Why are US crate engines so cheaap compared to European ones
Discussion
I have just built this with a 2.8 BMW unit and it is lovely.
A few beers later I was wondering what it would be like with 500+ BHP. The LS3 is the obvious engine for power per £ but I thought I would check out BMW and Merc. BMW have the sump at the wrong end for steering clearance although some people have made it possible but forget the technical aspects. Merc want close to £50K for there 6.3 compared to £4-8K depending on output for the GM engines.
What gives?
A few beers later I was wondering what it would be like with 500+ BHP. The LS3 is the obvious engine for power per £ but I thought I would check out BMW and Merc. BMW have the sump at the wrong end for steering clearance although some people have made it possible but forget the technical aspects. Merc want close to £50K for there 6.3 compared to £4-8K depending on output for the GM engines.
What gives?
roverspeed said:
How about a uzfe1 from a Lexus?
Amg engines are hand built by a one bloke per engine, lsx are not
LS engines are hand built, they are also less stressed and more popular in the specialist car market. You see them in all sorts of vehicles. Amg engines are hand built by a one bloke per engine, lsx are not
An engine Complicated for the sake of being complicated does not make a good starting point for a a low volume or one off build.
AngryPartsBloke said:
roverspeed said:
How about a uzfe1 from a Lexus?
Amg engines are hand built by a one bloke per engine, lsx are not
LS engines are hand built, they are also less stressed and more popular in the specialist car market. You see them in all sorts of vehicles.Amg engines are hand built by a one bloke per engine, lsx are not
This is the place you need. The LS3 available, including VAT, for £5220.
http://www.partsworldperformance.com/chevrolet-ls3...
Mind you, the mighty ZZ572 is available for a little over 10k.
(572 ci = 9.4L)
Don't think it'll fit though
http://www.partsworldperformance.com/chevrolet-ls3...
Mind you, the mighty ZZ572 is available for a little over 10k.
(572 ci = 9.4L)
Don't think it'll fit though
wca said:
I have just built this with a 2.8 BMW unit and it is lovely.
A few beers later I was wondering what it would be like with 500+ BHP. The LS3 is the obvious engine for power per £ but I thought I would check out BMW and Merc. BMW have the sump at the wrong end for steering clearance although some people have made it possible but forget the technical aspects. Merc want close to £50K for there 6.3 compared to £4-8K depending on output for the GM engines.
What gives?
Nothing to say about he engine, but that is beautiful...A few beers later I was wondering what it would be like with 500+ BHP. The LS3 is the obvious engine for power per £ but I thought I would check out BMW and Merc. BMW have the sump at the wrong end for steering clearance although some people have made it possible but forget the technical aspects. Merc want close to £50K for there 6.3 compared to £4-8K depending on output for the GM engines.
What gives?
V88Dicky said:
This is the place you need. The LS3 available, including VAT, for £5220.
http://www.partsworldperformance.com/chevrolet-ls3...
Mind you, the mighty ZZ572 is available for a little over 10k.
(572 ci = 9.4L)
Don't think it'll fit though
That looks like a dreadful engine. How on earth do they get so little power from such an enormous motor? http://www.partsworldperformance.com/chevrolet-ls3...
Mind you, the mighty ZZ572 is available for a little over 10k.
(572 ci = 9.4L)
Don't think it'll fit though
Simon.
ferrariF50lover said:
V88Dicky said:
This is the place you need. The LS3 available, including VAT, for £5220.
http://www.partsworldperformance.com/chevrolet-ls3...
Mind you, the mighty ZZ572 is available for a little over 10k.
(572 ci = 9.4L)
Don't think it'll fit though
That looks like a dreadful engine. How on earth do they get so little power from such an enormous motor? http://www.partsworldperformance.com/chevrolet-ls3...
Mind you, the mighty ZZ572 is available for a little over 10k.
(572 ci = 9.4L)
Don't think it'll fit though
Simon.
ferrariF50lover said:
That looks like a dreadful engine. How on earth do they get so little power from such an enormous motor?
Simon.
Because its doing that with ease, it'll take a huge amount of abuse and will last forever.Simon.
Spend a few more £k and it will make much, much more.
Americans are the experts at getting lots of power for minimum effort.
ETA: http://www.smedingperformance.com/chevy/572+Blown+...
http://precisionraceengines.com/chevy-turn-key-rac...
There are guys all over America sticking this sort of thing in to cars and beating them down the drag strip every weekend, change the oil, check valve clearances and its good to go...
Edited by Crafty_ on Saturday 26th July 19:39
This might be better:
https://chevroletperformanceparts.com/catalog/chev...
LSX454R. 7.7L, 770 BHP.
Or a ZZ502 for $8k; 502 BHP.
Lots of choices around the 500-600 BHP mark.
https://chevroletperformanceparts.com/catalog/chev...
LSX454R. 7.7L, 770 BHP.
Or a ZZ502 for $8k; 502 BHP.
Lots of choices around the 500-600 BHP mark.
So, looks like a combination of,
German "premiumness"
Economies of Scale
Not wanting their engines turning up in restyled Z3's (I like it, not a criticism, but may be a factor)
Slightly more complex and better assembled
Still doesn't explain it being 8 or so times more expensive, just buy a yank V8, or spend the same and get 2000 bhp.
German "premiumness"
Economies of Scale
Not wanting their engines turning up in restyled Z3's (I like it, not a criticism, but may be a factor)
Slightly more complex and better assembled
Still doesn't explain it being 8 or so times more expensive, just buy a yank V8, or spend the same and get 2000 bhp.
I guess you're looking for new? No idea about these chaps but the price is a little more realistic
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-63-AMG-ENGINE-G...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-63-AMG-ENGINE-G...
J4CKO said:
So, looks like a combination of,
German "premiumness"
Economies of Scale
Not wanting their engines turning up in restyled Z3's (I like it, not a criticism, but may be a factor)
Slightly more complex and better assembled
Still doesn't explain it being 8 or so times more expensive, just buy a yank V8, or spend the same and get 2000 bhp.
Production volumes and demand are also important. A boat anchor pushrod V8 from a truck sells in massively higher volumes than the equivalent engine in a sports car or exec barge.German "premiumness"
Economies of Scale
Not wanting their engines turning up in restyled Z3's (I like it, not a criticism, but may be a factor)
Slightly more complex and better assembled
Still doesn't explain it being 8 or so times more expensive, just buy a yank V8, or spend the same and get 2000 bhp.
A Euro engine is way more sophisticated than an LS V8 too, as we have way tighter emissions regs, and a market where fuel economy and CO2 figures are what sells cars.
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