The 'E' Type Forum

I am in the middle of striping the car as this will be complete restoration and still cannot decide whether to keep the car original with PS, AC, auto gearbox and stromberg carburetor and enjoy it as is or do the following:

-5 speed manual
-Triple SU carbs
-get rid of AC
-get rid of PS

Does original AC decreases performance noticable?
Is steering very heavy w/o PS? I know there are many threads about 5s gearboxes but is there a consensus which is best?
Your input will be greatly appreciated.

If you've got over size tyres (eg 205/70-15) then you may find the PS useful. All non power steering cars are heavier at slow speeds.
Finding a set of SUs will be difficult and expensive, maybe enjoy the Strombergs in the meantime?

It all depend's if you have the budget to do these upgrade's. You get less BHP with the Stromberg's, I find that at normal speed's the steering is light even without PAS, I can't comment on the 5 speed box but there are one or two option's on this. Keep original or do the upgrade's, the choice is your's.

With a 2+2 you have the option of fitting a 4 speed manual Overdrive box from either an XJ6 or, preferably, an S type. The latter unit has the same top cover as the E-type 'box so it fits in more easily. This is a lot cheaper than any of the 5 sp options and keeps everything Jaguar.

Ian

I think the first question you need to answer is what do you want from the car?

Are the summers really so hot that you _need_ A/C?
What kind of driving do you want to use it for? I personally wouldn't wand an E with a slush box... but I live in a place where much of the time if the road isn't going up then it is going down, and there is a often a hairpin in between. If you just want to pootle around with the Mrs on a rolling countryside, the slush box may not be much bother to you.

As to the carbs, I would say save your money for the moment and refit the strombergs - fitting SUs later isn't a big deal, and it allows you to hunt for a bargain (if such a thing exists for E Type triple SUs).

I've never felt the E really needed PAS, but my experience is mostly OTS with normal width tires. Yes, it is a bit heavy when parking, but not so that I would bother to fit PAS. OTOH, just rebuilding the existing PAS will probably cost less than sourcing a rack and rebuilding that.

Andrew

iani wrote:With a 2+2 you have the option of fitting a 4 speed manual Overdrive box from either an XJ6 or, preferably, an S type. The latter unit has the same top cover as the E-type 'box so it fits in more easily. This is a lot cheaper than any of the 5 sp options and keeps everything Jaguar.

Ian

Ian did you change final dive as well? Mine is 3.54 I believe as it's from USA

iradek wrote:

iani wrote:With a 2+2 you have the option of fitting a 4 speed manual Overdrive box from either an XJ6 or, preferably, an S type. The latter unit has the same top cover as the E-type 'box so it fits in more easily. This is a lot cheaper than any of the 5 sp options and keeps everything Jaguar.

Ian

Ian did you change final dive as well? Mine is 3.54 I believe as it's from USA

My car was supplied with a 3.07 originally, I have changed it but only to get a Powerlok 3.07 fitted.

Ian

hello iradek

I have the same specs as you (except that the PAS has been disabled and the A/C too by PO) and I decided to stay as is for he moment , as:
. A/C does add stress on the engine even when not running, hence Jaguar had the 2 fans blowing continuously with A/C and PAS cars
. PAS does not seem to be necessary, even with (new) 205/70R15; I admit that I do not park very oftendowntownn, though

and unless my auto box runs dead; touch wood

I have standard size wheels on mine, and although a little heavy at parking, it's otherwise fine. I prefer the feel without PAS
I have the 3.07 drive, and think the car needs it for good cruising speeds at modest revs. Plenty of torque to pull the 3.07 from 30mph upwards in top

If your car is an auto transmission model, then it is very unlikely to have 3.54 diff . European standard was 2.88, and I believe but am not certain that US auto trans cars had 3.07

I was thinking more of 3.31 for auto US cars
by the way, how can you check the type of the diff ? is it engraved somewhere or do you need to install a monkey in the engine to count the number of number of turns of the shaft vs number of turns of wheels ?

rolando38 wrote:I was thinking more of 3.31 for auto US cars
by the way, how can you check the type of the diff ? is it engraved somewhere or do you need to install a monkey in the engine to count the number of number of turns of the shaft vs number of turns of wheels ?

It should be on the face of the speedo.

Hi Ronaldo......to check what diff you have look for a small tag fixed to one of the bolts that holds on the cover plate it will have the ratio stamped on it...its about 3x2 cm, or you could use your monky, just count the revolutions of input veres you rear wheels rotation......why not use as it is for a while and then decide what extras u need.. Steve

e.g: 43/13 = 3.31

mgcjag wrote:Hi Ronaldo......to check what diff you have look for a small tag fixed to one of the bolts that holds on the cover plate it will have the ratio stamped on it...its about 3x2 cm, or you could use your monky, just count the revolutions of input veres you rear wheels rotation......why not use as it is for a while and then decide what extras u need.. Steve

thanks Steve and Heuer
...I'm ashamed as I don't know what/where the cover plate is !?

PS: done for the map pinpoint

HI Ronaldo...from the rear of the car look at the diff, its the roundish dome shaped cover about 20cm diameter and has the filler plug and the breather pipe....the bolts are around the outside holding it on ..look vary carefully for the tag as they can be covered in dirt and grime...Steve

great thanks !

I have to put it on the lift tonight so right time to check
my guess is 1:3,31, we'll see

Even if you find a tag... clock it out. You never know. (been therre, done that, the "T" shirt is ok for wiping varsol off parts).

Andrew