Swap jag v12 into AMC EAGLE
Yeah - probably crazy - but can anyone offer any help on this swap - can it be done - want to keep the 4wd function and put a v12 in a '88 amc eagle - had a Jaguar XJS HE V12 and loved it - so anyone???
the other option i wanted to explore was a 4cyl turbo like from eagle talon or twin turbo 6cyl like from 300zx
the other option i wanted to explore was a 4cyl turbo like from eagle talon or twin turbo 6cyl like from 300zx
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A hot small turbo motor would work a lot better, IMO, preferably Japanese with no Chrysler overtones. Also the Eagle had a pretty anemic motor, so I don't know how much power the stock drivetrain can stand.
I'd build it simple and rugged, to suit the vehicle you have selected. Mating sophistication with the primitive is more like a street rod, which is "show", not "go". That's why I was suggesting a good chassis overhaul before you even think about motors, unless of course this vehicle is to be trailered around.
If it's all for show, you can do whatever you want, because the eyeball value is the goal, right?
Visiting Host and his two cents :P
A V8 is certainly the cheapest and easiest way to go here---crate engines are SO CHEAP for the power you get. I really don't see any advantage of a Jaguar V12---they are gas hogs, they catch fire with alarming regularity, and they are expensive and difficult to work on.
Really a V12 is built for smoothness, not power. Making an AMC Eagle "silky smooth" seems like a contradiction.
Japanese turbos? If you dare, a Mazda TT from an RX-7 would be pretty hot, and that's a RWD car. It's a bit of a delicate engine however, prone to detonation. So you have to be religiouos about premium fuel, frequent oil changes and very efficient engine cooling. But that engine will pull like you wouldn't believe once you get the revs up. Not a torque motor though, not at all. Maybe a Nissan 300ZX? it would probaby fit.
i know i'll have to upgrade some stuff with additional power - i didn't think about the chassis though - i was using KYB shocks all around, poly bushings on the rear springs (the entire front end will have poly when i'm done) and the wheels in the rear are 10" wide so the cornering was much improved - will do rear disc brakes conversion too - so i'm gonna get it up to speed for this modern era eventually - the power plant is the only thing that I am unsure on...
The nice thing about a V8 crate motor is that you don't have to worry about computers and wiring harnesses---you can use a carburetor; otherwise you have to rip everything out of the donor car along with the engine, or alternatively, buy an aftermarket F.I. control system. That can get very tricky.
email.. dta1818@yahoo.com
thank you
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor
I think a Buick turbo V-6 would be a fabulous way to go with this.
I think you'd have to seriously strengthen this chassis or you'll twist it for sure.
WHY?
If you want to go jag, do go the 12 lots of complexity and things to go wrong (that do expensively) If you insit on going jag you would be better with the AJ6 or the V8 of the same era. If you are going Jag 12 because you can get one cheap. There is a reason you are getting it cheap. (Run away. FAST)
A website you really need to check out if you want to do this is:
amceaglenest.com
They have info for everything you could ever need to know. There are members there who have built stroker motors, as well as V8 conversions. You will learn a lot through this site. Check it out. Good luck, and keep us posted...
CaptCarl
I think the point was that your mods are what was necessary in the first place. In its stock form, it was underwhelming. But the early 80s were not America's high point for auto manufacture. Look at the poor '80-81 Corvette.