CSX vs. Kirkham

[RodKnock]

One other difference, actually there are many upon many, between the two cars is that the Kirkham does not adhere nearly as much to original as a CSX in terms of specs. A few examples are: 1) the Kirkham has one battery in the trunk. The CSX has two batteries behind the seats like the original, 2) the gauges on the Kirkham have the appearance of Smith's but actually have an LCD display for the odometer and fuel gauge (optional), the CS gauges do not, 3) most CSX's that I ran across have a Toploader for originality, but most later Kirkhams are setup for the TKO600. So, besides the alloy versus fiberglass decision, you will also have to decide on the level of adherance to the original versus subtle "modernization." Again, a very personal choice.

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

One other difference, actually there are many upon many, between the two cars is that the Kirkham does not adhere nearly as much to original as a CSX in terms of specs. A few examples are: 1) the Kirkham has one battery in the trunk. The CSX has two batteries behind the seats like the original, 2) the gauges on the Kirkham have the appearance of Smith's but actually have an LCD display for the odometer and fuel gauge (optional), the CS gauges do not, 3) most CSX's that I ran across have a Toploader for originality, but most later Kirkhams are setup for the TKO600. So, besides the alloy versus fiberglass decision, you will also have to decide on the level of adherance to the original versus subtle "modernization." Again, a very personal choice.

Well, that brings up another point - there are many variances on both brands, depending on their production dates. Your points are valid, but they are also NOT valid. Depends on the individual car. Some KMPs use the dual battery, and some CSXs use a single. Gauges have also changed a few times on both brands. And as for trans type, Kirkham frames are made for the 4 speed, but they sell an adapter for a 5 speed, whereas you can order a CSX setup for either trans when it's built.

The "current" versions of both cars (as if you were going to buy either brand new), are very much different. The Shelby is still faithful to an original car, with just the brakes and shocks the only major hardware differences. The Kirkham boys are always improving things on their cars, and always making more and more parts to their own spec, and in house. The current KMP is a great machine, with lots of new engineering into it, but at the cost of it becoming farther from an original spec car.

That brings us to the point that 767jockey has brought up.... if you want a car that's faithful to originality, you'll be re-doing a LOT of stuff on a current KMP.

So really, which car is a "better" value, comes down to what the individual buyer is looking for in a car.

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by Power Surge

The current KMP is a great machine, with lots of new engineering into it, but at the cost of it becoming farther from an original spec car.
That brings us to the point that 767jockey has brought up.... if you want a car that's faithful to originality, you'll be re-doing a LOT of stuff on a current KMP.
So really, which car is a "better" value, comes down to what the individual buyer is looking for in a car.

Exactly what I was TRYING to say, only said much better. Thank you, Sal.

[alpace@pacificp]

Rod,

The items you mention as comparative differences are significant. However, the more I begin to realize that most of the 'shelbys' on the road simply flatter, but cannot replace the original, I begin to wonder if chasing a 'tue to form' replica is an oxymoron??