Page2: Decisions, Decisions
We were faced with two choices: Get the original engine running and drive the car as-is, or scrap the engine and start over.
I really considered sorting the injection wiring and mechanicals of the original engine. The more I got into the engine however, I realized that I could toil (and spend) quite a bit with no guarantee that the internals of the engine were any good. The lack of quality in the previous mechanic's work really scared me.
There's always some regret which accompanies removing the correct engine from an original car. However, I sourced a very nice 1987 V-12 HE engine and transmission from my local Jaguar breakyard, so that helped to ease my mind. The new engine would bring the car to a higher state of efficiency and reliability. Plus I reasoned that if we ever did sell the car, an HE powerplant might even add value. With that decision over, I hoisted the front of the Coupe off the ground and rolled the engine, transmission and front suspension out from under it. (The reverse of the assembly process at Brown's Lane)
After the engine, transmission and front suspension were out, it was the perfect time to strip, prep and paint the engine compartment, right? And so it started. I mean, who would put a nice new engine into a dirty compartment?