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Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

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Old Apr 14, 2002 | 06:37 PM
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Default Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

I know all Stage 2 heads are not the same but in some cases the prices are over $1000 difference.
Here are some examples with some cam info on the heads that I could find from the company websites...
1. MTI Stage 2 heads $2795 2.055" intake, 1.60" exhaust

2. ARE Stage 2 heads $2250 2.08 or 2.055 / 1.60 Valves

3. Cartek Stage 2 heads $1950 2.02 int. / 1.57 exh

4. MMS Stage 2 heads $1900 no info...

5. LG Stage 2 heads $2300 2.02" / 1.60" Valves

6. Thunder Racing Stage 2 heads $2900 2.020 / 1.570 Valves

So why such the difference in price? I was reading the rest of the work that is done on the heads and most of it is very much the same.

So why would anyone pay $2800 for MTI stage 2 heads when the Cartek ones are $1950 with the performance to back them up at the track?
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Old Apr 14, 2002 | 06:44 PM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

It all depends how much work is put into them. Guides, valves, springs and retainers all vary in price. When valves bigger than 2.02 are installed, new valve seats must be installed as well. This requires more machine work and the cost of the seats themselves. Same on the exhaust side, anything bigger than 1.57(I think).

Hope this helps.
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Old Apr 14, 2002 | 06:51 PM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

For a few reasons - first of all because there is no fixed designation for "stage II" heads.

What size valves are there, what type of valves, did these valves require new valve seats, what about valve guides? What kind of springs are on there? (not just double vs single, though that's an issue - some doubles cost considerably less than good single's like the 918's). Are the heads CNC or hand ported? etc.

And then even above and beyond all that people will charge what they think they can get for the product. A product with a name behind it will probably cost more than even an equal product without an name, etc.

Chris
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Old Apr 14, 2002 | 06:51 PM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

Yes there is more work but IRS has 2.02 1.60 valves in their heads and I think they are around $1899.00
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Old Apr 14, 2002 | 06:59 PM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

My friend has RGR heads, stage 2, 2.02/1.57

402rwhp and 390rwtq through an unlocked 4400.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

1700 bucks for the heads... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
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Old Apr 14, 2002 | 08:34 PM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

2000^C5,

I can't speak for some of the other companies parts but as to the Thunder Racing heads it looks like you priced the dual spring set up. Installing dual springs requires more machining to the seat area thus the higher cost as compared to single springs. BTW, I have a set of the Thunder GTP stage II heads with single springs on my car, I think their well worth the money.

Mark
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Old Apr 15, 2002 | 06:06 AM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

What is the difference between single springs and dual springs?

<small>[ April 15, 2002, 06:07 AM: Message edited by: 2000^C5 ]</small>
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Old Apr 15, 2002 | 07:26 AM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

Dual are stronger most of the the time.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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Old Apr 15, 2002 | 10:06 AM
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Default Re: Why is there such a difference in price between various Stage 2 heads?

you guys would be a little perturbed if you knew how much the heads really cost. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
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