[xj-s] RE-Still Looking to buy

["David Johnson" <davidj@ecentral.com>]

When I purchased my first 88 Hess last year, I found the acceleration
bordering on pathetic. It took me over 6 months,( between many other jobs,
was new to the V12 then), to get the car going as it should. The two main
items are the centrifugal advance and vacuum advance, other contributors
were broken vacuum lines, new O2 sensors, throttle pot not working etc.
etc. Most of the V12 cars you test drive will probably have some of the
same problems. The 6 cyl is around 225bhp and the V12 is about 280bhp, so
the V12 should go better, even with the GM slush box. Try and find a V12
thats runs correctly and test drive. I also found the tranny vacuum
modulator was worn. The tranny would always change gear before 3000 rpm
(excluding kickdown). As mentioned before an adjustable modulator improves
the acceleration considerably. I have adjusted the modulator to change gear
at about 4000 to 4500 rpm under heavy throttle. This V12 has no torque at
low rpm, needs 3000 rpm+ to start pulling. Thats why the acceleration from
70mph to 100mph is great. 

A side note. I would like to start a list of Hess & Eisenhardt owners.
Please send me details of the car and owner. I will mail the list to all
those who send details. We can then ask Hess specific question between the
Hess group.

Color
Miles
VIN
Other Details

Owner Details
State (assuming US)
How long owned etc. 
Email Address

Do not send address or telephone number

I replaced the front crank oil seal today. All went well, just had a few
problems getting the key out of the crank shaft. Pusycat no. 2 will now be
clean at the front end. When doing the job, I replaced the thermostats. The
car had 74C stats? Replaced them with 88C (180F). The car ran fine with the
74C stats, but I don't think it helps with overheating. Once the stats are
fully open, and the temp is still increasing, basically your open loop, and
scre__d if stuck in traffic. 

Dave Johnson
Two 88 Hess Conv.



>Well I am still considering the Hess & Eisenhardt that I mentioned on an
>earlier post but with the considerable comments I received I have driven
>several other XJ-S(es).  I have just driven a 1995 model with a 6 cyl
>engine.  It actually seemed to have more power and acceleration than the
>12s that I have driven.  Was this just my imagination?  How does the
>late model 6 compare with the earlier 12s(1987-1994) in terms of
>acceleration and top end performance as well as reliability?  This whole
>endeavor started out because I wanted a V-12 and now many more variables
>than I expected are entering the fray.
>     Your time and comments are appreciated.
Randy Fox
'66 E-Type OTS

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