header and sidepipes for my Kirkham

steve meltzer · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 07:20 PM

Hey, why not jump in with both feet? This is my first post on the forum. Not only am I not particularly "discussion group savvy", but I'm also a neophyte to the car.

I just bought a Kirkham 427 "roller", with a 427 comin' from Southern. How do I go about getting the headers and correct sidepipes for the car? I have no clue at this point. Kirkham apparently doesn't have a set that they feel is acceptable at this time, so I'm lost here. Also, any advice about how to go about putting the engine and trans in the car? As one unit or separated? Any other tips about this, esp. at what point do you put the headers on...before or after the engine is in the car?

Thanks for your patience...unfortunately, it will be some time before I have much to contribute to the group.

steve meltzer, "I may be wrong, but I'm never in doubt"

Specialk · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 07:36 PM

Congatulations on the purchase, and welcome to the forum.

Shelby makes headers and sidepipes that will fit a Kirkham. If you want a really nice set of equal length headers with merged collector sidepipes, I would give Tom's Motorsports a call. They can make you anything you would want. Tom's Motorsports contact info

Jon Miller · #3 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 09:31 PM

OR...........If you really want to become "One" with your car, you can build your own.

http://www.headersbyed.com/

Good luck!
Jon

PatBuckley · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 11:10 PM

Steve-

The engine goes in first, then the pipes are put on. Then the bellhousing and trans are installed from the interior.

Side pipes can also be obtained from Cobra Restorers I believe as well as from Drew Serb here in Northern CA.

Please feel free to email with any questions and I will try to help as much as I can.

Pat

steve meltzer · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2003, 07:20 AM

thanx to everyone who gave me some ideas on this issue. i'll post the list as things move along. Steve Meltzer...standin' on the corner waitin' that InterCity transport with my car...

Bud Man · #6 (**permalink**) 02-21-2003, 10:30 AM

Steve:

Cannot recommend Drew Serbs pipes strongly enough. I fitted a set onto # 142, and am extremely impressed with their fit, and the craftsmanship of the welds. Drew even sent me the proper side cutout template.

I originally ordered a set of Shelby pipes but found them to be a difficult proposition for me, a home builder. By that, I mean that although the workmanship seemed fine, the headers did not fit properly. I was told that this was normal, because the header flanges were only tack welded to the header pipes, and final "fitting" and full flange welding would have to be done by a welder. Sure enough, that was the case. The pipes would have to be refitted, removed, then completely welded to the flanges.

I rejected this, sent the pipes back and ordered a set from Drew. His headers featured fully welded flanges, fit flawlessly, required only the slip fit tabs welded (easy) and they look beautiful. Bottom line, if you are having the car built by someone else, it probably doesn't matter. But if you are doing it yourself....well....

Feel free to email me with any questions, and check out my gallery for pictures.

My .02 cents worth.

Bud