Crane Closes
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Actually, there were 2 cams I was considering for my build out of the crane line-up. They were a bit less agressive than the CC line-up. Considered that it might make for better longevity.
Well, there's certainly been more advertising from competitors. At least that I've seen. When money gets tight, sometimes spending money on advertising (or having done it in the past) can make a big difference.
With new generations of builders, reputation isn't always enough.
Gotta stay on top of your game.. stay current.. be relevant
and put out good product that serves your customers. That
wasn't happening.
Crane was stagnant.. not entirely surprising. I feel sorry for the
workers but not the execs. They sold the company to mediocrity
long ago.
and put out good product that serves your customers. That
wasn't happening.
Crane was stagnant.. not entirely surprising. I feel sorry for the
workers but not the execs. They sold the company to mediocrity
long ago.
With new generations of builders, reputation isn't always enough.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
I think this is sad. I mainly use Comp or Crane cams, and have used both of their products in engines I build. Sometimes one would suit the needs of what you are trying to accomplish better than the other. It was nice having their options for cam selection, and other parts. We end up with less options for engine building, and I don't see that good for anybody.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Go'n 2 Surf City.. it's 2 to 1
businessman... you can also loose market share and keep your
overhead too high- which is a common "established business" mistake
that many death spiral into... Crane closed- wasn't because their books
were bleeding green money from rocketing sales... their sales
slumped against their competitors and slumped because of the economy... 2 hits, not just one.
My comment about their poor marketing was spot on...
My comment about their products staying current.. spot on..
Holley's main business, carburetors, took a shot to the head in 1987 when the Big 3 went all EFI.
Barry Grant, C&S, Braswell... all make better performance carbs
than Holley.. the Holley HP series came out AFTER Barry Grant and many others had waded into their sales for years and years... Holley should have responded immediately to BG but they didn't... calling it stagnant, slow or stupid..it's all semantics for not responding to market competition in a timely manner... that's not good management.
Why not repsond to my comments here in a Crane or Holley way...
some time 5 to 20 years from now... since it doesn't matter if
a business responds quickly .. shouldn't matter if you respond immediately either... since that's an ok tactic.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 657
Likes: 1
From: Sykesville Maryland
I'm sure Crane still made quality products but it is a marketing game out there. Sure things are tightening up but you got to keep your name in lights or you'll eventually lose.
There's a reason McDonald's and Coca Cola keep spending advertising dollars.
Growing up in the late 60's & 70's the big names in performance were Crane Cams, Eldelbrock for manifolds, Holley Carbs, Hooker Headers, and Wynn's & STP oil treatments. Haven't heard much of Crane or Wynn's in quite a few years. Hadn't really thought about these two companies much until this post. hmmm...........
There's a reason McDonald's and Coca Cola keep spending advertising dollars.
Growing up in the late 60's & 70's the big names in performance were Crane Cams, Eldelbrock for manifolds, Holley Carbs, Hooker Headers, and Wynn's & STP oil treatments. Haven't heard much of Crane or Wynn's in quite a few years. Hadn't really thought about these two companies much until this post. hmmm...........
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
