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© 2001 Brian F. Schreurs
Even we have a disclaimer.

What it is: This kit provides all of the parts required to convert the rear brakes to vented rotors. It works on all Jaguars with inboard rear brakes, including XJ-S from 1975 to 1991; XJ6 and XJ12 from 1968 to 1987 (longer for Series III XJ12) including XJC and XJ12C variants; and E-Type from 1968 to 1974. It is our understanding that 1968 marks the introduction of the split Girling calipers. If your car's rear calipers don't split in half (such as pre-1968 Jaguars), then you will have to convert to the later calipers to use this kit. If you are not completely sure whether you have split calipers, please check. For XJ-S owners, this kit is designed to work with both Salisbury and Dana differentials.

What you get: Two vented rotors, two aluminum hubs, four caliper spacers, and two lockplates. Owners must provide 12 grade 8 bolts, 12 metal locknuts, and four longer-than-stock Girling pad retaining pins (get a set intended for the front brakes; they'll work). Some very minor modifications to stock parts will be required.

Why you'd want it: For normal, everyday street driving, you would see little benefit from this kit. It would simply be bragging rights and the knowledge that it is ready "just in case." Some have theorized that oil leaks from the output shafts, which would normally find their way to the braking surface, may harmlessly exit through the venting. Another claim is that the venting from the rotor may help prevent the output seals from cooking in the first place. Again, just theory at this stage. But there is one definite advantage to having vented rear rotors: if your car ever sees repeated, hard braking (such as in an autocross, or a very spirited mountain drive), these rotors will resist fade for far longer than the solid rotors.

Where you can get it: Essex Parts, a company specializing in custom and race brake applications. Ask for the Jaguar vented rotor kit.

Our involvement: We coordinated the project from beginning to end. Our hub and rotor design is a modified version of a setup designed by Kirby Palm, which in turn is based on the design used by TWR for their high-performance XJ-S of the late 1980s. We provided the parts from which Essex designed the spacers and lockplates. And we are in the process of installing and testing this kit on our Project XJ-S. Watch for installation instructions soon.