I?m the owner of a XJ5.3 Series II Limousine make Jan.1976 with D-Jettronic Fuel Injection. The car is now registered in Germany.
Does the car meet the required US emissions test standard in original configuration (no catalizer, no exhaust gas return system)?
Unfortunately the valve seats are not hardened and so I have to use lead substitute.
If necessary, what can be done to meet the requirements?
In germany the highest octane-rate on fuel is 100, in the US only 93. Is it necessary to use octane-booster and does this influence the emissions test?
Hope there?s somebody who can answer these specific questions.
Submitted by v12-vdp@shaw.ca on Tue, 01/04/2005 - 13:06
Peter:
I cannot comment on whether or not your car will meet emissions standards (although I suspect it will), but I can tell you that you need have no concern regaring the use of fuel. Your Jaguar has hardened valve seats already (every 5.3 engine has aluminium heads); you do not need to use any lead substitute. I have been running my 1974 MGB, which does NOT have hardened seats) on unleaded regular (87) octane fuel for more than 20 years. The engine has never been touched, and it runs perfectly. The European concern about this issue seems excessive. You will have no problem with the Jaguar.
Octane ratings used in Europe are different than those used in the US and Canada. A North American fuel with an octane level of 91 o 92 is perfectly adequate for your engine. Some companies, in some areas, market fuels as high as 94 octane (at least here in Canada). Of m,ore inetrest to me is that you describe your cars as a "limousine". Can you provide (off-forum) some details about the body on this car? Is it a custom-bodied car?
Gregory Andrachuk
1992 Series III V12 Vanden Plas
1991/2 Series III V12 Vanden Plas
1966 Mark 2 3.8
2002 X-Type