Why does forced induction cost more than the engine?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
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Why does forced induction cost more than the engine? I can buy a NEW 4.8L Vortec truck engine, COMPLETE for $2800, less than I can buy a complete supercharger setup (4-5K).
That seems completely backwards. The engine is a LOT more complex, from both a mechanical and an engineering perspective.
An LS376/480 is only $6800
Small block engines are even cheaper.
That seems completely backwards. The engine is a LOT more complex, from both a mechanical and an engineering perspective.
An LS376/480 is only $6800
Small block engines are even cheaper.
millions of engines are sold every year. its a streamlined process and the large initial cost is recouped by selling large quantities of engines at a lower price. Its just economics.
FI parts are specialty items that are some times custom(driving the price up) but most of the time they are produced in far less quantities so the price has to be higher make the initial investment back and cover all the other costs.
FI parts are specialty items that are some times custom(driving the price up) but most of the time they are produced in far less quantities so the price has to be higher make the initial investment back and cover all the other costs.
Think about the demographics. Most people who buy a new stock whole engine dont really want to spend much money. It might be for a car theyre trying to fix. If they had money to spend, they would buy a new car or put work on an engine. A engine cant cost more than the car with the engine on it.
People dont buy turbos and superchargers because a car broke down, and theyre trynna fix it. People buy turbos because they have money to spend on their toys. If you have money, bump the price up.
At least thats my theory.
People dont buy turbos and superchargers because a car broke down, and theyre trynna fix it. People buy turbos because they have money to spend on their toys. If you have money, bump the price up.
At least thats my theory.
Supply and demand! If everyone bought blowers for there cars/ trucks the price would go down. Gm for example spends billions developing engines, however most everyone in 3/4 of the world buys cars/trucks! Take Procharger, vortec, Maggie, Paxton, bds, ect ect spend lots of money on r&d however they only have a small customer base and they have to recover that cost and make a profit at the same time! Look at boat motors, kind of the same cenario, you can get a 300 hp truck engine for 2800$, a 300 hp outboard boat Moter is 20 thousand $! It's no more engineered that the truck motor, just less of a market to recover cost and make profit! So basically, everyone needs to buy a blower or turbo, then price will come down! 
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I can buy a NEW 4.8L Vortec truck engine, COMPLETE for $2800, less than I can buy a complete supercharger setup (4-5K).
That seems completely backwards. The engine is a LOT more complex, from both a mechanical and an engineering perspective.
An LS376/480 is only $6800
Small block engines are even cheaper.
That seems completely backwards. The engine is a LOT more complex, from both a mechanical and an engineering perspective.
An LS376/480 is only $6800
Small block engines are even cheaper.
When I show old timers my JY engine and give them a ride, they have a blank look on their face. It just doesn't compute. They either refuse to believe its a stock engine or just walk away confused.
I can buy a NEW 4.8L Vortec truck engine, COMPLETE for $2800, less than I can buy a complete supercharger setup (4-5K).
That seems completely backwards. The engine is a LOT more complex, from both a mechanical and an engineering perspective.
An LS376/480 is only $6800
Small block engines are even cheaper.
That seems completely backwards. The engine is a LOT more complex, from both a mechanical and an engineering perspective.
An LS376/480 is only $6800
Small block engines are even cheaper.
Its a joke and people think its voodoo so they pay for it. 
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
That's why you have a turbocharged leaf blower in all our trucks, right?
**make that TWO, now**
Let's keep this civil, and STICK TO THE QUESTION.
If I wanted smart *** comments, I would have gone to the ricer forums.
**make that TWO, now**
Let's keep this civil, and STICK TO THE QUESTION.
If I wanted smart *** comments, I would have gone to the ricer forums.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
I don't need convinced. A large engine that's not straining will last far longer than a smaller one that is being force-fed. Basic physics. I paid attention in college.
Mods:
Please close this thread.
Mods:
Please close this thread.
The cool thing about boost is...your really only in boost when you want to be. If you have a 5.3 running 15lbs, its only gunna make 15lbs when you want it too. Not like your boosting from idle up.. there fore less stress. My friends 460rwhp Z28 had 167k miles on the bone stock original 98 long block. Boosted for 60k ish 8 or 9lbs though a Vortec G Trim. And probably the most reliable car in our group aside from clutch issues..lol! Only pulled it to go bigger. Was still running like a champ..
