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Kirkham Motorsports

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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 07-29-2011, 04:36 PM
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Default Kirkham 427 Engine

Whats the latest status with the Kirkham 427 aluminium engine development? Its been a while since we all saw the block being CNC machined. Has it actually been built into a fire breathing, snarling monster, or will it simply remain as a shiny lump of aluminium destined to replace the coffee table stand in the BBC Top Gear studio?
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Old 07-29-2011, 07:07 PM
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My question is, will it meet the new fuel requirements of 50mpg for 2017.

Kidding, Kidding!

I too look forward to seeing the new kirkham block and the new Kirkham 427 Oil pan in production and action.

Thanks for all you do Kirkhams!
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Old 07-29-2011, 08:33 PM
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They gave it to me to do some road testing. Only thing I had to mount it in was the lawnmower.... Cuts grass like you wouldn't believe!!!!

Actually will be a great project to see come to life!!!
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Old 07-30-2011, 08:39 AM
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We got the engine back from Keith. In an effort to try and control some variables it was built up as one of Keith's standard 482. On the dyno it ran just like all the other 482 that Keith built. After the dyno runs Keith checked the bearings and said everything looked good. For the next test we are getting ready to install the engine in Sandwiches car. We hope to be able to really test the engine on our open track day Sept 12.
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Old 07-30-2011, 08:52 AM
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Tom, When do you expect to be finished with testing and make the engines available for individuals to buy?
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Old 07-30-2011, 12:19 PM
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Sandwich gets all the fun ! --
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Old 07-30-2011, 01:03 PM
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Sandwich gets all the fun ! --
He deserves it.
The whole crew is very hard working and talented but Sandwich takes it to the next level. You rarely see a work ethic like that anymore.
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Old 07-31-2011, 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by GT350Mike View Post
Tom, When do you expect to be finished with testing and make the engines available for individuals to buy?
Conservative time line please.... and I promise I won't hold you to it!

Just need to know how long I have to save...


Thx
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Old 08-02-2011, 06:43 AM
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Default Weight?

Any idea of weight savings yet? Thanks
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Old 02-03-2012, 04:06 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham View Post
We got the engine back from Keith. In an effort to try and control some variables it was built up as one of Keith's standard 482. On the dyno it ran just like all the other 482 that Keith built. After the dyno runs Keith checked the bearings and said everything looked good. For the next test we are getting ready to install the engine in Sandwiches car. We hope to be able to really test the engine on our open track day Sept 12.
Any further news?
Eagerly awaiting...

thx,
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Old 02-03-2012, 08:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham View Post
We got the engine back from Keith. In an effort to try and control some variables it was built up as one of Keith's standard 482. On the dyno it ran just like all the other 482 that Keith built. After the dyno runs Keith checked the bearings and said everything looked good. For the next test we are getting ready to install the engine in Sandwiches car. We hope to be able to really test the engine on our open track day Sept 12.
How about some new cylinder heads now, they could be along the lines of the
LS7 design with a new intake to go with them. A 900 HP naturally aspirated FE would be possible and probably well over 1000 HP with compression and radical cam.
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Old 02-03-2012, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Dimis View Post
Any further news?
Eagerly awaiting...

thx,
This is Sandwich here!
the engine is running well. I've got about 3000 miles on it, and its runs like it should. Unfortunately I don't think we will ever make another one like this one, with the wet sleeves and all, however, I am currently working on a 2nd rendition of the billet block, but this one will be an open deck, perhaps a nikasil lined cylinder. I'd like to get it machined before the open house, but its not looking good so far.
Anyway, from what I've heard, the wet sleeve block made about 630hp, I never saw the dyno sheet, but it seems to pull really hard at 5000 rpm. Its left some brown in my underwear a few times in 3rd gear.

Dave Cindrich
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Old 02-03-2012, 11:54 AM
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Quote:
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Dave Cindrich
Dave,
Are you related to Tim?
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Old 02-03-2012, 12:18 PM
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Welcome Dave & thx for the update.

What did you discover about the wet sleeves that have turned you off making another & thinking nikasil will work better?
Or is it purely a cost thing?

Thanks again
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Old 02-03-2012, 12:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandwich View Post
This is Sandwich here!
the engine is running well. I've got about 3000 miles on it, and its runs like it should. Unfortunately I don't think we will ever make another one like this one, with the wet sleeves and all, however, I am currently working on a 2nd rendition of the billet block, but this one will be an open deck, perhaps a nikasil lined cylinder. I'd like to get it machined before the open house, but its not looking good so far.
Anyway, from what I've heard, the wet sleeve block made about 630hp, I never saw the dyno sheet, but it seems to pull really hard at 5000 rpm. Its left some brown in my underwear a few times in 3rd gear.

Dave Cindrich
That's absolutely Awesome!

How was the engine dressed out to do 630Hp?
Single 4, F.I? what heads, cam, intake?

I'm interested in a block if you build them.
Thanks, Curtis
Kirkham #374
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Old 02-03-2012, 01:49 PM
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I hear that the MKII version will be installed in the Governor's limo....
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Old 02-04-2012, 06:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dimis View Post
Welcome Dave & thx for the update.

What did you discover about the wet sleeves that have turned you off making another & thinking nikasil will work better?
Or is it purely a cost thing?

Thanks again
When I was at the open house last year, I think someone mentioned something about the wet sleeve design being a one-off was based on someone else's patent. So I guess licensing with the patent would make the block too expensive.
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Old 02-04-2012, 07:54 AM
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[quote=Cobra #3170;1173973]How about some new cylinder heads now, they could be along the lines of the
LS7 design with a new intake to go with them. A 900 HP naturally aspirated FE would be possible and probably well over 1000 HP with compression and radical cam.[/QUOTE

Darn right, the FE needs better heads, we dont need a better block or billet even though its cool, heads and intake for power.
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Old 02-04-2012, 08:42 AM
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[quote=fordracing65;1174157]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cobra #3170 View Post
How about some new cylinder heads now, they could be along the lines of the
LS7 design with a new intake to go with them. A 900 HP naturally aspirated FE would be possible and probably well over 1000 HP with compression and radical cam.[/QUOTE

Darn right, the FE needs better heads, we dont need a better block or billet even though its cool, heads and intake for power.
We have thought about making heads, but it seems like it would be all most impossible to machine a descent water jacket in around the combustion chamber.

The sleeve problem was about some patent infringements on stuff Darton clams to have patents on.
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Old 02-04-2012, 10:34 AM
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[quote=Sandwich;1174164]
Quote:
Originally Posted by fordracing65 View Post

We have thought about making heads, but it seems like it would be all most impossible to machine a descent water jacket in around the combustion chamber.

The sleeve problem was about some patent infringements on stuff Darton clams to have patents on.
Nothing is impossible for you Sandwich, just get it done or else the Governor will be all over you
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