What Kit and why

[Joe Wicked]

Originally Posted by Grenamc

This has been a handy thread to dig up and read. I am in process of determining my manufacturer right now. I want to do as much of the work myself as possible, much like Joe. Building my car will be my hobby for awhile. It about having something constructive to do with my spare time. Spreading out the cost is an added bonus, though I imagine once I start it will become less about spreading cost and more about getting finished.

As far as manufacturers, I am keen on both Unique and ERA. I like both their body shapes very well, and they both are well respected companies from everything I have encountered. I have been under the impression that ERA was a good 15% more expensive to complete in comparison to Unique, but after reading this thread, I will certainly take a closer look. If they're equivalent in expense to complete my decision will waffle back to them being neck and neck (as Unique has the edge right now). It seems like Unique doesn't get talked up here as much as the other brands, but I assume that is more a result of the customer forums than anything else, as nothing I have seen of them so far would indicate they are anything less than Top-Tier.

I am in Indiana, so I don't think there are any manufacturers very close to me. I definitely want to tour Unique, and I am inclined to do the same with ERA after some dedicated number-crunching. Are there any other brands I should definitely add to the list? I am curious about Hurricane and will be digging through their site soon. Any comments, suggestions, etc will be appreciated.

Oh, and my intent at the moment is to follow the original marginally well. I know off the bat, I will have a SB in the 427 body with intent of future modding, lol. A five or six speed instead of a four, and probably larger than 15" rims, though I switch back and forth on that. More or less a street rod in the shape of a cobra. It will mostly be for cruising around, but I could see myself gaining interest in some light Autox, road course, etc. No drag stripping, except when I want to beat a Vette to the next stop light.

Just to let you know I have continued to look at cars and have had the pleasure of helping a fellow member drop a 390 in his ERA as well as help him chase an electrical gremlin. I love the ERA it is one beautiful car. I have also gotten up close and personal with another local members Hurricane. I love that car as well. I can pick apart the differences fairly easy now as far as the mechanical, but I am still not seeing the big differences in body until someone point it out. . I have also spoken with the staff at FFR, Hurricane, Shell Valley, and Lonestar. In my opinion all are good cars for the person who wants to build their own car. The ERA leaves enough to build, but from those I have talked to, buying a roller is worth the cost. You still get to do some of the building, but not near as much. Speaking with another local club member who has been around these cars a lot, he looked at what I was wanting to spend, and the fact that I want to do the building and he recommended Hurricane. Please note that he does not have a hurricane but a Lonestar and does not have anything bad to say about it. If you are really looking at doing as much work as possible, take the time and check out the Hurricane. I have pretty much settled on that kit as it offers what I am looking for. As I got to thinking about the different parts, I will have a complete list of parts, so it really will not matter what is on the car.

Edit: And as was told to me, "Welcome to the madness". <--my favorite CC smiley.

[1985 CCX]

Edit: And as was told to me, "Welcome to the madness". <--my favorite CC smiley.

More like a sickness...........

[FIA-ERA]

Are you interested in the ERA 427 body or the FIA? Just curious. Thanks, Matt.

[Grenamc]

Right this minute, I prefer the 427 to an FIA. Of course, until I see both in person, preferably side by side, I don't want to commit to either. I know if I go with a 427 my intent is to start off with a small block in it (due to my greater knowledge and network of friends with high quality used SB racing parts) and then if I get the bug to do more to the car, start looking for an FE engine to start cleaning up and working on. Then, of course, I will have to find a car to put my small block in, lol.

Cheers to finding something to burn all my cash on!

[Joe Wicked]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Edit: And as was told to me, "Welcome to the madness". <--my favorite CC smiley.

More like a sickness...........

Well, I got bitten by the performance bug when I was 14, so the infection is pretty set in after 20 years. The bug did come from an original 427, so maybe that is why I can't seem to get enough medicine from my Mustang.

[FIA-ERA]

There is a big difference between the two ERA 427 and ERA FIA in my opinion. Both are extremely true to the original in both dimensions and appearance. The difference is really the midsection and forward. The FIA is skinnier and not as rounded out. To me, the FIA looks more muscular and trim than a 427. I think the 427 looks more steroided out. Also, if I had a 427 I would have to have a FE motor with out a doubt. It's just the right fit. My car actually had an aluminum FE in it at one time and it just didn't fit!! To close to the foot boxes, no room for working, and still just a little off balance. I'm planning on putting a 351W in mine and it works the best with the FIA I think. The motor fits better than a 289 and with the extra cubes it can't hurt. The ERA's are a lot better than the Unique cars in my opinion. I've seen them both and I think the Unique's are limited in there front suspension and are a little weaker design. The Weaver's are great group of people though and are very eager to help. The ERA's are very close and have stronger chassis. I've been there too and the operation is pretty amazing as well. I don't think you will find many that know as much about the business as Peter and Bob! The ERA's leave enough for you to build and have a great support staff as well. How is the registration and title ling up in Indiana? It's getting harder and harder to get these cars registered! Good luck with the search, Matt.

[Grenamc]

I am posting this for ng8264723, the quote from Kirkham he couldn't get attached a few days back. This is not a quote for me or anything else, just a favor for ng8264723.


