Late model Big Block in a Kirkham?

D-CEL · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 01:43 PM

Has anyone installed a 385 series big block in a Kirkham?

Thanks
Jason

Igofastr · #2 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 02:55 PM

I personally haven't seen it done, but would suspect that it would take quite a few modifications to make it fit. My understanding is that the modular v8 is a fairly wide motor, wider than an FE. There can't be more than a couple of inches of clearance on either side of my 427 before I'd start hitting things like the foot boxes and square tubes of the frame.

I'm sure it could be done with enough time and money, but doubt that it would be worth it if you are doing it to save money. As an engineering exercise, it might be interesting, but you'd probably really hurt yourself re-sale wise.

My $0.2

D-CEL · #3 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 03:03 PM

Resale? A kirham with an alum 604. Id never sell that one!!

Jason

Igofastr · #4 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 03:09 PM

Well then, "Damn the torpedos!!"

xlr8or · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 04:35 PM

Yes I can tell you from personal experience it's been done and a 385 series engine fits without any permanent modifications to the car. You do need to lift the engine about an inch for bellhousing clearance and build custom headers. Hood clearance is an issue. You also have clearance issues around the headers and the steering shaft. You are limited on clearance in the front since the 385 is longer than an FE. If you would like to set the engine down and to the rear you will need to notch the frame rails for the bellhousing and build some custom motor mounts.

Are you looking to buy a Kirkham?

Igofastr · #6 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-CEL

Has anyone installed a 385 series big block in a Kirkham?

Thanks
Jason

Jason,

Sorry for answering a question you didn't ask...brain fade on my part. I saw your header, and assumed you were asking about a modular motor. Had I paid attention, I would have seen the "385 series", and pointed you right to Xlr8or.

Dominik · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 01:27 PM

good day!

Haven't done it on a Kirkham, but on my own orig spec chassis.
I moved the driver footbox to the left, as well as the steering shaft to clear the head and notched the frame rails for starter/bellhousing clearance.
Yes, the steeing wheel (as well as column) is angled a bit, the dasboard cut a bit.

You could probably live without notching the frame, if you lift the engine. But now you battle to get hood clearance. (The steering shaft may clear the head)
With the supplied Victor Jr the hood was flush with the intake - without carb! (Crank CL 5" to 5 1/5" above frame rails)
If you raise the engine to clear the frame rails another inch...

I replaced the Victor with a Performer (The lowest you can get. Make sure it's for SCJ heads) and the CSX4000 hood scoop is now touching the lid of the (small) aircleaner.

No rubber mounts for the engine here, every millimeter counts.
Even the distributor cap is very close to the hood!

You may also battle to clear the 3/4x3/4" tubing running from front upper pedestal (upr control arm frame) to scuttle hoop with the headers. This is the frame to hold the steering mount before the first knuckle.
You don't want to remove that tube.

I am not doing it again! Next engine will be FE.

Oh, and consider the changes to be done to the engine for manual transmission. However, I believe FORD supplies a front sump version for Cobras now (460 only).

Dominik

David Kirkham · #8 (**permalink**) 11-05-2006, 06:25 PM

Jason,

There is quite a bit of work involved in terms of different parts etc. In the end, you would probably spend more than if you just put in a big block. I think (know) the resale would go straight down the toilet. I imagine you would get LESS for the car with the engine in it than you paid for the roller when it was all said and done.

Take if from my humble

opinion, you simply don't need any more power than a 427 stroked to a 482 can deliver. I have tried and you just can't use it. On our track day, everyone loved both the big block and the small block cars. The small blocks handled a little better and the big blocks (aluminum ones) had more power so they were funner on corner exit, the straights etc. But there is no doubt the small block was funner in the twisties. Interestingly, the big blocks went four wheeling way more often that the small blocks--actually, I don't think a small block went off track all day. Oooops! I am wrong. Only one time did the small block go off the track...ME! But that was a brain short. (Aren't they all?)

So, I guess the real answer is we need to do something about the weight of a big block motor so we can have the best of both worlds...

David