John's Cars Guide to XJ6 and XJ12 Sedans

	The classic Jaguar Sedan was built for 20 years in many variations (XJ6, XJ6C, XJ6L, XJ12, XJ12C, and XJ12L). We define the "classic" XJ Sedans as all sedans from 1969 to 1987 in the USA (the classic XJ sedan was available through 1992 in the ROW [rest of the world]). Check our XJ Sedan Model Guide below for more details. Here is a list of Jaguar conversions and parts available for your XJ Sedan.
Chevy V8 Conversion	Where it all began, the Chevy V8 conversion for the classic XJ Sedan and all XJS. With our conversion kit, you can use the Chevy motor and automatic transmission of your choice to create your dream Jaguar.
XJ6 Quarterbreed	Not ready for a complete conversion? Keep your 6-cylinder Jaguar motor while replacing the idiosyncrasies of the Borg Warner automatic with the sturdy and long-lived GM transmission. The T350, T400, and T700 overdrive are options.
XJ12 Quarterbreed	Stuck in 3rd gear? LEAP into the 21st century with a T700 overdrive behind your V12 motor. This is the latest of our retrofits for Jaguars with a V12 (1973 to 1992 XJ12 sedans and all XJS).
GMALT	Jaguar picked GM for it’s A/C, power steering and air pumps – now YOU can choose a GM alternator and exorcise The Prince of Darkness (AKA Joseph Lucas) from your kitty. Keep the cat’s eyes bright with the latest John’s Cars retrofit: GMALT, a GM alternator kit for your XJ.
XJ Sedan Parts	We carry a full range of spares for your XJ Sedan – new, rebuilt, aftermarket, used and leftovers. Check out our parts and products pages.
XJ Sedan Model Guide	Want to know the difference between a Series I, II and III? What does the "L" mean anyways? Find the answers here.
XJ Buyers Checklist	Ready to buy a Jaguar and make your dreams come true? Don't go looking without our checklist of common problems and look fors.
New Products	JCI now offers a new option on our Chevy V8 conversion that will let you re-use the T400 transmission that came behind the V12 motor (1978 to 1992 XJS). The option is called "J400".

1969 to 1987 XJ Sedan Model Guide

The classic Jaguar XJ Sedans began life in 1969 and continued until 1987. They carried several different model monikers over the years including XJ6, XJ6C, XJ6L, XJ12, XJ12C and XJ12L. The XJ was inherited from internal Jaguar names for projects. The 6 or 12 is the number of cylinders of the Jaguar motor. The "C" cars were a shortened Sedan with only two doors. The "L" cars were lengthened to provide more room in the back seat. The cars were also split into three different Series by year.

Series I	1969 to 1973 four door sedans with power steering, brakes, and electric windows, marginal air-conditioning, large front grille, metal bumpers, operating vent windows on front doors, wood rails on door window sills, 4 gauges plus clock across center of dash, definite European styling. 108" wheel base, 3.54 rear axle for most 6 cylinder cars, 3.31 for most 12 cylinder cars. Trunk letters XJ, XJ6, XJ12.
Series II	1974 to 1979. Updated to meet U.S. safety and smog requirements: rubber bumpers, door beams, emissions equipment and about 500 pounds heavier. Front grille smaller to blend in with bumper styling. Electric door locks, automatic climate control with large A/C center vent (gauges moved to surround smaller speedometer and tachometer), vent window glass in front doors is no longer operable. Flick wipe added to wipers. Most cars now 112" chassis (4" added to the rear floor for passengers) designated by letter "L". 1974 is last year for SWB four doors. XJ"C" two door hard top coupe introduced in 1975 built on 108" chassis, discontinued in 1977. Air noise from doors and poor roof panel quality rumored causes. Fuel Injection standard 1975-on 12 cylinder and 1978-on 6 cylinder cars. Square outside rear view mirror 1978-on. 3.31 axle ratio standard most cars.
Series III	19791÷2 to 1987. An "Americanized" car with new features: cruise control, twin square electric mirrors, intermittent wipers, cassette radio and electric aerial, electric seat (drivers only) and electric door locks now operated by front door key instead of console switch. Cosmetic changes include new grille, bumpers, larger tail lights, door handles flushed-in, vent window post eliminated. Roof raised to accommodate taller drivers. Sunroof added 1981-on. V12 motor dropped in U.S.A. due to CAFE laws. Hubcaps styled as alloy wheels were fitted in 1979 to 80. XJS type alloy are fitted from 1981. Trip computer 1983-on. Taller gear ratios, 3.07 and 2.88, instituted trying to meet CAFE requirements. XJ6 designated, all on 112" chassis. Replaced by the XJ40 (aka "The New XJ6") in late 1987.
All Sedans	All cars have fully independent suspension and four wheel disc brakes (inboard on the rear). Ventilated rotors on front brakes from 1974-on. Brake and suspension components virtually identical on all XJ cars since 1974. All models have Lucas electrics unless otherwise noted. V12 cars featured positraction rear axles. Telescoping steering column all models – tilt not available. All U.S. 6-cylinders have Borg Warner (BW) automatic transmissions. U.S. V12 have BW trans until 19771÷2, then all 19771÷2-on V12 use a GM T400 with a special "Jaguar only" case that will not adapt to earlier V12 engines, Jaguar 6 cylinder motors nor Chevy V8s. 6 cylinders – 4.2 liters - 258 inches, V12 – 5.3 liters – 327 inches. There are exceptions to everything. If you are presented a car that is "special", especially year or model wise – BE CAUTIOUS.