Thanks
-Michael

[RodKnock]

FYI, that "brushed finish" in that quote went from $5,000 to $8,000.

[ng8264723]

I understand there was a change. My price was locked before the change
chris

[RodKnock]

If a person can do most or all of the labor, then there is a tremendous amount of savings. Some people are more gifted than others, so a "factory" assembly, would add $5,000 to a Kirkham. I purchased a Kirkham that was nearly fully loaded, but I think for a valid comparison to an ERA, as Warren G suggested, you would need to compare a fully loaded ERA against a fully loaded Kirkham. I still think the ERA would be a much less expensive build. We can always agree to disagree.

ng8264723, are you planning a 390 for your Kirkham or will you be installing a 427 or 428 based engine? I can attest first hand that those engines are more expensive to put together.

[ng8264723]

Rodknock,
I have built several different engine's 302's,351's 460 and a 428. To be honest all the big blocks are expensive. There wasn't much of a price difference b/t the big blocks. Where they get expensive is the valve train. If you run stock stuff there both fairly cheap. Comparing the BB's roller lifters are the same price the push rods are the same. The roller lifter for a 460 with studs are what $300? Ersons are $560 now right? Edelbrock heads ready to bolt on $1,200? The 460 are actually more $1,800 I think. The Intakes are close. he blocks are where the difference is 460 cheap 427 never cheap. If you racing block there about the same. So I gues all BB's are expensive. What am I running? I have a 427 CO I bought years ago bar block. I also purchased complete brand new edelbrock heads and a blu thunder intake. I have a set of NOS Lemans rods. I have several cranks but haven't decided what to do yet. As far as the price comparison. I went to the ERA website and did a comparison based on my build which I feel is the bare needed essentials. I was surprised to the the difference was smaller than 10-15,000. To me if you can afford to spend that much spend extra for the alum body. Unfortunately, I know that the extra 10-15 might break the bank for someone.
chris

[RodKnock]

ng8264723, in my case, I could not find any original FE cast iron parts worth using, and I didn't want to wait several months to years to accumulate some nice used heads, block, crank, rods, etc. and then down the road ultimately want to upgrade my engine. So, I decided to purchase a crate engine, which happens to be more money than I originally intended on spending for an engine. I broke my budget a long time ago, but I do love peeking under the car cover to look at my Kirkham. At any rate, $10,000-$15,000 saved by going with an ERA could purchase a drivetrain for someone out there.

[ng8264723]

Crate engine.........Damn.........Big bucks... I'll be saving a good deal over what you spent. My eninge builder is real reasonable to. He rebuilt a toploader (Isupplied parts) for $250 labor
chris

[RodKnock]

Chris, I figured it was worth the extra $10K to just go ahead get what I really wanted anyway. An all-aluminum 482 with the Shelby FE block. Yep, there are definite ways to save money, but hey, why not shoot for the moon?

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by FIA-ERA

..... I'm planning on putting a 351W in mine and it works the best with the FIA I think. The motor fits better than a 289 and with the extra cubes it can't hurt. .... Matt.

Matt,
I don't have a car (yet), but am seriously considering the ERA 289 FIA and was interested in your comment that the 351 fits better than a 289. Can you elaborate? Thanks.

- Tim B.

[Grenamc]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

ng8264723, in my case, I could not find any original FE cast iron parts worth using, and I didn't want to wait several months to years to accumulate some nice used heads, block, crank, rods, etc. and then down the road ultimately want to upgrade my engine. So, I decided to purchase a crate engine, which happens to be more money than I originally intended on spending for an engine. I broke my budget a long time ago, but I do love peeking under the car cover to look at my Kirkham. At any rate, $10,000-$15,000 saved by going with an ERA could purchase a drivetrain for someone out there.

Yeah, I completely understand your thoughts. I am presently a big fan of the 427 body, but I will start off with a self-built and tuned small block while I spend the next few years collecting the money and parts to do a big block the way I want to build one.

[RodKnock]

Michael, in the Ford realm, I've only owned small blocks. This is my first FE and could be my last. New FE parts are very expensive. SBF's are outstanding engines and I wouldn't hesitate to build another one for a future Daytona Coupe, GT40 or FIA project.

Unique, ERA and Kirkham are all top quality cars. All good choices. If you do purchase a 427 bodied car, and you'll eventually install an FE, you may want to just skip the SBF step and accumulate FE parts now. The switch from a SBF to BBF can get expensive with new headers, exhaust, etc.

Good luck with your choice and build.

[fostereast]

One thing to consider, start with a 390 build, you can keep it reasonably inexpensive if you go for 1hp per inch, and your in the game with the right engine family in the right car. I would not even stroke it. use as many stock pieces that check out at the machinist. Everything should hold up to 400HP.

It will be plenty fast enough, and anything like the transmission, motor mounts etc.. will trasfer over to the 427 when your ready.

I have an SOHC, but believe it or not I will probably start with a 390 also, just to work out all the bugs and get everything in the car tuned up. I'll use cast iron heads and Intake to get the 390 weight very similar to the SOHC. I'll have the manufacturer set up the footboxes and anything else for the SOHC, so it will fit when I am ready.