Why do ported heads cost so much?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 0
Why do ported heads cost so much?
I've found stock heads for $500-$700. But ported heads go for $2000-$2500. Why is that? Are they THAT difficult to port? Especially using a CNC machine?? I mean, once they have done the flow testing on a set of heads and put that program in the CNC machine, all it has to do is cut each head the same from then on, right?
[Modified by 2thDr, 10:50 AM 10/17/2001]
[Modified by 2thDr, 10:50 AM 10/17/2001]
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Bayville NJ
Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (2thDr)
Generally, you pay for the time on the flow bench and the resulting port shape, as well as the actual cutting. Sure, CNCs cut a lot faster than a Dumore but the machine payments are a lot higher too.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,941
Likes: 6,743
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (drives61)
It's obvious you've never ported anything! Can you say labor intensive? Those who think porting aluminum is a bear or expensive, never lived in the age of cast iron heads! Be thankful for aluminum. Trust me on this one, I know what of I speak :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 0
Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (Avanti)
It's obvious you've never ported anything! Can you say labor intensive? Those who think porting aluminum is a bear or expensive, never lived in the age of cast iron heads! Be thankful for aluminum. Trust me on this one, I know what of I speak :yesnod:
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,965
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From: Midlothian, VA
Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (2thDr)
I believe that much of the cost stems from the EXREMELY expensive equipment they use, i.e. CNC Machines, Flow Benches and hundreds, if not thousands of hours in getting the ports, combustion chambers, runners, etc essentially perfect for the applicaton they're coming up with. Plus, the machinists/tuners gotta eat too :D
[Modified by C5Noir, 1:45 PM 10/17/2001]
[Modified by C5Noir, 1:45 PM 10/17/2001]
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (John Shiels)
Used CNC Machines go for half a million dollars that can handle porting a head! You are paying for the machine. A Pentium processor is probably $5 in material costs. The machine to lay micron archetecture and the engineers they pay to design and improve the chip is what you are paying for. :)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,573
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From: Tewksbury MA
Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (2FST4U)
As a plastics engineer, I have overseen about 50 molds. Same concept. You buy a block of aluminum and then put it into a CNC machine, add the program and go. Then you inspect the pieces & heat treat. Inspect and then polish & polish.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (2thDr)
Truley good heads that are CNC machines are always followed up on by hand.
With LS1/6 heads, your paying for many things, including supply and demand.
With LS1/6 heads, your paying for many things, including supply and demand.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Orlando, FLORIDA
Orlando Events Coordinator
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Why do ported heads cost so much? (2thDr)
I've found stock heads for $500-$700. But ported heads go for $2000-$2500. Why is that? Are they THAT difficult to port? Especially using a CNC machine?? I mean, once they have done the flow testing on a set of heads and put that program in the CNC machine, all it has to do is cut each head the same from then on, right?
[Modified by 2thDr, 10:50 AM 10/17/2001]
[Modified by 2thDr, 10:50 AM 10/17/2001]