Question For The TBN Forum !!

[TommyT]

I was needing some help or knowledge from some of the good TBN Forum members on The Retro T-Bird engine.Are all the years of the retro T-Bird engines built by Jaguar or did Ford just copy a Jaguar small block 3.9L V8. I guess my question is did Jaguar build the engines or did Ford build the engines ?? The reason I am asking this question is if Jaguar did indeed build the motor in my T-Bird I would like to acknowledge that in some form on my T-Bird and I think I know just what I want to do .Searching through E-Bay I came across a really nice looking Jaguar grill badge that I would like to put on my T-Bird if indeed Jaguar did build the motor in my car.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

I believe you will find our Thunderbird engines were built at the Ford Lima Engine Plant in Lima, Ohio.

[2K2BIRD]

It's my understanding that they are built by Ford from a Jaguar design. Ron's post would be direct confirmation of them being built by Ford. I believe there is plenty of proof that the basic engine itself was designed by Jaguar (which was owned by Ford at the time). If I remember correctly the difference is in the heads. T-birds & LSs were from Ford and the Jaguar cousin's came from Jag.

[007Cruiser]

Correct. Our engines are a variant of the Jaguar designed AJ-8 series built by Ford at the Lima, Ohio plant. They were also used by Lincoln.

[TommyT]

Thanks Paul & Ron for that reply and the knowledge you passed on to me.Well I guess I will hold off on the Jaguar badge.OK I gave it a shot.On to the next ideal !!!LOL

[JerriLampon]

It would be helpful to know where the block and head castings were made, U.S. or U.K.

From Wikipedia:
The 3.9L (3934 cc) AJ30/AJ35 variant is a unique displacement used only by Ford and Lincoln and is built in Ford's Lima, OH engine plant. Bore is 86 mm (3.4 in) and stroke is 85 mm (3.3 in). The AJ35 version introduced for the 2003 model year added variable valve timing of the intake camshafts and electronic throttle control. While the block, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods are all unique to this displacement, many other parts are shared with the AJ-V8 engines produced in the UK by Jaguar.

Vehicles using this engine:

• 2000-2002 Lincoln LS, 252 hp (188 kW) 267 lb⋅ft (362 N⋅m)
• 2002 Ford Thunderbird, 252 hp (188 kW) 267 lb⋅ft (362 N⋅m)
• 2003-2006 Lincoln LS, 280 hp (209 kW) 286 lb⋅ft (388 N⋅m)
• 2003-2005 Ford Thunderbird, 280 hp (209 kW) 286 lb⋅ft (388 N⋅m)
• Ford Forty-Nine concept

The last AJ35 was produced in March 2006 after only 3 years. Total run of AJ30/35 was nearly 250,000 units

[007Cruiser]

Since the block was not used in any Jaguar, I would assume that it was cast here in the USA.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Why not a Jaguar badge?

[Sealy]

I believe you will find our Thunderbird engines were built at the Ford Lima Engine Plant in Lima, Ohio.

So, there you have it. If you want to honour the heritage of your T-Bird engine, you'll have to find a chrome lima bean for your grille.

[carntz]

The knowledge base on this forum is astounding. My thanks to all of you as well.

[007Cruiser]

So, there you have it. If you want to honour the heritage of your T-Bird engine, you'll have to find a chrome lima bean for your grille.

An excellent suggestion! Besides that, birds and cats don’t get along well.

[TommyT]

Greg thank you that is the very grill badge that I wanted !! I'm still thinking on it..

[TommyT]

Thank you Jerri that spells it out completely !!

[TommyT]

Thanks for the reply Sealy !!

[TommyT]

Thank you Jon.And your so very right the knowledge here on TBN Forum is the very best anywhere !!