Race Cars and Motorsports

Hi to all, I am interested in building an mid 80's XJS road rally car for events such as chihuahua express and la carrera panamericana and pikes peak. Going to be on a limited budget as always.

Any thoughts?

Billy

Add horsepower, reduce weight and put as much tire under it as you can.

It's a fantastic idea! I wonder how light you can get an XJS...

You need to research the Group 44 Jagaur XJS cars for specifications. One thing they did was have superior brakes and were able to keep speeds constant. The cars are heavy to begin with and using a LS series V8 is better than doing anything with the V12. The 12 gets expensive fast. I have a bunch of Group 44 XJS pictures vintage and recent. I do love the flares on the 44 cars!

I am thinking of the ls1 with the basic mods. Improved cold air intake, race cam, race headers and I was thinking of sidepipes like the group 44 car for a couple of reasons. Improved HP of course but also better ground clearance (Mexican roads) and also it will help give it a more of a American look as this beast will run the best motor for the money ever devised. The american sb v8.

Regards making it lighter. There is of course a good 100lbs saved just from the engine swap. I love that v12 and would love to race it. I just would need a sheik for a rich uncle to do so. Not only in fuel but parts as well.

Everything but the dash would come out and I will need a six point cage welded in.

I want safety as well as comfort in the race seats as most of the stuff I want to do is two people in the car all day for big distances.

Also will be installing cool shirt air and water to keep temps for the driver and co driver bearable.

I think that the t56 six speed as used in the new GTO is a pretty tough trans and will do what I want as standard. What do you guys think about that? I would rather not have to buy a special built racing version of that unit as the price trebles. However a busted trans on the side of the road in Mexico does not sound like fun either.

I am thinking of a reliable 500hp for the motor which I feel is almost a standard for a ls1 with the mods I want to do. Enough power to be competetive but not so much as to start needing special race versions of stuff like the trans.

I am also pretty easy on the car when I drive. I understand that to win or even do well. You have to make it to the finish line. Beating on the gear to acheive speed is not a very good way to go. Better to learn how to drive smoother at higher speeds.

Any other products or ideas would be welcome.

Thanks again
Billy