Re: Hope she whipped your butt...
...I thought the Restorer article said it was a '65....must've been a typo. So it's the 3.8L XK engine, yes very responsive. The V12 is a 5.3L, 326ci at about 300hp using 4 Zenith Strombergs. My 59 with the dual Carters is only 270hp by comparison.
Yep, she did whip my butt, but not off the line. The V12 is sluggish there, but after a short time it is like a rocket. Driving that car on the highway is scarey. At 70mph spinning at about 3500rpm it talks to you. It says, "c'mon, what're you doing, lets go!" It is absolutely amazing. You put your foot into the accelerator at 70mph and the engine is at it's best. Without even downshifting, it is startling. The torque at the high end is incredible. You are propelled forward, shooting ahead like a rocket, watching the rearview mirror objects behind you rapidly dissapear.
Rich
59 keeper & 62 project
(ps-I'd never own a Jag:-), I'm just the wife's mechanic!)
...I thought the Restorer article said it was a '65....must've been a typo. So it's the 3.8L XK engine, yes very responsive. The V12 is a 5.3L, 326ci at about 300hp using 4 Zenith Strombergs. My 59 with the dual Carters is only 270hp by comparison.
Yep, she did whip my butt, but not off the line. The V12 is sluggish there, but after a short time it is like a rocket. Driving that car on the highway is scarey. At 70mph spinning at about 3500rpm it talks to you. It says, "c'mon, what're you doing, lets go!" It is absolutely amazing. You put your foot into the accelerator at 70mph and the engine is at it's best. Without even downshifting, it is startling. The torque at the high end is incredible. You are propelled forward, shooting ahead like a rocket, watching the rearview mirror objects behind you rapidly dissapear.
Rich
59 keeper & 62 project
(ps-I'd never own a Jag:-), I'm just the wife's mechanic!)
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