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2012-08-05 16:50:12
'62 Transmission Upgrade

Darrin Gustafson
San Diego Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2012-05-02

 

 Well, the car the owner said was numbers matching, and the local restoration shop I paid to evaluate my acquisition told me me was numbers matching isn't numbers matching after all. The transmission is a DG250, correct for the period, but not the one it came with, and truth be told not the best of gear boxes. So, no longer constrained by keeping it numbers matching, I have the option to rebuild (current unit is frozen solid) upgrade, or even convert to manual. The question becomes: upgrade to which automatic (e.g., BW 35, BW 66, etc.), or convert to manual (e.g., BW T5). I think it would be easiest and least expensive to put in another automatic transmission, but I thought I'd run it up the flag pole and see what you all thought. Thoughts.

Darrin

'62 MK2 3.8 Automatic owner



2012-08-13 20:21:47
'62 Transmission Upgrade

Robert Seligman
Delaware Valley Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2010-02-05

 

 I have two DG250 transmissions. When rebuilt properly they are OK. The trouble is you need a very experienced DG250 rebuilder as sometimes there are worn parts that are not part of a standard rebuild kit. I found such a rebuilder. Not local to me and a cost of 3000 dollars (or more!).

I also wish to use another transmission in my 3.4 MK2. I am considering a BW66 from a series III XJ6. While not the best tranny in the world it is plentiful and inexpensive and should bolt right up to the engine and last a long time behind a 3.4 or 3.8. . The trans mount, fluid cooler and driveline length are another story. I considered the "quarter breed" GM 400 conversion but felt it required too many modifications. The alloy cased BW66 is also much lighter than the DG250.

Using a BW66 in a MK2 has been done but I am not aware of any kit to accomplish the conversion. Possibly someone on the list will have direct experience with this conversion.

Bob

2012-08-18 15:46:58
'62 Transmission Upgrade

Robert Seligman
Delaware Valley Jaguar Club *

forum user since 2010-02-05

 

 Darrin

My memory is terrible. I recently noticed responses to a BW66 conversion in a mk2. I had posed that question previously. Look back in this forum index. There is valuable information. I remain on the fence with a conversion to a BW66 but despite my reluctance to change from original I cannot justify using the DG250.

I will keep the forum posted on the progress of my MK2 restoration and when the time comes what tranny is used.

Bob