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I agree with the comments that there are many combinations of engine and chassis/body that are wonderful cars. That said, I have the combination you are considering, Kirkham 427 S/C chassis with the Shelby aluminum 427 engine so will comment on that combination. I have 1200 miles on mine and have loved every one. The build quality of the Kirkham is outstanding, and the rolling chassis comes with well thought out equipment and suspension geometries. Their suspensions are also completely adjustable so as you use the car you can easily dial in preferred settings. There is also something special about aluminum bodies, whether polished or painted.
I have heard only good things about the KeithKraft engines. However, I went with a local builder here in CA so I could easily have work done without shipping the car or yanking the engine. I used FE Specialties in Sacramento, and they were great to deal with. I targeted drivability over absolute horsepower, and am glad I did. The car is a bullet, and you cannot push the throttle pedal all the way down for more than a few seconds on the road without dying or going to jail. With the aluminum engine the car is well balanced in terms of weight distribution and handles and stops as well as it goes. The car has an angry, feral quality with a sport bikes urgency in the way it changes speed and direction. It commands your attention every second you drive without seeming like it wants to kill you, unlike, say, an early 911.
Get the Avon tires.
You won't go wrong.
have fun, Mark
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