We have a pair of classic Kiekhaefer Big Block V8 race engines in the workshop. We are looking for one or two parts to make the pair complete. We need the mechanical pumps, 300psi fuel pump and a few other bits and bobs to make up a very rare pair. As you may remember, Carl K ran his race engine team in a very precise way, almost with military precision. No belt drives for him, direct driven only. If any members have a lead on where to find parts, we would be very pleased to hear about them. We managed to get some original stuff from a team in Abu Dhabi, but the parts seem to be drying up now. Thank you.
engines do you no which pump? Do the pair have carbs or fuel injection? Are the engines 496's or 510 cubic inch. I might still have some stuff from when we raced an offshore boat. john
I would try looking on offshoreonly. If someone knows of the parts or where to find them, that is where it will be. Good luck in the hunt
Stupidly, I forgot to post a photo of the engine. May I say, it's on the loud side of being a bit shouty.
does the fuel pump have a 3 bolt pattern or a 4 bolt on the front and does it run directly of the cam with a square drive john
I have completely lost track of him but Don Roberts had several of these engines (and LOTS of parts) sitting around for many years. He had a marine shop called "Connecticut Offshore" but that last time I had my eyes on the stuff was over 12 or more years ago. The shop is long gone but he had kept all the stuff through several moves. Don was involved with the Jessie James team but also worked on many others. If you can find him, I bet he will know where you can find exactly what you need.
Have you tried Cobra power in Florida? Also, Mike Bontoft in Poole would be able to help as well. Jeff
Hi Fishtigua, This might be a shot in the dark, but I had a Client who worked as a design engineer at the "skunk works" at Mercury Marine. I would call Mercury and ask to speak with a design engineer...talk sweet to him...and he might be able to put you on to an untapped source. It's worth a few phone calls....hope that helps.
Not OEM 6's and certainly M8's were not available as factory equipment back then. SSM3's possibly 5's were or the K600 coupled to the 468c.i. which is that very engine. The K6 eventually turned into the SSM6. I think the idea here is factory original.
We are just happy to have one engine up and running, the other one is up in the loft in pieces. On the last boat, a dragster sprint boat, it was on a shaft.
Fish, If you are serious about running these engines you can often find non engine driven pumps to do whatever task you require, you might need to add a Gen-set to run some though