Rear End Question

PCW · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 07:18 PM

I have look and searched this forum, but still not clear. Does a rear end (diff, gears, half shaft etc...) come with the 427KMS/SC??? I when to Kirkham yesterday and talked with Tom and forgot to ask him that one question. If the answer is no, what is their (Kirkham's) cost for the complete rear end? I have read a few folks have used the Jag rear and just wondering is the cost difference between what Kirkham offers vs the rebuilt Jag rear.

I was seriously considering a different replica kit, but after seeing the Kirkham in person and their quality, just blew me away. True there is a big difference in price, but even my wife said, get the Kirkham!!

I was thinking twice about bring her along for the visit, but it turned out to be the right move.

Thanks
PCW

Three Peaks · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 08:20 PM

On one of the first paragraphs on this page ( http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/pricing/index.html ), the differential is listed as part of the drivetrain that is not included in the roller price. I don't see the differential on the option price list, but you can supply your own Jag rear and have the half shafts made up, have Kirkham supply the parts, or buy the Kirkham proprietary in-house Salisbury rear end with aluminum housing and half shafts at a substantial step up in pricing. If you have deep enough pockets, it is the way to go.

car4jim · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 08:38 PM

Go for the Kirkham and get the original differential. I have KMS563, the 427 SC version. The car is awesome!! The workmanship is incredible. The car is literally a work of art in polished or brushed aluminum. Kirkham usually have a package deal that includes many options including the aluminum salisbury style diff and half shafts. The Kirkham Bros are great to deal with. There customer service is great. They go out of there way to make sure you are happy with your purchase. I'm not sure on their pricing right now, or if they have any package deals brewing, but I you will be very happy if you go with KMS. Any questions on the car, feel free to throw it out here. There are several Kirkham owners on Club Cobra.

Ronbo · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 08:40 PM

Since it's not on the option list I would imagine the aluminum rear is now included in the base roller price. But your right it's also not on the "what's included" list.

The big brake option is also MIA, but it was an inexpensive option ($125) so you probably get the bigger brakes standard now.

Make sure to call them there's some options not listed on the web site.

car4jim · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 08:56 PM

I looked over the pricing in the Kirkham website and I tend to agree with Ronbo. It looks like the Differential is included in the base price. I'm sure Tom with chime in, or just give them a call.

maurice19 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 09:22 PM

Pcw

The price for their complete aluminium housing and gears is around 5000.00

I believe you have to use some sort of adapter if you use the Jag, but it can be done

Maurice

rodneym · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 10:02 PM

I'm currently in the process and will 'soon' have #600.
First thing David told me was that the website needed updating.
Half shafts and differential are included. The only 'major' thing not included is the oil cooler. Mounts, bits and pieces included.
The big brakes are standard in front but I believe David said there was an issue with using the upgraded brakes in the rear, so the rears are standard.
My experience may have been part of a package due to the economy, etc.
I'd still give David a call.

Hey car4jim,
Lonely in SPF country?

PCW · #8 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the reply's. It would be nice if it was now included in the price, maybe Tom or Dave will reply. It's nice to know that Kirkham has package deals from time to time.

Still trying to decide on a motor, I'm looking at 427W from Smeding or Keith Craft right now, but still trying to find builders out there. Would like to look at an FE as well, any suggestions????

Thanks again

Craig

rodneym · #9 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 10:07 PM

If you're going with the Kirkham you owe it to yourself to get the FE.

PCW · #10 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodneym

If you're going with the Kirkham you owe it to yourself to get the FE.

I agree, can you recommend a builder??? I'm in NorCal, Sac County. I like Smeding because he is local to me. I have looked at a good deal of builders, but the FE's are harder to find

JJCobra · #11 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 10:20 PM

I went with FE Specialties in Sacramento and have been happy with Tom's engine and his service. I also went with the Jag rear end and adaptor bracket and it has performed flawlessly other than being a pain to install. Kirkham supplied the halfshafts and spacers and I got my rebuilt diff from Big Boss. The aluminum diff is a beautiful piece though.

