Buying advice

Haves1979 · Post by **Haves1979** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:10 am

I have just sold my Tvr so starting the hunt for an etype. I need a 2+2 and only have a budget of around 15k. Due to the limited budget I'm also looking at lhd's and auto's so could anyone give me a ball park cost to swap lhd to rhd and manual to auto. So far only quote I've had is for auto to manual and that was 8k which seems a lot so guess there must be cheaper options?

Also if anyone knows of anyone selling a cheap 2+2 let me know - only real stipulation is that it is a runner with an mot.

Post by **Heuer** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:33 am

One to buy: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3225.
Give Hutson's or M&C Wilkinson a call as they offer a kit of parts for LHD to RHD - about ?900. There are some great guides in the Forum Knowledge Base on how to do it: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=700

Favoured option for converting a 2+2 from auto to manual is the MOD conversion (Manual Overdrive) using a Jaguar box from an XJ6. Try a Forum search on MOD or maybe others can chip in with experiences. e.g.: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php? ... hlight=mod

Haves1979 · Post by **Haves1979** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:52 am

Thanks I'll take a look at the links provided! I've spoken to David about the car above, so hoping to view in the next few week. Usually to try to view as many cars as possible however there seems to be very few cars around in budget unfortunately..

Post by **Heuer** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:59 am

There is this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/330792864230?cl ... 6096659859 which is open to offers.
Or this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/200817113577?cl ... 6095948561
Or this if you want a 'project': http://www.ebay.com/itm/330789078310?cl ... 6095353099

Haves1979 · Post by **Haves1979** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:53 am

Thanks for the links. I've been keeping an eye on the usual sites ebay, pistonheads, autotrader etc. So far I've Davids car and a S3 V12 manual to view. Would prefer an early 6 cylinder car, but really all comes down to budget.

PeterCrespin · Post by **PeterCrespin** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 12:47 pm

Haves1979 wrote:Due to the limited budget I'm also looking at lhd's and auto's so could anyone give me a ball park cost to swap lhd to rhd and manual to auto. So far only quote I've had is for auto to manual and that was 8k which seems a lot....

I'm confused. If you have limited budget why would you pay more for a manual and then even more to convert it to auto? Just wait around for an auto and save both ways.

If you really do want to switch to auto the best bet will be to find someone who wants to go the other way and swap everything. They will probably think they've died and gone to heaven. Another (pricier) alternative would be to try the far better Zf 4-speed overdrive autobox which is quicker off the line due to lower first, but more economical too, due to overdrive lock-up on 4th. I believe John's Cars in the USA do a kit to upgrade from the BW box the E-type came with and there'd be a significant weight saving too.

The actual box can be sourced over here from cars like the 3.2 XJ6 and others, so you'd just need the rest of the kit.

As for needing a 2+2 don't feel bad. They are great cars and the public hasn't a clue they are different from an FHC. From where you sit, they are practically identical anyway so you'll get the real E-type driving experience. Fine cars.

Pete

Haves1979 · Post by **Haves1979** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 1:06 pm

Sorry! That was meant to be auto to manual..

Limited funds means limited choice, so I'd just buy an auto with a view to swapping it to manual when I have a bit more spare cash.

Post by **Heuer** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 1:38 pm

Well Pete is your man if you want to know about converting auto to manual. You also might want to arm yourself with his book as it is pocket sized and good to have with you when checking out a car:

vee12eman · Post by **vee12eman** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:54 pm

Hi,

I converted a V12 Auto to manual using a Getrag Gearbox. I bought it for 700 quid complete with a flywheel and bellhousing suitable to do this, then did the rest of the conversion myself, making the gearlever, sourcing the mounts, clutch hydraulics and pedal parts. It can get expensive for the different trim, but you can leave the original trim in for an alternative look. The bell housings are still available - I thought they had been discontinued, but came across them again at SNG Barratt the other day. If you choose this route, get in touch and I will tell you what I can about how to go ahead.

There was a lot of work involved, but I got a 5-speed conversion which looks original and with a modern gearbox. For the six cylinder car, the conversion is easier with off the shelf Jaguar parts (or at least out of the wreckers' yard!). Trim considerations are the same, with both cars having a different centre console and radio surround dependent on whether manual or auto. Surprisingly expensive parts for the conversion include the correct pedals - you can buy complete pedal boxes, which are very expensive, or convert the innards - the pedal boxes themselves are the same, but the spacers, springs, brake and (obviously) clutch pedals and pedal arms are different.

Do you plan to do the work yourself or have it carried out for you?

As to buying a "runner with MOT" cheaply, please take care, there are a number of dodgy cars out there and you might end up with a great deal of expense before even considering the change to rhd or manual, as is said often on this and other forums, it is better to buy a complete basket case and do it yourself or a buy a sorted car, especially if you have to have the work done for you. Specialists are understandably and justifiably expensive for maintenance and restoration and your local garage just isn't up to the job. I recommend upping the budget a little and getting the car you want, but I agree with Pete that the 2+2 is a great car, better looking in the metal than in photos.

Good luck and keep us posted,

Regards,

Simon

Haves1979 · Post by **Haves1979** » Thu Sep 13, 2012 5:54 pm

That's some really useful info thanks. I'm reasonably mechanically minded, but I think the manual conversion would be beyond me. I have a couple of local garages I'm aware of that although they are not specialists are au fais with more specialist stuff inc jags. I quite fancy a go at the lhd to rhd so could be a fun winter project.

I'm in negotiation with the wife re increasing the budget, however the reason for the 2+2 may cause a problem! I've 2 cars lined up to view at the moment, with davids car in the for sale section he being top of the list.

Haves1979 · Post by **Haves1979** » Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:58 am

Hopefull off to view my first etype at the weekend (seies one on ebay as linked above), bit of a long drive but fingers crossed it will be a nice car.

Going to download the buyers guide book as mentioned, but if anyone has anything useful to add in terms of what to look for or aviod it would be apprciated.

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