Side Pipes

[FatBoy]

I've just taken delivery of my new Kirkham (KMP-523) and I'm delighted with it. Although it is an assembled roller, there are still plentry of bits that I can do on it to keep me busy while I wait for spring to come (excluding the umpteen hours of rubbing down the filed finish body to a brushed finish).
However, I was somewhat surprised and dissappointed to find that the steel exhausts that I had specified because they were supposed to be as per original, are actually nothing like original. The joint between the headers and side pipes is at the collector rather than inside the engine bay as it should be and the collector itself is a rather ugly (IMO) bought in item rather than the correct fabricated item.
Did anyone else know about this change from original?

Paul

[hi-tech cobra]

I spoke with David about the headers/sidepipes last week (I need headers for my Hi-Tech car).

He told me the Kirkham header/sidepipe union is extended to the outside of the body for functional purposes.

You might try Cobra Restores (Shelby Cobra parts - at Cobra Restorers, Ltd.) for original style. But they won't be stainless steel

Good Luck

[RodKnock]

FatBoy, the design change made by the Kirkhams between the mild steel exhaust and their SS exhaust was discussed here previously. Talk to the people at Kirkham about exchanging them, if you're unhappy. I went with the mild steel (old style), because I couldn't make the adjustment to the looks of the newer style. It's chocolate versus vanilla. Everyone looks at them differently. There are CC members who like them very much.

[FatBoy]

Sorry guys, you misunderstood me. Mine ARE the mild steel exhausts !!

Which is why I'm a little confused and surprised..

Paul

[RodKnock]

FatBoy, now I'm confused. I wasn't aware that the change was made to the mild steel exhaust as well.

[FatBoy]

I've just spoken to Joe at KMS and he informed me that all their exhausts now follow the same design as their SS exhausts. The joint between the headers and the side pipes is at the collector and not inside the engine compartment. Also, the 4-into-1 collector is now a single formed item rather than the original fabricated style with the headers bending into the 3" section.

I personnally don't like them, but being so far away, there is very little I can do about. I am somewhat irritated about it because I made it very clear during the spec'ing and buying process that I wanted a very original external appearance and this change could/should have been highlighted to me.

I'm now faced with an additional bill for around $1,500 to correct an issue that shouldn't have arisen.

Paul

[RodKnock]

I've contacted Joe via email. I have 539 and was distressed over the change to the newer style shifter and location. Now, I'm wondering about the exhaust as well.

[ng8264723]

I haven't taken delivery of my car. I'm waiting until Sept. I'm back and forth on the exhaust issue. What I can see from pics is the slip fit collector is now on the outside. Is there another noticeable difference? Is so could someone point it out? The Cobra restorers headera are $1,000. Seems like you could buy them instead of the SS and have an original look if they get rusty (despite coating) get another set. The KMS headers are $2,000.

[xlr8or]

Call Joe and get the number for thier header guy. I think his name was Justin and see if he can still make a set. I'm sure he would still have the jigs.

[RodKnock]

I may have been fortunate to have gotten one of the last "old style" sets of sidepipes. Phew!

Joe at Kirkham mentioned to me that Kirkham is working on a revised set of mild steel sidepipes now.

[FatBoy]

I wish he'd told me

Paul

[KM480]

I own car #480 and had not received my sidepipes wanting to wait for the stainless ones... that was until I saw a pair. Workmanship is great, the style is not what I was after.

I talked to Joe last week too and he said that they are old style 'bullet' mufflers that are available in SS. He was going to send me some photos. Haven't gotten them yet but that may be an option.

I have started to consider under car exhaust. The look is pretty clean (IMO) and since I haven't cut my side pipe holes yet it is still an option for me.

Fatboy, does your car already have the holes cut for side pipes?

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by KM480

Fatboy, does your car already have the holes cut for side pipes?

It does. I had KMS cut the holes for me. I didn't feel comfortable taking a hacksaw to my nice new alloy body

Paul

[Justin O'Rourke]

Hi Guys; Not to worry. I still can supply you with the mild steel original exhaust systems that I supplied KMS with for a couple of years until they started to produce their own (new style). Regards, Justin

[RodKnock]

That's great Justin. Thank you.

Do you have a website?

[1985 CCX]

Paul,

Post pics........................

Would love a KMS myself but come on those pipes are odd in shape............

[alpace@pacificp]

I recently ordered (and have received) KMS 542. I ordered the new style bullet exhaust in SS....in black. They look and sound just great.

al

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Paul,

Post pics........................

Would love a KMS myself but come on those pipes are odd in shape............

Here is a picture of the steel pipes that were shipped with my Kirkham:



I don't know what the general concensus is, but I don't like them.

Here are a couple of pictures on the "new" new style steel pipes. They aren't brilliant, but they are much better than the first set and I can live with them. Joe is sending me a new pair of collectors so I will need to cut off my current ones and weld the new ones on.





This pictures came from Joe and he won't let on what the shiny alloy bits are in the background I guess all will become clear on that front on the open day.

Paul

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

Here is a picture of the steel pipes that were shipped with my Kirkham ... I don't know what the general concensus is, but I don't like them.

When I put them next to a shot of my pipes I think the new Kirkham's are actually "racier" than the old style pipes. They're different alright, but I really do like them. Here are both shots, one on top of the other -- the difference really is quite remarkable.

[David Kirkham]

I can see I need to have a lesson with Joe on "What's in the background when I am taking a picture."

David