I drove KMP625 for the first time yesterday; first up the hill from my house a few times so if it died I could roll home. Everything went fine and eventually drove for about 20 miles. It is really awesome. The slow steering and unboosted brakes took a little getting used to but seemed pretty natural after a few miles.
The build was pretty straightforward and the two problems I had were entirely of my own doing. The
oil pressure indicator problem was easily resolved once someone pointed out that pressure is measured on the return side (a bit quirky I maintain) and swapping the lines fixed the problem. I believe I was a pioneer in mounting my header/sidepipes on the wrong side of the engine in test fitting prior to install. It actually looks ok, but the mount tabs on the downtubes are 180 degrees out from the ones on the sidepipes. We chased this for days with detailed pictures exchanged and the Kirkhams made me a whole new set before they discovered what I had done. The kirkhams reputation for incredible customer service is well deserved and they were incredibly responsive and gracious throughout.
I have already had two "people magnet" events in my hour of driving. Second pass up the hill a neighbor stopped me to take a picture. He thought it was the most amazing car he'd ever seen (the canyon I live in is full of Ferraris, Porsches, Maseratis, etc). Then I went to the gas station to fill up and emptied the service bay as they had to look. I have gassed my son's FFR there many times and no one has payed the slightest attention. Funny stuff, polished aluminum.
Thanks to all of you for your help, I really appreciate it. See some of you at BACC meetings.
Mark