Krikham vs. CSX

6S219 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2006, 12:27 AM

What better place to post the question: Kirkham vs. CSX?
I am considering getting another Cobra (I owned ERA 2043 289 FIA).
Now I’m torn between a Kirkham or a CSX aluminum.
The motor in either car will be a 427 Aluminum block, prefer a 5 speed
(make driving more fun).
Appreciate the feedback!
Happy New Year!

SACoupe · #2 (**permalink**) 12-29-2006, 12:53 AM

Kirkham, No question about it..........

Jim Barnett · #3 (**permalink**) 12-29-2006, 01:51 AM

Wish I had that delima! IF I did, as nice as the Kirkhams are, I'd opt for the CSX. After all, then I could say it IS a real Shelby Cobra, even though it wouldn't be an original.

SD5805 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-10-2007, 10:48 PM

curious to know where your current cobra is, If sold why, If Not Why.

In decideing a car as you know especially for the 1st one was/is daughnting. The 2nd however, WOW your lucky? I "settled" for a backdraft. For what I could afford, its just awsome and alot of fun. They are not as expensive as the Kirkums, but the newer BDRs fit, finish and performance are dam good for the buck.

Therefore, with your decision, get what YOU feel comfortable in, have fun with and the overall look. Ask your self how many miles are you gonna put on that puppy. Will it be a show car, race car, or trailer queen. Honestly Whether you spend 25K or 110K these cars will always get you noticed and are fun to drive. Just ask your self which one you will be the most comfortable in both in driving the car and your buget. Hope this helps.

Gary
Proud owner of the BDR 426

SD5805 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-10-2007, 10:55 PM

take a look at my photos. Looks like we got something in common.

Gary

lineslinger · #6 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:05 AM

Big League can of worms, you should try a search on this question in the search forum, there are a lot of opinions most of which are valid....seems like the same comparisons keep meeting up...............

Dan Stryffeler · #7 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 06:04 AM

Stupid question... but does anyone put a 5 speed in either of these cars?

Never mind - just went to the Kirkham website, saw that they do offer mounts for the Tremec.

- Dan

Bud Man · #8 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 08:09 AM

I love my Krikham..

Bud

xlr8or · #9 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 08:40 AM

I love my 5 speed.

Power Surge · #10 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 09:14 AM

Not sure why you asked this in the Small Block Forum, but here goes...

If you want an aluminum car, that's literally a work of art, then get the Kirkham. If you want a painted glass car that's a real Shelby, then get the CSX.

Both cars are top quality. The CSX is a little more authentic than the current KMPs due to all the parts that Kirkham currently makes in house nowadays, but all those Kirkham made parts also have improved the performance of the car over the CSX as well.

So basically.... aluminum, unpainted, state of the art... or glass, painted, a little more authentic and a CSX VIN.
I've owned both cars, and it really is an equal choice, other than the above.

As for the 5 speed.... Kirkham offers an add on mount for a 5 speed, and you can order the CSX frame setup for either a toploader or 5 speed. I have a 5 speed in my car, and having driven customer's 4 speed cars, I would never want a 4 speed.

Igofastr · #11 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 09:57 AM

You should also know that the KMP can be ordered with the original tubular suspension arms and Girling brakes...bringing it much closer to original specifications. The standard (for KMP) upgraded CNC suspension and Willwood brakes will fit the original cars, as the mounting points etc are the same, but are much stronger/stiffer than the originals. They're real pretty, too.

If absolute originality is your wish, an aluminum KMP can be made identical the the originals, a glass car obviously cannot. If a CSX # is what matters to you, then....Of course, you could spend the extra 40K or so, and get an aluminum CSX, but that only makes sense if the CSX # is worth the extra 40K to you. It was not for me.

I love my Kirkham, and the company has been a joy to work with (even though I bought my car from Sal (Powersurge))..

richsd · #12 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Igofastr

If absolute originality is your wish, an aluminum KMP can be made identical the the originals, a glass car obviously cannot. If a CSX # is what matters to you, then....Of course, you could spend the extra 40K or so, and get an aluminum CSX, but that only makes sense if the CSX # is worth the extra 40K to you. It was not for me.

I totally agree. The plan I had was totally centered around originality. I considerd a current CSX but decided it was not worth it. Current CSXs are not original anyway. It is only the real thing if built in the 60s. For recreating an original you can succeed with either Kirkham or aluminum CSX. I would recommend Kirkham. I am sure that my car is as close or closer than any current CSX car that has been built. My only issue with Kirkham as it relates to originality is that they will not paint the car. Original Cobras were painted and I planned to paint my car. There are a few ways around this. The approach I took was to totally break down the roller, paint it, and re-assemble. I had a big bunch of original parts to use instead of the Kirkham stock parts so this worked out pretty well for me. You can check my gallery for a full set of photos.

lineslinger · #13 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:05 PM

Uh oh......here we go again ....wait till REAL 1 reads this......

427SnakeSC · #14 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:08 PM

Put your feet up and get the popcorn out!

Power Surge · #15 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richsd

I am sure that my car is as close or closer than any current CSX car that has been built.

Your car is very nicely done, one of the better ones I've seen, but you've got a lot of things that need to be addressed on it before I'd agree with that above statement.

Also, as far as the "original spec" suspension and brake parts for the Kirkham, you can't just substitute the modern parts for those. That's a 12k extra charge if you want the original type parts, and when I was at the Kirkham Summit two years ago, David said they only had a few sets let and were not planning to make more.

RedBarchetta · #16 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:43 PM

My visual as to where this thread is heading.

mj_duell · #17 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:45 PM

I'm headed to the kitchen to make some pop corn, this is gonna be interesting.

--Mike

Three Peaks · #18 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:54 PM

The original parts are still available from several different sources- Cobra Restorers, Tim Gunning, and several others. I believe the Kirkham are the most easily and affordably made to original specs, since the CSX aluminum bodied car is simply a rebadged Kirkham IIRC.
The prices would be much less also. Kirkham makes a beautiful car, but they are awful proud of their parts, compared to others who can supply the same or similar parts. With a little shopping around just about any part from the originals can be found and will bolt right up to the Kirkham chassis, I believe. I could be wrong as I'm not familiar with the recent changes Kirkham has made to their chassis to accomodate their newer, updated suspension pieces.