will the jag be any good as a donor .eg. will the engine fit etc.
No
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_to_weight_ratio
The engine would probably fit in a Viento chassis.
However BOAT ANCHOR comes to mind. There are far better engines that that v12.
The engine and box weighs more than most decent BEC's in total.
Not sure I can see the point of it.
I think that it may have a decent gearbox (Getrag??) in it.
Probably OK for a Jag derived kit, but not for a Locost.
Look at Ronart
OK in something like that, but Ronarts are not cheap... but they are very yummy!
[Edited on 11/8/2007 by wilkingj]
That's the perfect donor if you're building a Jag
i think one topic was enough for the question
Having scrapped one and seeing my manly engine hoist wince at the sheer weight of engine and box coming out I would advise against.
The only bits of running gear of any real use is the axles, front and rear. Gearboxes use a jag bolt pattern so even teh GM400 auto box will not fit a
GM V8 engine.
But its all heavy.......
Maybe make a Dax Cobra
Think Robin Hood put a Jaguar V12 in one of theirs a while ago. Still an RH though.
But it's a lovely engine.
Ditch to locost idea and use the donor bits to build a fake snake.
Either that, or if its got the 4HU slippydiff, sell me the diff for my Tiv. Fancy the idea of having a spare....
Ed.
quote:
Think Robin Hood put a Jaguar V12 in one of theirs a while ago. Still an RH though.
Build a Cobra --
Im using a 2.9 xj40 donor. i have made the engine bay 6" longer and 6" wider at the nose to accommodate.
The only problem i see with you using the 5.3 V12, is that your car might be faster than mine 
Where in the world are you? if your local, you're welcome to come and have a look 
If bj and Mark w can chuck a V10 in a Viento chassis, I don't see why you can't make a 7 with the Jag bits.
It won't be nimble or terribly quick (for a seven - but better than cobra performance), but build it strong, larger than standard box section
perhaps, and you'll have another unique variation of the Locost theme
ATB
Simon
As with most things about this Locost lark...
You can! you can do anything with enough motivation and a little skill. The question should be 'would you want to' to which only you can
answer! There are people on this forum using some really outlandish donors (I can think of at least one using a small block chevvy v8!)
So the answer to you should be, 'if you fancy it, do it!' just be aware of the drawbacks...