Jag E-Type with Supra 2JZ: One way of upsetting the purists
Author: Blendline Images: Press stock
Putting a Toyota 2JZ-GTE straight-six engine into a classic 1969 Jaguar E-Type is indeed a bold move that can stir up quite a bit of controversy in the world of classic British sports cars. The Jaguar E-Type is an iconic and highly revered vehicle known for its originality and classic British design. The decision to replace its original powertrain with a Japanese engine, especially one as legendary as the 2JZ-GTE, is sure to divide opinions among car enthusiasts and purists.
The 2JZ-GTE is a well-regarded engine from the Toyota Supra, known for its durability and potential for high horsepower. While it's a performance powerhouse, it's quite different from the original engines that would have powered the E-Type, which were British inline-sixes.
This project is a unique blend of automotive traditions from different parts of the world. The reference to "doesn't burn oil" is a clever play on words, highlighting the reliability of the 2JZ-GTE engine compared to some classic British engines that were known for oil leaks and consumption.
Projects like these showcase the versatility and creativity of the automotive enthusiast community, where traditional boundaries are pushed in pursuit of innovation and personalization. It will undoubtedly attract attention and spark discussions among car enthusiasts about the fusion of classic aesthetics and modern performance.
Faruk Kugay, the man behind all this, went all out in modifying the Jaguar E-Type to create a unique and high-performance machine. The extensive upgrades to the 2JZ engine are notable, producing an impressive 750PS (552kW) of power. These modifications, such as the new head casting, upgraded injectors, fuel system, turbocharger, and intercooler, are typical for creating a high-powered and reliable engine, suitable for drifting and high-performance driving.
Furthermore, the decision to integrate components from various manufacturers into the car, like the rear subframe and ZF manual gearbox from a BMW E36 M3 and brakes from a Corvette and BMW 535i, demonstrates a thoughtful and customized approach to achieve the desired performance and handling characteristics.
This project is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of automotive enthusiasts who aim to push the boundaries of what is possible and create unique and high-performance vehicles. It will likely attract attention from fans of both classic British sports cars and high-performance Japanese engines, as well as those who appreciate creative and purposeful modifications in the automotive world.
The addition of custom flared wheel arches to accommodate the 17-inch Rotiform STL wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tyres not only enhances the aesthetics of the Jaguar E-Type but also suggests that functionality and style have been carefully considered. The use of 3D printing for these components showcases modern technology's role in automotive customisation.
Remarkable stopping power is provided by front brakes sourced from a C6 Corvette and the rears from an E60 535i.
As for DevSpeed Motorsports - looking at their back catalogue - they have a history of pushing the boundaries when it comes to engine swaps and modifications. Precious projects include fitting an F20C Honda engine from an S2000 into an E30 BMW M3 and, are you sitting down for this, swapping a Mezger engine from a Porsche 997 GT3 for an EJ25 from a Subaru Impreza STI, are indeed unconventional and likely to spark passionate discussions among automotive enthusiasts.
Customisation and engine swaps can be seen as a way to create unique and high-performance vehicles that cater to specific preferences and needs, but they can also challenge traditional purist views about preserving the originality of classic cars. It's all part of the rich and diverse world of automotive modification and personalisation.
You can see this stunning looking "Jag" on Eneos' SEMA booth in Las Vegas this week.
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