1969 to 1987 XJ Sedan VIN Guide

The following table lists the starting VIN (vehicle identification number) for a model year. Example: All 1981 XJ6 Sedans fall between 320092 and 330272. Your VIN is important because it is the final authority on when your car was built and what components apply to it. Keep you VIN number handy when ordering parts for your Jaguar.

The VIN is typically located on the driver's windshield pillar or the driver's door or jam. On USA cars federal law specifies that it be permanently affixed in the dash area. Jaguar cars have a plate that is riveted to the windshield (roof) post on the driver's side. (Gray market cars usually have a metal tag glued to the dash pad). Additionally this number is stamped into the RH fender brace or cowl brace and finally it is on the door or door jamb (by the hinge on early sedans, lock striker on XJS) on a embossed label. All three should match - be cautious if they do not. The label is often painted over but usually you can still read it. This is where the build date, i.e., 8/79 will be found. Earlier Sedans have a metal plate with engine, transmission, body information stamped in it that is riveted to the fender well. European cars have a 2 x 3" label with similar information under the hood. The color and trim codes are usually found on 1980-> stick-on labels with the VIN.

Engine numbers are used for all types of parts - gaskets, Lucas, flywheels, hoses, fuel parts, ignition, and especially water pumps. What will really throw you a curve is "What kind of ignition do you have" when you order XJS floor mats! The engine number for an XJ6 is on outer edge of bellhousing flange of block where it meets the transmission. Ten o'clock position if viewing the motor from the rear. It is visible when you peer past the brake booster on the driver's side. Example 8L25468. The V12 is a bit harder because it gets dirtier - located on the bellhousing flange at 12 Noon - take a torch (English for flashlight).

Series	Year	XJ6	XJ6L	XJ6C	XJ12L	XJ12C
I	1969	1L 50001	X	X	X	X
	1970	1L 53203	X	X	X	X
	1971	1L 55686	X	X	X	X
	1972	1L 64129	X	X	X	X
	1973	UD 1L 69908	X	X	UD 1P 50153#	X
II	1974	UE 2N 50001	UE 2T 50093	X	UE 2R 50001	X
	1975	X	UF 2T 54779	UF 2J 50045	UF 2R 53930	UF 2G 50060
	1976	X	UG 2T 56746	UG 2J 51369	UG 2R 54264	UG 2G 50426
	1977	X	UH 2T 63599	UH 2J 52842	UH 2R 56786	X
	1978	X	UJ 2T 69541	X	UJ 2R 58421	X
	19781÷2	X	JAVLN 48C 100001	X	JBVLN 48C 100001	X
	1979	X	JAVLN 49C 100749	X	JBVLN 49C 100001	X
III	19791÷2	JAVLN 49C 300001	X	X	X	X
	1980	JAVLN 4AC 310676	X	X	X	X
	1981	SAJAV 134@BC 320092	XJ6 Vanden Plas	X	X	X
	1982	SAJAV 134@CC 330273	SAJAY 134@CC 330273	X	X	X
	1983	SAJAV 134@DC 346688	SAJAY 134@DC 346688	X	X	X
	1984	SAJAV 134@EC 366290	SAJAY 134@EC 366290	X	X	X
	1985	SAJAV 134@FC 389879	SAJAY 134@FC 389879	X	X	X
	1986	SAJAV 134@GC 431604	SAJAY 134@GC 431604	X	X	X
	1987	SAJAV 134@HC 461709	SAJAY 134@HC 461709	X	X	X
Notes	# 1973 XJ12 Models are all short wheelbase in the USA - no "L". @ Security character (usually 0 to 9)

You may purchase via PayPal. But you will get better customer service and sometimes lower prices by ordering via telephone at (214)426-4101.

GMALT – A GM Alternator for your Jaguar XJ6, XJ12

Picture

Description

Part #

Price

XJ6 GMALT

gmaltv12.jpg (11900 bytes)

V12 GMALT

Jaguar picked GM for it’s A/C, power steering and air pump – now YOU can choose a GM alternator and exorcise The Prince of Darkness (AKA Joseph Lucas) from your kitty. Keep the cat’s eyes bright with the latest John’s Cars retrofit:

GMALT, a GM alternator kit for your XJ.

The kit is built to JCI standard specifications: 100% bolt-in, heavy duty parts (the adaptor bracket is 1/4" steel), all needed hardware, plug-in wiring (no splices plus it maintains the original color codes so your mechanic’s purist nose won’t suffer a fatal attack) and instructions of course. No cutting, welding, dents, drilling, or other modifications are needed. Black zinc plated so you don't have to paint it. Add 10 minutes (to read the instructions) to the normal R&R time and change for the better to the best!

Kit does not include the alternator, what you’ll need is listed in the table below. For 68 to 87 6-cyl XJ Sedans, I recommend a GM 78 Amp unit. If your kitty has a TV, FAX machine and Boom Box, you can still be happy with a heavy duty 94 Amps unit. V12 cars require more juice, so 94 Amps is recommended. Contact your local parts emporium and ask for the part number on the list. Remember you’ll need a new excuse to be late now – I am sure the cat will think of something.

Jaguar Model	68 to 87 XJ6 & XJ12 All V12 XJS
Vendor	78 Amp	94 Amp
Chevrolet Autozone Car Quest Delco Reman. Lester NAPA Pep Boys	1101307 DL7273-6 01-504-6 321-247 7273-6 213-4350C 7273-6	1101308 DL7294-6 01-504-6 321-267 7294-6 213-4356C 7294-6

New 94 Amp
Alternator
Brand New - No Core Charge
$108.33

GMALT

A7294NEW

$75.00

$108.33


	XJ Sedan Conversions		John's Cars, Inc.