Jaguar XK engine numbers

[Harald1974]

Hi gents ,

I'm currently building a Jaguar C type replica and will soon start my engine rebuild .
I have 2 engines available for rebuild , but don't know their exact spec .

Can anybody help me with the engine number relation to the spec of the engine ( compression ratio , HP , ... ) , as to decide which block will be the best base for my build .

The 2 engine numbers are :

• 8L55988-S
• 7L72770-S

I know they are both 4.2 liter .

Many thank for your help ,

Kind regards , Harald Van den Branden

[a8hex]

Try

http://www.jag-lovers.org/xk-lovers/library/engine...

[rougemont]

The 8L is from a mid 70's Series 2 , these ran a slightly lower compression ratio than the Series1 7L . Power wise the Series 2 was a bit down largely due to emission controls and carbs . Ideally the best XK 4.2 to go for is late series 3 , probably around 8L 80000 onwards which has the high compression pistons and larger inlet valves. Power wise this was rated at 205 Bhp against the S2 170 bhp Din. Jaguar rated the S1 at 245 but this was gross. Probably the best thing to do is a compression test and see which comes out with the better readings.