Why do engines cost so much?

[let-r-eat]

Matt49 Matt49 is offline
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I work in a highly technical field and I have made the transition in the last few years to a role that resembles what you might call a "sales engineer". In other words, I'm the really smart guy that goes with the sales guy to explain to the client's technical people why they need what we are selling.
I say all this to say, there is a saying in sales in the industry I'm in and it is this: Where there is mystery, there is margin.

Take that for what it's worth but I think the same applies to some of the big dollar engines. The sales philosophy is basically the same: you don't know what you're doing and I do, so I name the price to provide the solution you're looking for. You can pay the price or not get the solution, your decision. If you don't buy from me that's fine, I've got a line of people waiting for stuff they're already paid for.

It's basically supply and demand economic principals but in a VERY niche market. That's the best way I can explain it.
Last edited by Matt49; 10-03-2018 at 04:46 PM.


And their competition is winning with it............................

[riddle28]

the same reason people will pay 55,000 for a new car with no drivetrain. supply and demand

[Bubstr]

Seen the inside of high dollar engines and what caught my attention was the exact clearance measurements. That takes time and machinery. When was the last time, you priced a 5 angle, programmable mill, to Port those heads. Add a few junk heads, trying to find the perfect port, piston and valve parts. Then figure how far you can go on lighter parts, for less turning weight.

Inflation is some of the cost, but that is just a hidden tax. Price fixing is another story.

[fastford]

Milk prices are regulated by the government. That explains that one.

A Pinto is also a compact pile of garbage and a Fusion is a midsize sedan. A better argument would have been Pinto vs. Fiesta.

hey , easy now josh , a better comparison would be a vega to a cruz , not much improvement there compared to inflation.....lol.....

[BloomerHarvickFan]

The winners purses have gone up. In the 90s a 10k to win race was 100 laps. Now the 50-60 lappers are paying 10-12k.
The HAT 50 lappers paid 5k back then.

[Josh Bayko]

hey , easy now josh , a better comparison would be a vega to a cruz , not much improvement there compared to inflation.....lol.....

It’s funny that you mention that. My car broke down a couple of months ago and we borrowed a Cruze from my wife’s friend while mine was fixed. She wasn’t using it because she got a new car. I get why she replaced it, it really is kind of a pile of junk.

[PRCKartRacer9]

100 laps should be at least $20k