Finishing a csx roller

[csx4769]

How difficult is it to finish a roller if the engine is rebuilt, a newly rebuilt trans from David Kee ect. Can a regular guy complete the job in his garage? I understand the headers are a big job. Or, should I just pay some one to finish it? If so , how much is it worth? I am getting quotes of about $5,000. plus parts. How long should it take? Its a great 427 fe and a toploader. thanks for any suggestions. Randy Hermans

[daltondavid]

it all depends on who is quoting you the $5000.00!! Do you have skills and an amply equipped garage? If you pay the $5000.00 Make sure they give you everything in writing and look closely at other jobs they have completed. it also would help to speak to some of their clients. Best of Luck to ya!

[The Dreamer]

I think $5K is high. It should be more like $2K, but these rarely performed services and the open ended nature of an engine install, prices vary widely.

[jdog]

CSX rollers don't exist! They are a myth, perpetuated by other Cobra manufacturers to sell cars to disgruntled CSX buyers!

jdog

P.S. I have a quote of $4000 for: tremec600, drive shaft, assemble headers, installed out the door.

[Power Surge]

It's hard to say without knowing exactly what's involved in that 5k quote. It's not as simple a job to "finish" a 4700 series roller as some people may think. Even if you have a finished motor and trans, you still need to setup the bellhousing. Most people use the Lakewood setup, and that can take a few hours alone to setup the clearancing. I've heard there are starter clearance issues, clutch linkage issues, motor mounts issues, etc with the 4700 cars. Then you have to plumb all the oil cooler lines and finish off the engine bay. Once that's done, it's onto the exhaust. The headers and sidepipe come with the 4700 cars unassembled, which means you have to build the headers and hang the sidepipes yourself. That alone can be $1000 of labor. Once all the mechanical stuff is done, the car has to be fired up, checked over, tuned, road tested, then rechecked. Then after 500 miles or so, the car needs to be brought back and rechecked again.

So 5k could be a good price quote if it involves most of the above.

BTW, have you taken delivery of 4769?

[SCOBRAC]

If you think the headers are challenging you may want to have some help.

[RedCSX1]

Well I think I can speak on this subject since I just finished mine (CSX4766) Nothing on this car is real hard but it does take time to do it right. I used a slave cylinder and that took time to engineer a bracket and arm. Fuel line and oil lines all take time as well. Wiring Batteries, MSD, distributor more time, Then getting the shifter right is more time as well. The are not that hard to do but again require lots of time. $5000 sounds about what I would charge if someone asked me to do it.

Morgan

[Specialk]

What is included for $5k? Parts are expensive for a Cobra. Coating the exhaust is $500, batteries are over $200, oil cooler fittings are close to $20 apiece, the clutch slave is $200, driveshafts can be $300. I heard of one guy spending 18 hours fitting his exhaust. If a shop charges $50 an hour, how much is that? There are quite a few parts to chase down, so how much is that worth to you?

[csx4769]

WOW ! What a great responce. This was my first post and I am really pleased You guys are great and helped me to deside that I will pay some one to do the work . Jdog , your rumor post had me falling out of my chair The csx4750+ cars have been a long time coming, but I am sure that we will all be pleased. My car will be at SAAC Does Las Vegas Feb 18,19and 20th. Please check it out and and give me more input. Thanks again! Randy Hermans.

[misfit41]

Hi Randy,
Im in the middle of my car now,,if you consider your self a decent mechanic there's nothing there you can't do,although as Morgan said it takes some time,setting the engine,fitting the clutch and bell housing parts pose the only real challenge,the rest is just piddleing. The headers actually go together quik once your into it I
woul say a competent mechanic should be able to do it in a 60 hour week,so depending on labor rates,2k to 2500 plus parts sounds fair.good luck,,!! Tim
and I agree we need an editing function here,,,

[Allan A]

100 hours easy, and add the parts. Kris is the best on the west coast period!

Allan

[Turk]

I recommend Kris (a previous Shelby employee) to do the work for you, if you don't want to do it yourself.
He helped build my last two cars, and would do it again..

TURK

[Specialk]

Now I need to send out commission checks!

[ST]

He completely assembled mine from the ground up about 2 1/2 years ago.
No regrets!

I'll be at SAAC in February, you can see his handywork for yourself.

[misfit41]

SpecialK sounds like the plan,nothing like experience .
Kris ,your not by chance the Kris that worked in the Shelby Enterprises Engine Dept are you ?
regards,Tim K

[misfit41]

PS,
I suppose I need to change my profile to keep pace,,
how is :Csx4000 ,Vegas Built,spent time in SA,Vacationed in Mexico,and leaned on by Carroll Shelby once,Oh yes,,made a wrong turn on route 66 while being trailered home.
hahaha..what a hoot,,

[Turk]

Kris is the one who worked in Las Vegas building cars.
Chris is the one in Gardena in the engine department. Confusing to say the least. Especially since neither work there any longer..