Lots of questions!

[alpace@pacificp]

Stentor,

Thanks for the prompt response! I am trading emails with Keith Craft as we speak! Hard working group...9pm here in CA and midnight out his way....

Interesting observations between Roush and Craft as to configuration, etc. Likewise for tuning. I will contact Tom's Motorsports to discuss as well!

Are you pleased with your CSX?

al

[Power Surge]

I put a mild 390 in my CSX. I bought the motor from an engine builder off ebay for $3300 shipped to my door. It's a 400-425hp motor. It has been flawless in performance, and reliability. It runs plenty cool, much cooler than any other Cobra I've driven with. As for looks, my 390 is visually more "correct" than most any other Cobra out there .

If you're not looking for crazy hp and you want a nice reliable motor, I'd go the 390 route.

[alpace@pacificp]

Sal,
What a solid suggestion! I took a look at some 390's on the web and the cost is considerably less, etc. I am going to speak with KC and Roush about the suggestion tomorrow.

Thanks again. The assistance on this site is just fantastic.

al

[eschaider]

Al,

While I don't use an FE foundation for my power I have used big blocks for many years in both street and race form. As you begin to close in on your final specs you might explore a big block stroker. The long arm and additional inches give very smooth low speed and part throttle response and a stunning kick in the pants when you stand on the loud pedal. Best of all you get all these good manners and mild compression, and mild camshaft and reliable starts under virtually all conditions in a real fun car to drive.

As to the final selection of manufacturer both of your picks produce very good cars. If I could have afforded it I would have purchased a Kirkham. Stunning falls considerably short of the mark when looking for the proper modifier to describe a Kirkham. Like you I originally wanted to buy a Shelby continuation car. When I tried a couple years ago my attempts to get the Shelby operation to sell one were unsuccessful. I understand now that you can purchase a car in a fairly straight forward manner.

The Kirkhams' cars are truly works of engineering art and the Kirkhams are great people. To finish the car the way I wanted it would have financially strained my Cobra budget. In the end I built a Superformance. Love the car! Something to think about though, - a Kirkham is like the first girl you ever fell for. You will always remember her and some how you can never get her out of your mind. And by the way if you get married to her (at least in this case) you'll be real happy.

I'm sure the last part of this post has done you no good whatsoever but, - think hard on the stroker they are magic.

Ed

<edit> p.s. Welcome to the club!

[alpace@pacificp]

Ed,

I forwarded your email to both Kirkham and to Keith Craft (hope you do not mind!), I thought Kirkham would appreciate your comments re their quality, etc (they did!). As to the big block stroker, your description, etc. was very helpful and it is my hope that KC and Roush will review your thoughts and confirm your suggestions.

I love both the Kirkham and the CSX......and I do have a new, existing CSX chassis on hold. Either car can be delivered by the end of December, early January. On that count, I think I am good....if I can finalize my power plant!

Thanks again!

al

[jdog]

Hello al, welcome. You won't go wrong with either car. They're both well made, but the Shelby comes with some additional 'baggage'!
Do yourself a favor and look to your left and click on the FE Specialties link. They'er right here in NorCal, & Tom has a very good reputation.

Think about how far away those other guy's are, and ask yourself, "what if".

jdog
P.S. Check my photo gallery to see some of Tom's handywork.

[alpace@pacificp]

Jdog,

I checked out their site and you are right. I might give Tom a call over the next couple of days....

Might you share what you meant by 'additional baggage'?

Thanks!

al

[Stentor]

Originally Posted by alpace@pacificp

Stentor,

Thanks for the prompt response! I am trading emails with Keith Craft as we speak! Hard working group...9pm here in CA and midnight out his way....

Interesting observations between Roush and Craft as to configuration, etc. Likewise for tuning. I will contact Tom's Motorsports to discuss as well!

Are you pleased with your CSX?

al

al,

I just sent you a private message.

Regards,

Stentor

[RICK LAKE]

Alpace you have private mail RickL.