Jason

PCW · #12 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJCobra

I went with FE Specialties in Sacramento and have been happy with Tom's engine and his service. I also went with the Jag rear end and adaptor bracket and it has performed flawlessly other than being a pain to install. Kirkham supplied the halfshafts and spacers and I got my rebuilt diff from Big Boss. The aluminum diff is a beautiful piece though.

Jason

Thanks Jason, I was just looking at FE Spec. site at the 427 SO, does he have just FE 427's? I would like to put in a side oilier, but the price, 15K ouch

rodneym stated that the diff and half shafts are included now, so that's cool. When I was at Kirkham yesterday I saw the diff's and they really looked sweet.

Craig

RodKnock · #13 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 11:16 PM

The turnkey minus cars for $57,000 do include the complete rear end. All you need to do is to supply the engine, tranny, clutch, pressure plate, oil cooler, if you want one, and all the little bits and pieces. Most Kirkham owners opt for an FE, but I think there is one gentlemen on CC that comes quickly to mind that has a small block in a 427 car.

You can talk to the Kirkhams about deleting the rear end and you can source a Jag rear end from some company like Terry's Jag Parts and save money. I'm just guessing, but the aluminum rear end from Kirkham is/was $5,000 and a complete rebuilt Jag rear end is probably in the neighborhood of $2,000, but check on that price. I'm sure it can vary. The aluminum rear saves about 45 lbs, if that matters to you.

Tom Lucas from FE Specialities built my engine as well. I'm happy. I've heard Smeding builds very good engines, but he doesn't do FE's as far as I know. There are also many happy Keith Craft customers too.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

JJCobra · #14 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 11:18 PM

He'll build you anything you want, but his specialty is the FE series. I went with a 428 CJ with all the goodies thinking that a few years down the road I would upgrade to an aluminum Pond or Shelby block. Most of the parts are interchangeable between the two. I suggest paying Tom a visit and sitting down to discuss exactly what you want.

Jason

RodKnock · #15 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJCobra

He'll build you anything you want, but his specialty is the FE series. I went with a 428 CJ with all the goodies thinking that a few years down the road I would upgrade to an aluminum Pond or Shelby block. Most of the parts are interchangeable between the two. I suggest paying Tom a visit and sitting down to discuss exactly what you want.

Jason

Hey, maybe in a few years you can buy my Shelby 482, since I would like to upgrade to a SOHC engine.

LMH · #16 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 12:10 AM

Could you buy an aluminum 4HU from McCluskey? Or maybe just the case?
Internals are Dana 44 as I understand it.
Might be worth a try just for price: http://www.mccluskeyltd.com/
Larry

rodneym · #17 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 01:17 AM

If you're that close to Tom, it's a no brainer. Go with FE Specialties. He's a great guy. I spent the day with him at Las Vegas Speedway and he answered all the questions I had about FEs and Cobras. Also got to see an install of his run the track. Don't under value proximity.

big-boss · #18 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 03:27 PM

Get the kirkham alum dif. Well worth the money and you will save 75 lbs all brand new. The jag stuff is fine but unless you find a great deal and donn't mind getting dirty the savings is not worth it in my opinion. They look a heck of alot better as well- no adapter plates. Have fun.

PCW · #19 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 04:11 PM

Thanks to all. I will contact Tom from FE's. To be honest, I would rather go with Kirkham's diff, what I saw, be it on the ground, looked very nice.

I just got back into town from UT, Daughter graduated from College yesterday, BYU in Provo, my wallet feels heavier already

Kirkham's shop was less than 3 miles from our hotel. They were building 4 cars and had about 12 bodies stacked. Talked with tom and his mother, great people!!!! I didn't realize that they fabricate a lot of their own parts, he took me in the back shop where all the machinery was and saw a pin drive hub being lathed out a solid piece of billet aluminum, very cool.

Craig

maurice19 · #20 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 05:27 PM

Craig,

Tom is the man to go to.

Oh, and I envy your trip to the land of "chariots of fire"

Maurice