What Kit and why

RodKnock · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 04:13 PM

If a person can do most or all of the labor, then there is a tremendous amount of savings. Some people are more gifted than others, so a "factory" assembly, would add $5,000 to a Kirkham. I purchased a Kirkham that was nearly fully loaded, but I think for a valid comparison to an ERA, as Warren G suggested, you would need to compare a fully loaded ERA against a fully loaded Kirkham. I still think the ERA would be a much less expensive build. We can always agree to disagree.

ng8264723, are you planning a 390 for your Kirkham or will you be installing a 427 or 428 based engine? I can attest first hand that those engines are more expensive to put together.

RodKnock · #2 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 09:50 AM

Michael, in the Ford realm, I've only owned small blocks. This is my first FE and could be my last. New FE parts are very expensive. SBF's are outstanding engines and I wouldn't hesitate to build another one for a future Daytona Coupe, GT40 or FIA project.

Unique, ERA and Kirkham are all top quality cars. All good choices. If you do purchase a 427 bodied car, and you'll eventually install an FE, you may want to just skip the SBF step and accumulate FE parts now. The switch from a SBF to BBF can get expensive with new headers, exhaust, etc.

Good luck with your choice and build.

fostereast · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 09:26 AM

One thing to consider, start with a 390 build, you can keep it reasonably inexpensive if you go for 1hp per inch, and your in the game with the right engine family in the right car. I would not even stroke it. use as many stock pieces that check out at the machinist. Everything should hold up to 400HP.

It will be plenty fast enough, and anything like the transmission, motor mounts etc.. will trasfer over to the 427 when your ready.

I have an SOHC, but believe it or not I will probably start with a 390 also, just to work out all the bugs and get everything in the car tuned up. I'll use cast iron heads and Intake to get the 390 weight very similar to the SOHC. I'll have the manufacturer set up the footboxes and anything else for the SOHC, so it will fit when I am ready.