QUESTION:
Is it beneficial to install a 5-speed transmission when you are doing the restoration or stay with the 4 speed?
Winter 2018
Is it beneficial to install a 5-speed transmission when you are doing the restoration or stay with the 4 speed?
ANSWER: Today’s driving of fast speeds on the freeways are in excess of 65 mph. In the 1960’s the average speed was much less, more like 50 mph. With the 4 speed, your engine is now running higher RPM’s because of the faster speeds. Your objective would be to reduce the RPM’s in the engine. With the 5 speed, it gives you a longer longevity of the engine which takes a lot of work away from the engine and in addition it is more cost effective with both gasoline and repairs. The 5 speed is close ratio and it also makes the vehicle more fun to drive.
I want to show my E-type, will upgrading the transmission to a 5 speed be detrimental?
ANSWER: If you want a factory correct car and are interested in showing your XKE at the Champion level, these upgrades would not be a good choice as it will detract from the originality of the vehicle. However, 5 speed transmissions are an excellent choice if you want enhanced driving performance and better dependability without over revving the engine in higher gears. Another great improvement to think about would be to upgrade the radiator to aluminum and install an auxiliary fan. These improvements coinciding with the transmission will give you the best drivability in an E-type. This is a personal choice and usually will not depreciate your investment. I base my thoughts about the vehicle depreciation off the fact that many people today are asking for this specific upgrade to be included in the restoration of their Jaguar.
What are your recommendations for my exhaust manifolds on my E-type? Should I go with porcelain or heat treated?
ANSWER: This is really a personal preference. Porcelain manifolds are factory correct for the car but have yet to be proven to last aesthetically and are difficult to keep from cracking. At that point it doesn’t look good aesthetically, the car would receive a deduction in judging at a JCNA concours. When the cracks occur, you will need to re-porcelain the manifolds. Heat treated manifolds have proven to last much longer aesthetically but do not have a factory correct finish. Both manifold choices have the same durability and will mechanically perform well. The difference is strictly the look of the manifold finish. Another option would be to keep two manifolds; one for showing and one for driving.
What do you recommend in regard to car covers?
ANSWER: If it will be just for coverage in the garage, then a light cotton or flannel cover is fine. We use and sell the Indoor Black Satin Shield Car Cover. However, if you own a roadster with a cloth top, we do not recommend flannel because it will get lint on the top, which we recommend you keep up when it is not being driven to keep the back-window wrinkle free. We do not recommend outside storage for your Jaguar, but if it is going to be stored outside, then use a cover made for protecting against water and the other elements outside. We would suggest you use a durable heavy cover, but those can be bulky and cumbersome for traveling.
How do I find out what the original color combination is for my matching numbers 1974 Jaguar E-type?
ANSWER: One way is to apply for a Jaguar Heritage Certificate by doing the following: Sending the completed form, which is available online at: https://www.jcna.com/librarylist with proof of vehicle ownership in your name (copy of title or registration, signed bill of sale), and the research fee to the address below. The charge is $50 per vehicle inquiry. Members of the Jaguar Clubs of North America pay $35. These fees are used to support the full range of Archives research services. Make the check or money order to Jaguar Cars
Jaguar North American Archives
Attn: Archivist
555 MacArthur Blvd.
Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 818-8144 Fax: (201) 818-8464
They will give you of all the original information regarding your car, such as: the numbers it was given at the time of production, the VIN, Gearbox, Body and Engine number; the color combination, when it was built, where it dispatched from, and the first registered owner’s name, if known.
I just bought a Series I E-type and I am not familiar where to jack the car.
ANSWER: Be careful and do not put the jack on the picture frame in the front as it will bend it. Put it on the bottom of the suspension, or on the sides of the car where there is a jacking point, below the rockers. When you lift the Jaguar be careful and put something soft like old carpet on the jack to protect the car. Place a pair of wheel chocks under the wheels not being raised. If you're raising the back, place the chocks under the front wheels. If you're raising the front, place them behind the back. Lift your Jaguar at two of the lift points using your floor jacks. There is one just behind each front wheel, and one just in front of each back wheel. You will need to jack up your Jaguar by either both front lift points or both back lift points to avoid twisting the frame. You could also use a floor jack under the back near the rear pumpkin.