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BW66 into MK2 saloon

Robert Seligman
Delaware Valley Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2010-02-05

 



I am considering replacing the DG250 (aka boat anchor) original to my 3.4 MK2 with a later BW66 transmission. The factory replaced the DG250 with the BW35 late in MK2 production into the 340 cars. I was wondering if any of the parts used to fit the BW35 would assist in converting to a BW66.

I understand the largest obstacle is to integrate the steering column gear selector with the new transmission.

Has anyone accomplished this conversion or know of anyone who sells a kit or is knowledgeable about this task.

thanks

Bob


BW66 into MK2 saloon

Dick Maury
North Georgia Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2006-09-17

 

As far as conversions go, this one is not that hard. You will need the flexplate that goes with the 66 as well as a 4.2 starter. Some wiring will need to be modified but not that big of a deal. You will need to add a oil cooler for the transmission but this can be a simple one that mounts in front of the radiator. A lever to pull the transmission cable needs to be fabricated as that is where the transmission gets it signal for throttle load. Measure a XJ6/3 as far as how much it needs to be pulled out from idle to full load. I think it is something like 1.25" . The existing shift cable should fit up and work as it is also a Borg Warner. However, the shift quadrants in the column will need to be modified. Careful use of a dremel with a little welding will accomplish this. Paint out the markings for your existing shift positions. Any of the major office stores will have stick on white letters to place for PRND21 and you are all set. Driveshaft might have to be modified as far as length only. Any driveshaft shop should be able to help here. The rear support will be the only real fabrication needed. The last one I did was on a XK140 and the rear of the transmission hung out in the breeze so that made it easy. Really transformed the car into a real enjoyable driving car. Good luck with it.

Dick Maury, Rebuild Department, Coventry West, JCNA President

BW66 into MK2 saloon

Robert Seligman
Delaware Valley Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2010-02-05

 

Dick

Thank you for your prompt and informative response. I thought the BW66 would not require a fluid cooler. I was hoping that it did not as the small grill opening will be getting cluttered.

When you say wiring needs modification are you referring to wire lengths and location or is the starter wired differently. I can't remember if my original trans uses a shift cable to the selector. It may have not been installed when I got the car. Do you think the rear support for a BW35 would work?

Would the BW35 be a poor choice to use rather than the BW66?

BW66 transmissions are plentiful and reasonably priced.

As soon as I locate a nice front clip to replace the improperly repaired damaged fenders on my car I can move onto the mechanical stage.

If anyone is parting a MK2 with decent front fenders and front center section, please contact me.

thanks

Bob




Re.: BW66 into MK2 saloon

William Brady
Jaguar Owners Club, Inc. *

forum user since 2004-02-15

 

Edited on 2012-05-06 1:13:14

Are we discussing the BW 65/66 as fitted to series 3 XJs? If so, I would not recommend using it in any Jaguar, it was the most unreliable unit ever fitted to jaguar cars.

Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Re.: BW66 into MK2 saloon

Philip MONEGO
Jaguar Associate Group *

forum user since 2011-10-26

 

I have a 1960 3.8 MK II that was retrofitted with a BW65 10 years ago. I have owned it for 6 months and the car exhibits a strange whine through all gears and a significant vibration above 60. Vibration appears to lateral. I have had all wheels and tires checked and balanced. No one here seems to know what is causing the vibration. The BW65 "clunks" in and out of gear

1960 XK-150 FHC
1960 Mark II
Woodside, CA

Re.: BW66 into MK2 saloon

Dick Maury
North Georgia Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2006-09-17

 

The Model 35 might be an improvement but not as nice as a 66. For what it is worth, the Model 65 came out in 1974 in the XJ6. It was not a robust enough unit for a car of that size. As such, the Model 66 was introduced. It was marginal. However, it should be more than adequate for a smaller sedan and is a nice shifting transmission. Wiring referred to is nothing more than a wire for the starter solenoid which is on the starter. Whatever shift linkage you had should bolt right up to the 66 as you are not changing brands of transmissions. I had a rod style linkage and had to bend it somewhat to clear the exhaust but nothing major. As far as one of the other posts about clunks and whinning, it is very unusual for the transmission to clunk. It is usually loosness in the driveline or diff. Gear whine and vibration is not normal and indicates a defect, not a normal situation.


Dick Maury, Rebuild Department, Coventry West, JCNA President

Re.: BW66 into MK2 saloon

William Brady
Jaguar Owners Club, Inc. *

forum user since 2004-02-15

 

As far as I knew the only difference between the 65 & 66 was the electrical speedo drive. Certainly no significant upgrades were introduced. The major problem was loss of top gear, I had the same transmission in a Saab and it was just as bad! Have you considered a stick shift?

Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Re.: BW66 into MK2 saloon

Robert Seligman
Delaware Valley Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2010-02-05

 

The MK2 is for my wife. She cannot drive a manual transmission.

I am reluctant to use the original DG250 as I have heard so many stories about leaks, poor shift quality and it is very heavy.

I am also reluctant to use a GM transmission but it can be said that Jaguar used it with great success. It will be a while until I have to make a decision. The M66 was used by Jaguar for many years. My mother in law had a 1984 XJ6. I believe that used a BW66. It certainly worked well and for many miles.

Another decision.

Thanks to all for the information. It is greatly appreciated.

Bob


Re.: BW66 into MK2 saloon

William Brady
Jaguar Owners Club, Inc. *

forum user since 2004-02-15

 

Robert, the DG is a good box, if it is serviced and adjusted routinely it will not clunk into gear and it will last for ever. The leaks are generally fixable by any good jag shop or old an tranny mechanic. I think it was used in Studabakers of the 50's.

Jaguar affectionado and etc.