Jaguar electrical systems and just the word "Lucas" have scarred people away for decades.  Many Jaguar "wan-a-be" (and should be) drivers are driving Mercedes and BMW's because they're scared to own a Jaguar.  Well, there probably is some truth to that, maybe a lot of truth, but at this point we've advanced tremendously in this area. 

Frankly, wire is wire, so it's not the wire right?  Wrong!!  Early cars have wiring harnesses that were cloth wrapped.  With age and stress the cloth becomes rotten, brittle, and falls off, exposing the bare wires.  Ooops, what a disaster - smoke for sure - maybe even fire!  Today's modern cars have 10 times the wires and they don't catch fire - Why?  (2) reasons - the wires are covered with a plastic insulation which will never rot or fall off, and they "lighten the load". 

Today's cars have more fuses and they separate circuits and make the "loads" smaller to handle.  A wire will "melt" if you put too much load through it.  Lessen the load and the wire will perform better and longer.  Add some fused circuits and they are more likely not to fail as easily.  I don't mean put bigger fuses in so they won't blow.  I mean re-design the circuit so the wire is compatible with the amount of energy (load) that you intend to put through it.  These early systems barely had the power (via the alternator or generator) to keep up with the needs back then.  There is no way you can add today's amenities.  (i.e.. radios, cell phones, auxiliary radiator fans, extra or brighter lights)  and expect the electrical systems to perform. 

We have at Jaguars Unlimited, modernized the entire electrical system, circuit by circuit.  Those circuits that have been known to fail, have been researched and re designed for reliability.  Our wiring harnesses do have a cloth outer wrapping, but also a plastic (PVC) inner wrapping for durability.  We insist that every wire that passes through or by anything sharp is protected by a rubber grommet.  In addition, some of the original wires were just plain not heavy enough - so we upgraded many of them. 

When we add new features or upgrade with electrical toys, we never "tap" into any existing circuits - we create new circuits.  In other words if you want air conditioning, brighter head lights, fog lights, an extreme stereo systems, a GPS systems, or a cell phone, we create "new" circuits with "new" fuses and "new" wires.  We don't stress the existing wiring circuits, we don't just add-on, we re-create.  The next thing is the "power supply", the alternator.  The original "Lucas" alternator looks great, but honestly makes a better boat anchor, especially if you add anything.  Today's modern alternators are so advanced yet simple.  We choose to upgrade using the 145 amp.Delco unit with an internal voltage regulator.  Now we have enough power to do just about anything, safely. 

With over twice the available power of a Lucas unit you can operate everything at once without a problem.  That is, you can drive with your windshield wipers on, in the rain, at night, with your hi powered lights on, with the air conditioning blasting to keep the windows clear, while listening to your favorite CD blasting without fear of your battery going dead from alternator failure.  Your lights won't dim when you slow down either. 

WOW!!  Can this really still be a Jaguar?  Sure it is - get out and look at it again, then smile or even laugh!