Mechanical differences between Kirkham & CSX4000

[computerworks]

Don't make me close a venerable thread.

Move on... and thanks

Ron
ClubCobra moderator

[Lew Ledyard]

Sorry. Did not mean to stir up any controversy or negative feelings. I never knew anything about that relationship story or business dealings. Mike was very objective when I spoke with him. His advise seemed rather simple and unbiased. I just thought it was a good testiment from one very well regarded builder/engineer (MM) about another one (Kirkham). No dust up intended.

[Bernica]

I'm out. This one is too ugly.

[Jamo]

Unfortunate...your advice was sound (referencing Kris).

[razerwire]

I wanted alum. so it narrowed my choices. Whomever turns the wrenches makes a big difference in final car. The skills of the Kirkhams are well known and are not challenged. I was in Paul Bennetts shop when 2 Kirkham cars were unloaded 20 years or so ago. That is when my desire was fueled. Mark Heffte had a AC cobra under construction already at Pauls shop before he ordered the two cars from Kirkham. I personally did not like the bumpers and stretched body of the A.C. The fact that Kirkham made their body uniform from side to side and thicker alum. was clincher. About that time period Shelby started up and I went to look at his car. If your like me you keep mental notes as you go along. Meantime I went to open tract event at sears point and watched the shelby spec. racers run, all were very fast and seemed to handle well which led me to Finishline in Vegas. I watched the car I have now sitting in the corner with no progress when it finally came up for sale and I bought it. I had Finishline build it out because of the memory at Sears Point and the spec racers and the finish details of the cars in shop. I liked the idea that the car would be set up by a ex Winston cup crew chief also. I think I made the right choice in my case but if I had to make a choice today based on price and workmanship I think I would make trip to Utah. Their coupe makes me drool.

[bret a ewing]

Swapped entire driveline, suspension, and interior from a damaged CSX 4k onto a Kirkham. Suspension and driveline hard points are virtually identical. I believe the engine mount pads were off by about an inch.
Hope this helps.

Best, Bret.

[rodneym]

Bret,
So after the swap you were left with a damaged glass CSX?
What happened to the CSX number? (If you don't mind saying)
What did you do with the chassis?
No judgements, just curious.

[bret a ewing]

No worries Rod, sold the CSX with a salvage title.