Kirkham vs Shelby

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by nkb

Is the SPF slabside generally understood to have a more accurate body than the ERA? That could definitely influence my decision between the two (or the CSX fiberglass )

The devil is in the chassis details. ERA builds both (big and small block) models on a rectangular tube chassis with a coilover suspension. For the slab, SPF uses an authentic round tube chassis with the correct transverse leaf suspension. The body shape is beautifully executed and if superficial appearance is a primary driving factor, it certainly holds its own against the ERA. I suppose it would boil down to whether you feel the authenticity factor is worth the relatively reasonable bump in the sticker price.

[nkb]

Originally Posted by Buzz

The devil is in the chassis details. ERA builds both (big and small block) models on a rectangular tube chassis with a coilover suspension. For the slab, SPF uses an authentic round tube chassis with the correct transverse leaf suspension. The body shape is beautifully executed and if superficial appearance is a primary driving factor, it certainly holds its own against the ERA. I suppose it would boil down to whether you feel the authenticity factor is worth the relatively reasonable bump in the sticker price.

And as a follow-on question, is there a difference between the SPF and CSX slab sides (body, frame, suspension) since I understand SPF (Hi Tech) supplies Shelby? I had initially thought the only difference was in branding and a CSX VIN number. But, perhaps there are more physical differences for the two slab sides even though ostensibly from the same manufacturer ?

[1795]

When I received the first photos from the factory for my SPF FIA next to the frame and transverse leaf spring suspension was a CSX placard. There may be some minor details, but nothing substantial. I have had owners of original 289 cars comment on how close mine is to theirs, with the exception of the fiberglass. The most major difference is that my car does not have a CSX number.

It all depends on what you are looking for, it's your money and your decision.

[LMH]

Originally Posted by nkb

And as a follow-on question, is there a difference between the SPF and CSX slab sides (body, frame, suspension) since I understand SPF (Hi Tech) supplies Shelby? I had initially thought the only difference was in branding and a CSX VIN number. But, perhaps there are more physical differences for the two slab sides even though ostensibly from the same manufacturer ?

For the fiberglass CSX car vs the SPF fiberglass car, there isn't much of a difference except possibly the differential. I don't know if the CSX car comes standard with a 4HU differential or not but it's optional on the SPF. Badging and brake caliper lettering are different I think but bodies come from the same mold. Chassis come from the same jig.
Larry

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by LMH

For the fiberglass CSX car vs the SPF fiberglass car, there isn't much of a difference except possibly the differential. I don't know if the CSX car comes standard with a 4HU differential or not but it's optional on the SPF. Badging and brake caliper lettering are different I think but bodies come from the same mold. Chassis come from the same jig.
Larry

Basically correct. There are some differences, the Shelby has "SHELBY" branded calipers while the SPF has "Wilwood" branded. The SPF has the ZF differential standard with CV joint axles with the Salisbury optional in either the alloy 4HU type or a reman Jaguar type with mounting adaptors (hint: The iron Jag doesn't have the fluid leakage/pump out issue the alloy unit does). The Salisbury option uses Dana "plunge" axles as per the day. The bodies and chassis' come off the same tooling that is owned by the same person. There are slight differences in some of the options as on the SPF side we offer things like EPAS electric power steering and we know that if you order a red or tan interior the dash should be black as NO Cobras came with red or tan dashes. We currently have car going to build that will be a very well done duplicate of an early 289 with Smiths gauges and some other minor but noticeable differences.

We were involved in the prototyping of the SPF leaf spring car which was then co-opted by Shelby for the Anniversary FIA and street roadster models ("Slabside"...hate that term, nothing "flat" about them).

Here is Jim's (1795) SPF FIA at the Pittsburgh Vintage: https://www.matthewlittlephotography...2021/i-SQ3PxGr

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Basically correct. There are some differences, the Shelby has "SHELBY" branded calipers while the SPF has "Wilwood" branded. The SPF has the ZF differential standard with CV joint axles with the Salisbury optional in either the alloy 4HU type or a reman Jaguar type with mounting adaptors (hint: The iron Jag doesn't have the fluid leakage/pump out issue the alloy unit does). The Salisbury option uses Dana "plunge" axles as per the day. The bodies and chassis' come off the same tooling that is owned by the same person. There are slight differences in some of the options as on the SPF side we offer things like EPAS electric power steering and we know that if you order a red or tan interior the dash should be black as NO Cobras came with red or tan dashes. We currently have car going to build that will be a very well done duplicate of an early 289 with Smiths gauges and some other minor but noticeable differences.

We were involved in the prototyping of the SPF leaf spring car which was then co-opted by Shelby for the Anniversary FIA and street roadster models ("Slabside"...hate that term, nothing "flat" about them).

Here is Jim's (1795) SPF FIA at the Pittsburgh Vintage: https://www.matthewlittlephotography...2021/i-SQ3PxGr

Rick,

From what I recall, it seems that SPF likes to install the optional Kirkham alloy differential incorrectly, which causes the pump out and SPF has no intention of changing how they do the installation.

I think it was discussed in this lengthy thread, which I don't feel like re-reading at this point.

KMS Differential Questions

You seem to have some influence at SPF, maybe if you referred them to the correct way to install the Kirkham differentials, they might pay attention to you?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

I think it was discussed in this lengthy thread, which I don't feel like re-reading at this point.

KMS Differential Questions

That was one of the more educational threads that we've had, and an entertaining one as well. But if you've got a diff that can suffer the "I got pumped dry" problem, it's a pretty big deal. Mandatory reading for a new or prospective Cobra owner.

[ERA 626]

Originally Posted by Buzz

The devil is in the chassis details. ERA builds both (big and small block) models on a rectangular tube chassis with a coilover suspension. For the slab, SPF uses an authentic round tube chassis with the correct transverse leaf suspension. The body shape is beautifully executed and if superficial appearance is a primary driving factor, it certainly holds its own against the ERA. I suppose it would boil down to whether you feel the authenticity factor is worth the relatively reasonable bump in the sticker price.

The customer service from ERA will be light years better that SPF...