Why do more powerful engines cost so much more than standard ones in the same car; company ripoff?

Question

It seens like that optional, more powerful engines cost are rediculously overpriced. It cannot cost that much more to manufacture. Examples are across the board, from BMW to GM.

Answer 1

Actually, it does cost more. Different parts, modifications/different equipment to handle different aspects (eg, a different machine from 4 to 8 cyl), and of course, theres the development and recearch that goes into it. All of this is passed on to the consumer.

Standard mass-produced models are cheaper simply based on the volume, simply based on customer demand for lower power-more fuel economic models, whereas the larger engines are less in demand, resulting in special measures being taken to manufacture these few. Again, this cost is passed on.

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

I've always wondered the same thing. Car manufacturers could always make more powerful motors readily available. If they have to make thousands of parts - why not make thousands of parts that will make a high power motor? I understand the whole marketing stand point of the situation, but to me that is a rip off. It could actually lower prices if they made all of the motors high power rather than make 3 different types of motor setups. But then some people want low power/high effeciency instead, which I could never figure out why...

Answer 3

Consider this: You can march to your local Chevrolet dealer and drop down $12,500 for an LS-6 2007 Corvette motor. Or $2,500 for a new Oval track 350 cu. in. 350 hp. motor part number 889558602. Thats what? Chump change man.

Speaking from personal experience the cylinder block and all internal parts in a Chevrolet motor have parts and materials the general public would care less about. #1. the blocks are cast with high nickel content. Other blocks are cast aluminum with pressed steel sleeves. The decks are thicker. Cylinders have thicker wall thickness. Consertively, Chevrolet makes over 100 seperate cylinder blocks today. Camshaft journal holes are machined for needle bearing cages instead of press in bearings. Crankshafts are induction hardened steel. Connecting rods may be 100% titanium or cast steel. Intake valves may be titanium. Rocker arms have needle bearings on the fulcrum and the valve end and are made of hardened aluminum. Pistons are hypereutectic or forged aluminum. Piston rings have moly. or ceramic faces. Cylinder heads are cast aluminum with bronze wall or hardened steel valve guides. Some are cast and ground with angles less than the typical 23 degrees. Some have18 - 16 degree angles direct intake charge beyond the valves in the straighest direction possible Two dozen different heads are made by GM for the small blocks. Two other completely design heads are made for the big block engine. Cast aluminum high rize intake manifolds direct air fuel straighter into the cylinder heads for higher velosity. Some blocks are built for use with external "dry sump" oil pumps to keep excess oil out of the shallow screened and baffeled oil pans. Crankcase engine oil is stored in external "dry sump" holding tank. Ignition systems provide in excess of 100,000 volts to the spark plugs. The spark is delivered in a series of short seperate individual sparks to each plug for 14 degrees of crankshaft rotation. Chevrolet makes 55 - 65 different grind pattern camshafts for all power combinations for engine builders. Valve lifters are produced with 4 basic designs. #1.Solid mechanical flat tappet lifter #2. Hydraulic flat tappet lifter. #3. Three seperate roller hydraulic lifters. #4. Roller mechanical solid lifters. There are dozens of harmonic balancers, ring gears, flywheels, clutches, transmissions, fuel injection systems.

Car motors are designed completely different than truck engines. They may share 2-3 blocks but that's it. Internals are substantially different.

Answer 4

First rule of economics: An item is worth what a buyer will pay for it. No more, no less.

Answer 5

well...supply and demand....you want more power and they have the option to give it to you....at their price....they might a crew in the back thinking of ways to screw us over....but i think its just a way to bring a whole new level to their car....