Converting an SC to a street 427

[DH 48]

At DON HOEVEL RACING in Lakemoor Ill, we are converting a Kirkham SC to a street 427. Fresh paint, more original Ford parts under the hood, and anolog Smiths gauges.

[LMH]

Nice job! Are you going to use Sunburst wheels also?
Larry

[DH 48]

The owner is thinking about getting a set of Sunbursts. Right now we powdercoated the Halibrands semi gloss black and mounted Avons.

[computerworks]

Leaving the SC flares and gas cap, though?

[mdross1]

Like to look of no scoop but the 460 needs the space to breath.First time I saw a Cobra with under car exhaust loved the look,for me it showed the lines of the car better.Then after riding in a couple of side exhaust cars knew for sure what my car was going to have.Instead of going over the rear just inside the wheel house made clearance through the rear crossmember with filler then straight out the back under the differential.Now can remove complete exhaust from collectors back in one piece.

[philminotti]

I'm really interested in this particular conversion. Could you post some details about where the headers come from, and how the exhaust is routed. Is this your first Kirkham conversion, or have you done others? What would you charge for just the exhaust work, if you were supplied with a street style car to begin with? You can send me a PM if you want to keep your price to yourself.

Thanks.

phil

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by DH 48

Right now we powdercoated the Halibrands semi gloss black and mounted Avons.

I need to do this.

I like the look, but I would definitely get the Sunbursts, but then the SC flares may look strange with the Sunbursts. Keep posting updates please.

[Got the Bug]

I noticed the pictures are titled Rahal_Cobra . Graham or Bobby?

I like it. Wouldn't mind converting my Superformance to undercar exhaust.

[DH 48]

This is Bobby's car. Let me know if you want undercar exhaust.

[westcott cobra]

With added air splitter in the snout and removed scoop as well ?

Westcott

[JBCOBRA]

Undercar exhaust was the best move I made on this car.
Still makes plenty of awesome sound...but is behind me, not in my ear.
Will rattle my neighbors windows at start-up from 350 feet
Plus it may make more power than the restrictive SPF sidepipes. Sounds better/meaner too.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

Undercar exhaust was the best move I made on this car.
Still makes plenty of awesome sound...but is behind me, not in my ear.
Will rattle my neighbors windows at start-up from 350 feet
Plus it may make more power than the restrictive SPF sidepipes. Sounds better/meaner too.

Looks great! Just sent you an email.

[mickmate]

Looking good Don, let me know about the Sunbursts if you want to do them or anything else you're needing.
http://www.legendaryauto.ca, Quality Sunburst Wheels.

[B.M.B.C]

I like the color. Looks similar to Jaguar midnight blue. The kirkham seen here must be one of the few actually painted cars.

[1985 CCX]

Neat project, spend time on details as it will make the car.

S/C lip
Chin?
Undercar exhaust
Wheels
Dash
Splitter
lights
door pockets.........

[DH 48]

I will post more pictures of the system when I upload them. Nick Acton made the headers.
The blue is a very dark non metalic, looks different under lights.
Don
847 867 1207

[philminotti]

Although the Kirkhams have done virtually everything right, they could really clean up if they offered an undercar exhaust fitted from the factory. The issue of mating the motor to an exhaust that's already installed should be a trivial design challenge, at least compared to hmmmm, a billet chassis for example. Just sayin!

[Got the Bug]

That dark deep blue is awesome. Canepa in Scotts Valley has done several original Cobras using that same color scheme.

[Buzz]

Love the color. Just me, but unless I was shooting for the Cobra equivalent of an NCRS Top Flight Award I wouldn't bother to modify things like the rear flares, oil cooler opening and the gas cap. Hell - I might even keep the hood scoop as well.

This car could credibly be described as replicating a roadster with a few period correct SC mods to accommodate wider tires and a hotter engine; or, it could simply remain what it is - an SC car with undercar exhaust and a few other civilian features added on. Either way, she's a real looker and once again I'm drawn to the idea of removing my own roll bar and sidepipes.

[DH 48]