SAI/KMP Control arms

csx700? · #1 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 01:19 AM

(Moderator Note - the following was split from the "Would you buy a Kirkham" at John's request)

hi dave
i received the package today. WHY didn't i check you guys out first !!!!! in my opinion ( as a profesional mechanic ) the control arms that you produce are made so well and much safer than what "sai" installed and equipped my vehicle with. have a great holiday and i'll be back in touch with you in january. thank you.........john

p.s. now i can install a rear swaybar as the original fia cars had.

Specialk · #2 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:33 AM

John,

Can you explain how the Shelby arms are unsafe? I am extremely interested in your engineering analysis.

Kris

Quote:

Originally posted by csx700?

hi dave
i received the package today. WHY didn't i check you guys out first !!!!! the control arms that you produce are made so well and much safer than what "sai" equipped my vehicle with. have a great holiday and i'll be back in touch with you in january. thank you.........john

csx700? · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 12:27 PM

kris
take a look at the photos that i emailed bob marsh and my cobra dealer. just remember in looking at the photos that this car has "0" miles on it. i've since replaced the suspension with kirkham parts. if you need photos i'll email them or if i can figure out how to post pictures on here i would gladly do that..........john

p.s. with the high price (compared to the same kirkham) that "sai" charged me for this car i should NOT have to have replaced or worried about the quality of the build or parts supplied by "sai". needless to say as this build progresses more and more substandard parts are being replaced. i must also say that the ONLY parts supplied to "sai" by kirkham were the basic frame and body (aluminum).

p.s. this is in my opinion as a profesional mechanic

Specialk · #4 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 12:55 PM

John,

Email them to me kincaidk@cox.net

Thorin · #5 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 02:21 PM

Do you work for, or are you in any way connected with SAI and/or shelby?

David Lowell

ST · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 05:06 PM

To answer you question, yes he does work for Shelby.
He's involved with every aspect of assembly, from fabricating and welding the frames to instaling the motor and trans as he did in my car.
I purchased a body and chassis from the Kirkham's, brought it down here and watched him (Kris) single handedly assemble every part on that car. (I was in charge of the food and that damn sanding))BTW all Shelby parts were used.
One thing I quickly realized is that no matter how much they all appear to be identical, they're still hand built and each one is a litlle different.
I've got over 5000 miles on it in 10 months and no problems.

csx700? · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 09:39 PM

kris
you have email !
please use this forums email to get in contact with me.......john

Turk · #8 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:49 PM

Kris can also builld a great ERA..

TURK

750hp · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2003, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thorin

Do you work for, or are you in any way connected with SAI and/or shelby?

David Lowell

Following up on ST's comment about Kris. Yes, he works at Shelby - but he has made that clear from the start. When BTSNAKE and a couple of Aussies turned up at the Shelby factory unannounced, Kris took us for a 2 hour tour of the facilities. He knew that we weren't looking to buy anything from him, but his knowledge and enthusiasm were a great advertisement for Shelby. As for quality of suspension parts, I've never seen the Shelby/Kirkham parts compared, but I do love the look of the latest-spec billet offerings from the Kirkhams

Pure artistry...

csx700? · #10 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 12:18 AM

to all club cobra members
i would be happy to email all the photos that i have emailed to kris. i don't want anyone to feel as though i'm trying to slam "sai". i unfortunately purchased this vehicle from them and now i need to take the corrective steps in order to make it road / track worthy........john

p.s. this is in my opinion as a profesional mechanic. who wants photos?

PatBuckley · #11 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 12:50 AM

John -you have mail.

csx700? · #12 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 09:26 AM

david k. i'm sorry for getting off on this subject and i don't want to high jack your thread about this. if there is any way to have these threads moved to a new topic, please move them. i don't think this is what dave wanted or intended when he created this thread. i will not make anymore posts on this thread about this subject, sorry dave..................john

p.s. this is my opinion as a profesional mechanic. pat and 750hp you have email

csx700? · #13 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 01:39 PM

.........all opinions that i make regarding this product are based on my experience as a profesional mechanic !!

csx700? · #14 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 01:40 PM

kris
did you get the photos i emailed you ??

Specialk · #15 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 03:50 PM

CSX 4027 · #16 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 04:30 PM

Please state your problems as all would like to know and I am sure more than a few will understand your theories.

Way back when, I did 4027 as a comp car. The Shelby A-Arms were as per original and primative but they were what was suppossed to be on the car. They were set up urethane bushings and were not line bored. So, I couldn't use bronze bushings with them and changed to Kirkham. 99% of the street guys could use them with no problem. The extra brace that Kirkham uses on their lowers gives the racer more support.

So what's your beef?

csx700? · #17 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 06:42 PM

pat
i did not receive your email. please use the email provided by this forum..........john

Turk · #18 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 08:30 PM

I too would like to know what is wrong with 300 or so control arms on the CSX cars.

What were they using on the Kirkhams until the recent billet offering. Were they all (CSX and KMP) unsafe or poor design.

I am thoroughly confused.

TYRK

southernfriedcj · #19 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 08:45 PM

Me upper arms on KMP230 are billet, me lower arms ain't. What gives? Is I is or is I ain't got a problem?

ToyCollector · #20 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 09:14 PM

kmp230 is already a historical item useful for reference purposes in tracing Kirkham history. Hope you have preserved it well so far and haven't worn out those suspension pieces with too many miles.