CSX Game Plan...Real or Not?

[bdeutsch]

All, is it feasible, once a CSX roller is purchased, to actually install the engine and drivetrain yourself (with knowledgeable friends helping of course)?

In the last couple of weeks or so, there have been some strings on the lack of a manual for the CSX cars which is leading me to believe that the above plan perhaps is not feasible. Not sure how one could do this without some understanding of how things are wired, positioning, etc.

Have any current CSX owners on the Board added the drive train and engine on their own or have the majority contracted the job to CSX referred specialists?

Thanks,

Bob

[damdfw]

And not very difficult with a little help from your friends. Most of the install is just standard stuff.

[cobrakiwi]

Not a big deal, with a little help from here. And most of all it is fun.
Go for it!

[Dangerous Doug]

I assume a CSX roller has all the wiring and suspension done, along with paint.

Installing the engine and transmission shouldn't be any more difficult than any other roller. As long as you know which motor and transmission mounts to use, what hoses to buy, and what wires go where, you should be good to go.

I think the "lack of manual" problem would effect you more if you were trying to buy the parts from Shelby and put it all together yourself.

DD

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

It's sad that Shelby doesn't supply a manual for assembly and/or repair. I guess they don't want you to work on your own car. Keeps you writing checks to ole' Shel. I'm happy that I have an ERA with the best manual in the industry. I actually got my manual free from Peter when I first visited ERA, before I ordered my car. Maybe he figured I couldn't use it with a Shelby.

[mickmate]

Hey Bob, I'm putting one together at the moment. If you want any insight or have specific questions let me know or give me a call. The exhaust has to be fitted to the car, removed and welded. That looks like the biggest challenge at this point. We could turn your thread into one about manuals and other brands though, I'm sure that would be helpful.

[mickmate]

If you want some good reading on the continuation cars, problems and solutions your best manual is right here http://www.csxinfo.net/web/modules/s....php?board=5.0

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by mickmate

Hey Bob, I'm putting one together at the moment. If you want any insight or have specific questions let me know or give me a call. The exhaust has to be fitted to the car, removed and welded. That looks like the biggest challenge at this point. We could turn your thread into one about manuals and other brands though, I'm sure that would be helpful.

In previous threads there has been anecdotal posts that SA stops the publication of manuals -- but that may be absolute garbage. Have you "touched base" with anyone at Shelby on it? BTW, I applaud your effort at putting it together.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by mickmate

If you want some good reading on the continuation cars, problems and solutions your best manual is right here http://www.csxinfo.net/web/modules/s....php?board=5.0

Keep it up! Thanks for all the work so far.

[cobrakiwi]

To add to my previous post, I am sure Shelby and his dealers still offer an install kit for the car. Lots of $ but it could be a big help in your situation. Last time I checked it was 12k for the kit but you get every thing needed to complete. Call Steve at http://www.goplanetcobra.com/ great help.
In our shop now we have a CSX 4000, Kirkham, and soon to start a scratch build Alloy FIA. We make a lot of the parts needed in shop but it can be difficult sourcing some of this stuff for the first time. I have just completed this exact task for the 4000 and I would have to say the header pipes are the most difficult task. We build ours from scratch in stainless.
There are lots of good people here on Club Cobra that will help you, just ask.

[bdeutsch]

As always, appreciate all member responses.

I was not aware of the $12k build kit; will follow-up on that.

Otherwise hope all have a great weekend. Northern California cool and overcast with a chance of rain....

Bob

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by cobrakiwi

Call Steve at http://www.goplanetcobra.com/ great help.

x2. Steve is a great guy and very helpful. I ended up buying my car from him and having him complete the car, but I was considering the roller and completing it myself and he was very helpful in offering to support me in that too. The "runner" kits are about $12k and include everything except the engine (Steve also introduced me to a great local engine builder who built me an NOS side oiler as well).

[PANAVIA]

I have been trying to crack the *manual* project , but man it is daunting.

answer to your question; yes you could. - will you get frustrated -probably.

Steve

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

I have been trying to crack the *manual* project , but man it is daunting. answer to your question; yes you could. - will you get frustrated -probably.

The three volume set of shop manuals for my GM car cost me around $100, as I recall. IF I owned a CSX car, I would happily send twice that much to someone who would aggregate the contributions and hold them as an incentive to pay the author of the manual. Quality work deserves quality pay. I would think a lot of CSX owners would be like minded. BTW, the three volume GM set has NO photos whatsoever, only drawings. My personal opinion is that that basically sux.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by patrickt

The three volume set of shop manuals for my GM car cost me around $100, as I recall. IF I owned a CSX car, I would happily send twice that much to someone who would aggregate the contributions and hold them as an incentive to pay the author of the manual. Quality work deserves quality pay. I would think a lot of CSX owners would be like minded.

This CSX owner would certainly be willing to do that.

[bdeutsch]

Does anyone know if SPF and Kirkham charge extra for an installation kit (or something similar)? All of a sudden, a $51k roller (+/-), now becomes a $63k roller.

Also, are there manuals available for the SPF and Kirkham?

Thanks again,

Bob

[kurtmart]

You might check out the manuel on the Kirkham website. Lots if good info and pics. It all relates to a CSX build as Kirkham supplies rollers to Shelby.
If you're in NorCal be sure to talk to Tom at FE Specialties about your engine build, then pick his brain about the rest of the install.

Enjoy

[Bernica]

Good idea Patrick. I'm in too....

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by bdeutsch

Does anyone know if SPF and Kirkham charge extra for an installation kit (or something similar)? All of a sudden, a $51k roller (+/-), now becomes a $63k roller.

Also, are there manuals available for the SPF and Kirkham?

Thanks again,

Bob

Kirkhams are supplied as complete rollers with almost everything you need. The extra parts that came with my Kirkham were the oil cooler setup (optional) and the sidepipes and headers, but that's it. Otherwise the rest of the stuff is engine and tranny related. Oil puke tanks, turkey pans, coolant recovery, etc. are purchased from wherever you like.

[RodKnock]

A Kirkham roller is $57,000 in "file" finish with most popular options.