RE: Alternate Stag Engines

[Travis Gray <tgray@domain.elided>]

I have a buick V6 in my 73 and it purrs like a kitty, I purchased it
with little 
knowledge of the Stag (being a Jaguar/Benz fan) because I have a
Spitfire I've
always loved.

Anyway, there does not appear to be major structural modification, and
the performance
and engine reliability are not an issue. the one complaint I have is the
fabricated oilpan is 
Very low and prone to square up nicely with speedbumps if not cautious. 

So other than the obvious reasons to keep it original (My Jag has the 6
still ; ) ) 
I'm happy with the conversion although I'm sure the value is decreased. 
Of course I also wanted to drive it.

I did recently purchase a 98 Sebring convertible and it's my current
passion (I know, traitor *grin)
So I've been considering consolidating my stable,if anyone is interested
in a 73 stag with a Buick V6 
fresh light metallic blue, Hardtop, good interior etc in the low 3,000
dollar range send them my way 
It needs the standard minor tweaks (wife wants me to sell it) - The car
is in Seattle, WA - USA

P.S. 
One unrelated question, the softtop was removed and out of car when I
purchased
it (due to new paint) what is the secret for mounting and alignment?
I've tried several times
and the thing just has too much tension to fit easily, if you attach the
front the rear refuses 
to clip and vice versa. 

Also looking for the small clips that hold the rear portion of the top
up when stowing.

TG  

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Kevin Harrop [SMTP:kevin.harrop@domain.elided]
> Sent:	Thursday, August 20, 1998 9:46 AM
> To:	Stag@domain.elided
> Subject:	Alternate Stag Engines
> 
> Jeff Daniel asks about the wisdom of an engine swap for a Stag.
> 
> He'll get all sorts of people telling him to stay with the original,
> due
> to the potential devaluation of the car.
> 
> It is my opinion that the Stag is the LEAST valued chrome bumpered
> British convertable on the US market.  That is question #1, does
> anyone
> have annother candidate?
> 
> I'd like to launch a discussion, based on PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE PLEASE,
> regarding viable swaps in the US.  I specify the US, because different
> engines and transmissions are more or less avaliable, expensive, etc.
> in
> different markets.
> 
> The Stag engine is quite rare and expensive to rebuild in the US.
> 
> The most common swap is still the Rover aluminium V8.  It has various
> limits.  It too is pricey.  The hydralic lifters limit it's revs.  A
> friend has such a car, fitted to a Borg Warner type 35.  With a 3.70
> diffy, the car is limited in it's top MPH, and is unusually thirsty.
> 
> My Stag was fitted with a Ford Capri 2.8l V6, and a Ford 3sp auto.  I
> was never happy with it.  The tranny and engine never gave me much
> performance.   The best thing that happened was that the engine blew
> up.
> 
> I am now running a Datsun Z engine.  It's perfomance is comprable to
> the
> original V8, and the OD auto gives me considerable flexibility.  The
> Straight 6 seems happy with the 3.7 diffy.  The overdrive is
> effective,
> and the tranny is quite responsive.
> 
> The Datsun engine has a reputation for being indestructable, is
> readily
> avaliable in scrap yards, was well developed by Datsun, is cheap to
> rebuild (in the US), is very tuneable and buildable (a 3.1 liter
> engine
> is possible), and is well supported by the trade.
> 
> I've seen a Ford 5 liter installed, and it does fit.  But it too is
> limited in its revs.  The final drive ratio is an important
> consideration.  Also, the Stag diffy will probably be rubbished if
> asked
> to transmit more than 200 ft/lb torque.
> 
> I've spoken to the owner of a Buick V6 powered Stag, and he told me
> that
> he had to cut up the chassis rail in the engine bay to clear the
> exhaust
> manifold.  Comments?
> 
> I also know of a Stag with a Mazda rotary engine.  I've worked on it,
> but the conversion is not far enough along to make any reliable
> judgements on it's viability. 
> 
> So, once again, I invite a DISPASSIONATE discussion, based on
> experience, not rumor and supposition.
> 
> Kevin Harrop
> '73 Stag w/ Datsun Z engine and Maxima 4sp auto
> Los Angeles