Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

Any Word On LS7 Con Rod Price and Availability

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-20-2005, 01:48 PM
  #1  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
 
DavidNJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Any Word On LS7 Con Rod Price and Availability

I'm just thinking that we could be looking at a set of 480gm con rods for $1000 or so.
Old 08-20-2005, 05:41 PM
  #2  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
Wet 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yeah right!!!
Old 08-20-2005, 07:35 PM
  #3  
Launching!
 
meangreen94z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by DavidNJ
I'm just thinking that we could be looking at a set of 480gm con rods for $1000 or so.
Titanium connecting rods go for $4000 on a SBC. Considering this is a low production engine, I doubt its going to bring down the price on them for a Gen III/IV. A crate LS7 has a what? $17-18k list price from GM? just to give you an idea.
Old 08-20-2005, 11:03 PM
  #4  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
 
DavidNJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

It has a $15k list price. Aftermarket Ti rods at $500-800 per rod, are custom machined from billet. These are volume forgings, possibly over 10,000 sets per year; 80,000 rods. That is probably more Ti rods than all other sources combined.

The huge balancing pads in the pictures indicate a production quality level. I would be surprised at a price above $150-175 per rod, and shocked at a price over $250.
Old 08-20-2005, 11:54 PM
  #5  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (16)
 
mr2guru's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Kansas City Area
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

Useable titanium alloys run about $80-100/lb Figure pre-machined weight of 2lbs per rod and you're looking at close to $200 in raw materials. Factor in other costs and GM is spending ~$220-250 per rod. Now, what do you think there going to sell them for? cost?
Old 08-21-2005, 10:06 AM
  #6  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (42)
 
slt200mph's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: HOT'LANA, GAWJA
Posts: 7,067
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by mr2guru
Useable titanium alloys run about $80-100/lb Figure pre-machined weight of 2lbs per rod and you're looking at close to $200 in raw materials. Factor in other costs and GM is spending ~$220-250 per rod. Now, what do you think there going to sell them for? cost?
They will get a better deal than that they are GM..what we pay for things is a different world than the one that they do biz in..
Old 08-21-2005, 10:12 AM
  #7  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
 
DavidNJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

That would be $15-20M of titanium per year, and about 8% of the manufacturing cost of a Z06 and 10-14% of the purchase price of a complete LS7. Does that sound realistic?

First, what is the source of your price information. I have not found bar prices on-line.

Second, if the prices are that high the volume manufacturing process would have less waste (45% in your estimate).

Third, just for LS7 production, GM will by 40 tons/year at 2lb/rod using your estimates. Probably sourced overseas. That should allow a negotiated price.

Fourth, titanium is showing up in various cars, especially for valves (Nissan). This also indicates volume prices for the grades being used for these parts can't be prohibitive.
Old 08-21-2005, 01:57 PM
  #8  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
Wet 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I'll be blown away if a set of these rods come in under $2k... my guess is closer to $3k.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:51 AM.