KM427 build, what options do you recommend?

[Dimis]

Let us know what you choose and why...

PS: any thoughts on the engine?

Thx

[Lew Ledyard]

Best advice given is to talk to David. Also, talk to your engine builder about the rear-end ratio. I have a 3.36, but if I were to do it again, I would go with a 3.54 (I also have the TKO 5speed with the .85 OD). Not that a big block doesn't have the power to pull the taller gearing, but my motor is happier above 2200 rpms. On the roads around here, I always seem to be around 1800 or 4500. Also, get the Avons and the dropped foot box. I like the 16" steering wheel as well.

[Avmaviator]

Originally Posted by Lew Ledyard

Best advice given is to talk to David. Also, talk to your engine builder about the rear-end ratio. I have a 3.36, but if I were to do it again, I would go with a 3.54 (I also have the TKO 5speed with the .85 OD). Not that a big block doesn't have the power to pull the taller gearing, but my motor is happier above 2200 rpms. On the roads around here, I always seem to be around 1800 or 4500. Also, get the Avons and the dropped foot box. I like the 16" steering wheel as well.

Thanks for the tips. What kind of speed do you see at 2200rpm? I had planned on a 3.54 after talking to them yesterday.

I'm waiting to hear from Dave/Steve about my options list that I went over with them, and delivery time, anxious to hear from them

[Lew Ledyard]

At 2200, I am probably seeing about 40-45 mph. David or Tom K could tell you precisely what that speed would be given your tire size and differential ratio. (Sorry, i have a Smiths speedo that indicates my speed to be somewhere in between 20 and 140 mph, no matter what rpm or gear. Generally, I think that I am around about 40-50 mph. Mostly right in between 2nd and 3rd on everyday twisties. I have a KC 484 BB motor with a little more than 600 hp/tq. Great motor. A lot of fun and easy to live with, but definitely smoother above 2200 and loud above 4500. A 3.54 would mean just keeping it in 3rd for most of my driving.


PS: the magnesium wheels are a must!

[mreid]

With the dropped foot boxes, which are a must given my giant size, do you think I will still be able to use the 289 style sidepipes? This seems to be a point of varying opinion and I'm interested in what those of you that have the dropped boxes think.

Thanks,

Mark

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Lew Ledyard

At 2200, I am probably seeing about 40-45 mph. David or Tom K could tell you precisely what that speed would be given your tire size and differential ratio. (Sorry, i have a Smiths speedo that indicates my speed to be somewhere in between 20 and 140 mph, no matter what rpm or gear. Generally, I think that I am around about 40-50 mph. Mostly right in between 2nd and 3rd on everyday twisties. I have a KC 484 BB motor with a little more than 600 hp/tq. Great motor. A lot of fun and easy to live with, but definitely smoother above 2200 and loud above 4500. A 3.54 would mean just keeping it in 3rd for most of my driving.


PS: the magnesium wheels are a must!

Yes, magnesium wheels are a absolute must! But where can we get them is the better question?

I agree with Lew. I have a 482 with 3.42 rear end and I would definitely move up numerically to the 3.54's.

[Avmaviator]

Originally Posted by mreid

With the dropped foot boxes, which are a must given my giant size, do you think I will still be able to use the 289 style sidepipes? This seems to be a point of varying opinion and I'm interested in what those of you that have the dropped boxes think.

Thanks,

Mark

Mark,

I thought I needed extended footboxes because I'm 6'1" (but on the skinnier side tho) and I definitely do not need them. Steve actually took some pics of me in the car, and the leg area to show how comfortable it is. I can send them to you on Sunday when I get back home if you are interested.
This was also with the fixed seat location, which is further back and lower then the original cars, or similar replicas (I might be adding seat tracks so my wife can drive it but actually I think it will work with the fixed location.

Rodknock,

I'm going to go with the 3.54 gear for sure. In regards to the mag wheels, they are different from the standard Kirkham supplied wheels?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Avmaviator

Rodknock,

I'm going to go with the 3.54 gear for sure. In regards to the mag wheels, they are different from the standard Kirkham supplied wheels?

Kirkham supplies Trigo aluminum wheels. A few folks here on CC have been trying to get magnesium (lighter) wheels made, like the original CSX3000 series. Halibrand made the original series in the 1960's and has made them over the years, but their last batch was manufactured around the Year 2000.

We have been bugging Halibrand and some other sources to make them again for a while now, but with the economy down and the fact that the wheels would likely be very expensive ($3,000-$4,000 for a set), no one has stepped up to make them for such a small market segment.

[mreid]

Originally Posted by Avmaviator

Mark,

I thought I needed extended footboxes because I'm 6'1" (but on the skinnier side tho) and I definitely do not need them. Steve actually took some pics of me in the car, and the leg area to show how comfortable it is. I can send them to you on Sunday when I get back home if you are interested.
This was also with the fixed seat location, which is further back and lower then the original cars, or similar replicas (I might be adding seat tracks so my wife can drive it but actually I think it will work with the fixed location.

That would be awesome! Thanks, my email is blue1965daytona "at" yahoo.com

Mark

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Kirkham supplies Trigo aluminum wheels. A few folks here on CC have been trying to get magnesium (lighter) wheels made, like the original CSX3000 series. Halibrand made the original series in the 1960's and has made them over the years, but their last batch was manufactured around the Year 2000.

We have been bugging Halibrand and some other sources to make them again for a while now, but with the economy down and the fact that the wheels would likely be very expensive ($3,000-$4,000 for a set), no one has stepped up to make them for such a small market segment.

We could really use a "beating a dead horse" smilie.

[drawde]

Originally Posted by Avmaviator

Hi all,

I'm going to be ordering a KMSC427 in the near future and I wanted some advice/tips/recommendations on the options which you think are useful/worthwhile, the ones that you would "pass" on, and any other info about this subject.
So far I'm thinking about the extended footboxes since I'm 6'1", the adjustable seat track as my wife will be driving it too.
Other options that we are looking at; brake upgrade? Stainless chassis? Adjustable vs non adjustable shocks? Larger fuel tank (42 gal)?
This will be a weekend, semi daily driver (drive to work when the weather is really nice, not too often I imagine since I'm in Chicago ), and occasional track car (nothing too hardcore since I have other "hardcore" track vehicles).

I'm planning on going to see Kirkham in Provo at the end of this month to take a closer look at the cars, different options and such. So I would like to have a list of things to checkout at the shop before the purchase.

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

Arno

I orderd mine with fuel injection. My brother-in -law made this very clear to me since his carburated mk111 has trouble starting..this is an expensive option but a must do. I have spent a small fortune on this car with nitrous etc carbon fiber dash custom made seats and much more...as an every day driver good luck,this car is a beast and does not like putting around so every day driver is something I would never do.

[Jamo]

Hmmm...so carbs are no longer acceptable but carbon fiber dashboards are?

Oh well...to each his own.

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Hmmm...so carbs are no longer acceptable but carbon fiber dashboards are?

Oh well...to each his own.

Reminds me of 'Whack-A-Mole'.
First post and...BOOM!

Glad I don't have a brother-in-law, too.