Cobra guidance
 

I'm looking into building a mkIII and seeking advice between a Kirkham or a glass CSX. Are there mechanical/build quality differences that you would choose one over the other. I think both are built good, i'm really trying to see if one company has different standards on frame, brakes, rear end, etc. that folks would recommend one.

Simple, just go to all the cobra replica web sites and take a look at their respective frames and componants.
You decide! Most owners always think and say their car has the best frame or best quality. You decide and then you will be happy.
Bill

ERA's website has an excellent discourse on design in general and on frame design in particular.

BWD99

Start with local group and look over various cars.
My choice would always favor ally over glass..... However that costs more....

The statement above is right, everyone feels theirs is best and in a way each are as they differ so much. Make friends, spend time with their cars and choose what you like....

I couldn't find the details (frame diameter, make of rear end)on the Kirkham site. I'll call David tomorrow and get some of those details.

Both of the cars you are looking at have original style frames, so I'm guess that's important to you. Given a choice of those two then, I'd rather have the aluminum body.

Before you buy though, you may want to look at what's for sale in the used market. Prices are really low and you offten couldn't build the car for what you can buy it for.
Just a thought.
Larry

The frames and rear ends between the alum CSX and Kirkhams are essentially identical. Fiberglass CSX cars have the same rear end, the same basic frame, with different small diameter tubing to attach the body.

Both manufacturers started out recreating the original cars with great accuracy. Through the years, both have begun to diverge from the '60s cars in terms of suspension, brakes, wiring, gauges, and other details.

Their are some options on the parts you mention. Kirkham offers a stainless frame, brakes are also optioned as Girling (original type) Wilwood, BIG Wilwood, Baer etc. Rear ends are effectively the same from one to another. Build quality can vary, you need to look at them in person and check that out. Fibreglass is easy to build up and sand down, aluminum needs to be pretty close on panel gaps etc and again has options on finish level.

There isn't anything about these cars that are logical, or even intelligent. Don't look at this decision like you would for your daily driver. Don't waste your time comparing every small detail and option.

This is about what's in your heart. Which one makes you drool? Which one will call to you from the garage? Which one gives you a woody? Get that one.

There isn't anything about these cars that are logical, or even intelligent. Don't look at this decision like you would for your daily driver. Don't waste your time comparing every small detail and option.

This is about what's in your heart. Which one makes you drool? Which one will call to you from the garage? Which one gives you a woody? Get that one.

I appreciate all the advice and comments. I am leaning to a aluminum 427. Thoughts on engine builders? Main purpose of the car is to have fun. Tour with the local cobra clubs, maybe 1-2/ year track the car, and of course to terrorize the german and italian owners.

Keithcraft does a great 482ci sideoiler 600hp, go with a Tremec tko600 5 speed . Expect to pay about $25k for a engine/trans package.

+1, plenty to pick from and the prices are not bad. Cash is King

Why? It's not a logical decision at all - but see my post above :)

Are you tlaking about a 427 SB Windsor, or BB FE?

Good point Bobcowan. I am strongly considering the Shelby BB aluminum 427.

Big Bux there, but pretty cool. If that's what your heart desires, go for it.

Awesome motors! They have a 6 bolt bottom end, huge deck thickness, studs for the heads that go halfway down the cylinders, their intake manifolds are one of the best performers on them or any engine. I believe they use the Shelby engine in the quickest/fastest T Bolt in the world.
OLD NEWS ARCHIVE

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