a carburetor and then install the t56 sitting on my floor. So much work!

[@Jack-P-07]

As a lifelong Jaguar fan, I think what you have done is fantastic. People often say the example of that Chassis running at full performance is the Jaguar X100 XKR (not to mention it was also the chassis for the DB7) and Jaguar put a supercharged V8 in that themselves. Also, GM very nearly purchased Jaguar before Ford did so if anything its a bit of a 'whatif' car. Great job mate, hope you love driving it!

[@dinosaursr]

When the Brits and the Americans get together, look out world! Good job! Greetings from 🇨🇦

[@mikesharedexperiences]

Great mod & lovely Jag. Don’t diss all of us British petrolheads, come over and see the restomod scene in England

[@pablocruiser209]

Well done. Beautiful car. Sounds great too! I'll be looking for it out on 99.

[@bellwethertrucking3650]

Everything started getting *extremely* expensive in late 2021. Fall is when I start looking for my winter flip project. In November 2021 (when classic car prices normally start to dip), I went looking for a gen 3 Camaro and got sticker shock. So I started looking for something random and couldn't believe the prices compared to the year before when I got a running, driving 86 Fiero notchback for $650. Drove it for a week, then tripled my money.🤑 Last fall, with everything so elevated, I decided to do something newer and with a wider market, so I bunped my budget up and found an 09 Sierra 1500 with a newer YL6 motor from a 1500 HD for $5k. It needed some body work and an oil change to fix the knock.

[@jamesbronner3927]

It’s your car, you can and should do whatever you want with it….because it’s yours. Ignore the noise, everybody has an opinion. I think what you did here was awesome.

[@terrym1065]

Well, one thing about this project is, you did it, and if you like it that's what counts. I think it's damn cool and a smart looking ride. Determination and knowledge kept this car from the scrap heap and put it on the road causing heads to turn, well done. Enjoy your ride, you deserve it.

[@throwback19841]

He did it for a pretty reasonable amount of money too. Sure, you could get a brand new crate engine from GM for this swap, but then you are spending the kind of money where you might want to keep the V12. This is a very accessible project.

[@MegaKillerwatt]

Great job and beautiful car. The best part is you're young enough to look cool driving it. Enjoy your Jag.

[@seancain7305]

Great build & well done on its completion. I agree, unless you're a V12 wizard & limitless budget (see Harry's Garage on how long it took him to sort his XJC V12 out with UK experts on-tap) you're LS makes perfect sense & you keep the best of the Jaguar bits.

[@santosh911]

Exactly! Harry is enjoying his car, but you pretty much have to have limitless money to achieve that. Your V8 is simply better. Far more power, lighter and more reliable, but the most important part is the transmission. A modern transmission transforms these older cars. Lower highway rpm, crisper, smoother shifts. That V12 would be disappointing to someone used to a modern powertrain, but even if one wanted to retain it, a swap to a 5 or 6 speed auto would be a transformative improvement. My dad had a 1976 XJ6 that he converted to a 400ci V8, but the old 3 speed transmission it came with meant it wasn't that much better.

[@SanJuanCreole]

Beautiful Car. Awesome swap

[@collinwood60]

Aiden, a jack of all trades! Nice job and a heck of an accomplishment. Looks great.

[@keithhope709]

Great effort. Smart move. Thanks for sharing

[@Roscoeverdin5469]

Genius! Nicely done and no criticism. I love my 2003, stock Super V8.

[@wayland7150]

You've done an excellent job. After all Jaguar are now fitting V8s when traditionally they were either 6 or Double Six. The LS engine is a very practical choice for American too.

[@ralphmadera4366]

This guy should have a million views ! Awesome work 😊

[@adairtl]

Dude, I've been watching your build. AWESOME! You did an outstanding job on this build and it is beautiful. Good job my friend.

[@JermaineWilburn-xt3mc]

It's called, simplicity 💯❤️💢,YEHA LET GO

[@jagv12m]

I have owned 5 xjs three of them got small blocks and one got a 454 .Placng an LS fixes 90 percent of the cars problems bravo well done .When you sell it you will make your money back regardless es.The v12 was fun just not economical to rebuild and all the hoses are needing to be replaced on a constant bases .fuel lines are prone to fires and ECU issues are constant.LS fixes all .

[@moofdoggmike]

Very cool and spot on with your efforts, its yours and makes you happy with the satisfaction of doing the work yourself! AH-FIXED IT! btw, great roads around there, I go through there frequently, perhaps i'll see you and if you see a crazed man in a ridgeline beeping and waving hello, don't worry, its just a fan. Have a good one AH.

[@mikef3300]

I like it. The engine swap looks clean and it sounds really good plus the reliability skyrocketed. 👍

[@davelegg1490]

Forget the haters! Take the Jag to LS fest and enjoy the love you will get there. (lol) Great car!

[@aceautonewportky]

I'm proud of you, great job! You do it all! I had no idea you're a car guy? You have great taste in what you picked for your build. You are amazing!!

[@evolusd]

Beautiful car, excellent work. Super impressive swap!

[@dr.fritzprengel2378]

Great stock look Great mesh Great sound *Excellent work!*

[@Blowncapacitor84]

SWEEEEETTTT!!!!! VERY NICE MAN!

[@christopherjohnwest]

Wow nice job man! LS in a jaguar what a great combination! I had no idea you were a gear head! I thought you only worked on the Marantz stereos! I am into both as well, although I don’t really work on Marantz stereos but I sure like listening to them lol! Love all the content keep it coming!

[@uniquehorn1480]

Nice work! Thanks

[@ozelot250]

At the end of the day, it’s your car, your time and your money. Congratulations

[@JakeXXXJeff]

Super inspiring! I followed your whole series of videos originally because I love rebuilding and measuring old high-end receivers and amplifiers. I am very impressed... and a bit sad about the fact that I live in Germany where regulations are so tight, that something like this would most likely not pass inspection despite all efforts. Keep on keeping on.

[@normalguy556]

Fantastic. Only thing I would like to ser is maybe a more aggressive stall and a little bigger cam! But great job!

[@insolentstickleback3266]

I was looking forward to this cruising reveal! I am not the least surprised you took so much flak from the jaguar purists, nearly all of them do not have the where with all to find their butts with both hands and a schematic. What you did is a terrible smite to their psyche. 😁 Love the car, enjoy the fruits of your labor!

[@serpentrae]

good job now its a one of a kind

[@d1gardner]

One word......WOW!

[@dcwebb1]

Lovely car and a very nice job on the conversion. Keep up the content on it, this car and conversion has always been on my radar.

[@peterwinstonaldredge6927]

It looks awesome! I bet you get lots of looks and thumbs up while driving. Not the most practical car but, sure is a beauty!

[@paulb4uk]

Jag engines cost a fortune to fix you did the right thing and have it back up and running i believe it is common in the us to v8 swap jaguars and it makes for a much more useable and reliable car and it still sounds amazing.

[@cyberbarbaro]

This car is a piece of art

[@tonysajkowski3534]

Increadable good work .

[@elbobbo590]

This is amazing!

[@mireliomarzo6468]

We all loved this car.

[@eddiesmith258]

Awesome freakin video. I love what you did with this beautiful motorcar. I’m in California, and had a 1974 XJ6 with an LS swap. I love the brand, but some of their stuff was shit. I’ve also owned 4 different full blooded Jags that I also loved.

[@christopher3963]

It sounds great