3.8 block

[peters3103]

Hello all

Is there any difference between a 61 3.8 block and a 65? (apart from the casting date of course)

Cheers
Pete

[JEP41]

Hi Pete,

Dave Butcher a respected ex Jaguar ex Forward Engineering race engine builder told me the later 3.8 blocks were stiffer due to extra webbing and he always tried to build his race engine using blocks from 1963. Whether this is true or not I cannot say?

[peters3103]

Thanks John, I have one to go and inspect but the casting date has been removed. There is some confusion as to whether it came from a 61 or 65. In fact I'm beginning to wonder whether it even actually came from an E Type.
Any help in identifying it would be greatly received. Can't seem to find anything on the Internet.

Cheers
Pete

[Tony]

Seems a bit strange having the casting block number removed . What are they or previous owners hiding.

[christopher storey]

If it was 1965 then it can only be from a Mark2 or an S type . The other cars were all 4.2 by that stage

[peters3103]

Mark X was available with 3.8 till October 65 too

[paydase]

This link from Jag-Lovers may help:
http://www.jag-lovers.org/xk-lovers/lib ... gines.html

[christopher storey]

Mark X was available with 3.8 till October 65 too

I don't know where that information comes from, but 3.8 litre mark X production ceased in July 1964 . I think what may be misleading you is that Jaguar often used to say that the "old" model continued alongside the new one, so that dealers could get rid of any unsold stock of the old model . This certainly was said in relation to the mark VIII/IX changeover

[peters3103]

Yes I'm aware that the Mark X and E Type were both released with the 4.2 in October 64 however I do recall reading somewhere that the Mark X could be specified with the 3.8 till October 65. I am probably mistaken though. It wouldn't be the first time :)