Looking For An Alloy CSX4000? Here Ya Go

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

This thread and decision on this Kirkham caused me to do some serious soul searching and what my next step is in a Cobra. I have to ask myself what am I missing if anything with my SPF to warrant another $25K? out of the bank for an aluminium Kirkham. I have bullet proof reliability (there were growing pains initially), it appears a more durable finish, news to me, I thought the aluminium would be better but it appears it does react with the environment, can scratch and to maintain a uniform finish, no shinny or dull areas may take alot of work if you drive it alot. It appears these are not investment vehicles unless you do get them at rock bottom prices and even if you do you inherit risk of issues you many not have found on the inspection or worse you damage the car yourself.

I know I never felt warm and fuzzy in my BDR, obviously a misperception since the last I heard it had 16k miles on it. My SPF is so rock solid, I never worry about hitting rail road tracks, panel rubs etc. I beginning to feel I have about the best Cobra I can have with the needs and wants I have.

I have a Roush 427, do I regret not having a "big" block, I dont think so anymore, the Kirkham was LOUD, so Loud I feel I would need ear plugs and no way be able to have a radio which I have in mine and use it 100% of the time I am driving. I may not be as hard core as I thought I was, I like the repeatability of the Roush, the quiter sidepipes of the Superformance etc.

I am going to continue to look but be alot more specific on what I want, I need to break away from thinking these cars are investments. True you probably wont loose alot of money, but compared to 2 years ago, the profit and quick sales are gone in this economy.

I originally wanted a GT40, but everyone said the cobra is funner?? maybe I need both.

Regarding maintenance, the brushed finish of an aluminum car can be re-brushed by using a scotchbrite pad. Cleaning is performed with Windex. Ask Jamo or xlr8or, or do a search on the subject. As for polished finishes, you polish it almost like you would paint. Paint requires maintenance as does raw aluminum. Scratches can be brushed or polished out. Fiberglass can chip, but aluminum may (or will) ding or dent easier. To me, maintenance is maintenance. You have to clean all cars.

Loud is relative. There are plenty of loud BB's and SB's out there. I have a BB and many have said it's not that loud at all. My neighbor has a really loud SB FFR, I think louder than my BB.

Very few cars in this world are considered investments. I sincerely doubt any of our Cobras will rise in value, but for the CSX2000 and 3000 cars. The $75K for a completed Kirkham is a good deal. I think that's the best you could hope for...a good deal. Put it this way, I spent A LOT more than $75K to finish my Kirkham. A fully optioned brand new Kirkham roller is right around $75K.

The decision to buy a Kirkham, for me, was easy. And I've never regretted it. However, I think you're right, the SPF may be the best Cobra for you, as well as a lot of other people, since there are so many SPF's on the road now. They're successful for a reason or many reasons.