Why does a 427ci cost so much?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: CenTex Texas
Why does a 427ci cost so much?
I've seen numerous post from venders over the past few years who were selling their 427ci turn-key packages, and they all were/are selling them for around $19,000. My question is why? Is that cost mostly parts, mostly labor, or about half of each?
What would it cost to build an identical quality 427ci at home if one shopped around for the best prices on the parts?
What would it cost to build an identical quality 427ci at home if one shopped around for the best prices on the parts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 3
From: Southern Maryland Maryland
Thats a good question...
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
$8700
You will reuse your factory oil pan, sensors, covers and reusable gaskets. The stock oil pump can be easily ported and shimmed for more oil pressure.
Phil
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
$8700
You will reuse your factory oil pan, sensors, covers and reusable gaskets. The stock oil pump can be easily ported and shimmed for more oil pressure.
Phil
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 3
From: Southern Maryland Maryland
Lets add everything
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350
Long tubes $1400
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250
~14,000
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350
Long tubes $1400
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250
~14,000
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 7
From: Woodbridge Ontario
Originally Posted by Phil97SVT
Thats a good question...
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
$8700
You will reuse your factory oil pan, sensors, covers and reusable gaskets. The stock oil pump can be easily ported and shimmed for more oil pressure.
Phil
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
$8700
You will reuse your factory oil pan, sensors, covers and reusable gaskets. The stock oil pump can be easily ported and shimmed for more oil pressure.
Phil
Been shopping around for a big cube motor, but any reliable place want's 20G's and up.....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: CenTex Texas
Let's add everything
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
Last edited by 97C5ENVY; Dec 17, 2004 at 01:01 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 0
From: Forest Hill MD
Originally Posted by 97C5ENVY
Let's add everything
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Originally Posted by 97C5ENVY
Let's add everything
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Expert Labor, the know how of engine building and a small profit and overhead for the engine builder?? $5,000 which is cheap.
If some one can do it for less and STAY in business, more power to them.
IMHO if you would like a 427ci and dont want to pay for it, build one yourself. Afterall, its only a few parts bolted together, isn't it??
If some one can do it for less and STAY in business, more power to them.
IMHO if you would like a 427ci and dont want to pay for it, build one yourself. Afterall, its only a few parts bolted together, isn't it??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 959
Likes: 12
From: California CA
Originally Posted by Bink
Hopefully we'll have a better, and cheaper, alternative soon....LS7 
I think the pricing for these will be sub $10k
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,965
Likes: 6,770
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
You might wish to do one some time, the exact same way a good shop does, and considering everyone needs to live--not just do the work, you might understand.
...or, maybe it's because they can?
...or, power costs, how much ya want?
...or...
All the best.
...or, maybe it's because they can?
...or, power costs, how much ya want?
...or...
All the best.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 47
From: Tullahoma, TN
It's not just the engine; cooling and driveline will need beefing to cope with the extra cubes/power as well as tuning. I'm hoping the LS7 will work out for C5s and associated hookup parts to make it all work; tuners who do their homework and make this work will be appreciated!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: CenTex Texas
Not sure why a lot of you who posted in this thread seem to think i'm trying to bash the tuners and/or think i'm a cheap-skate. I only asked the question because I'm planning on doing a 427 (either a build up or possibly an LS7) and I'm wanting to know what it's going to cost me compared to what a tuner charges. If the cost difference is minimal then i'd rather let someone else do it to save me the headache...but if i'm going to be saving big bucks by doing it myself then that's what i'm going to do.
With that being said i'd appreciate it we can stick to the orginal questions of:
Why does it cost $20K for a 427 turn-key package? Is that cost mostly parts, mostly labor, or about half of each?
What would it cost to build an identical quality 427ci (turn-key package) at home if one shopped around for the best prices on the parts?
With that being said i'd appreciate it we can stick to the orginal questions of:
Why does it cost $20K for a 427 turn-key package? Is that cost mostly parts, mostly labor, or about half of each?
What would it cost to build an identical quality 427ci (turn-key package) at home if one shopped around for the best prices on the parts?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 10
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Originally Posted by 97C5ENVY
Let's add everything
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
Darton LS1 block with line hone and bores finished $3000
Rotating assembly with bearings and rings $3000
AFR 225 heads $2400
Cometic Gaskets $150
ARP head studs and main studs $400
Vararam intake $350 (Already have Vortex)
Long tubes $1400 (Already have TPIS)
Fast 90mm intake and 90mm TB $1025
42lb injectors $300
Mufflers $700 (Already have Flowmasters)
Clutch/flywheel: $750
ASP dampner $250 (Already have ASP UD Pulley...but may need to be swapped)
~$14,000 (TOTAL ADJUSTED COST ~$11,000)
So the tuners are making about $5K-$6K in labor/markup....sheeeesh!
Let's hope the new C6 Z06 427ci will be a cheaper alternative....and be an easy swap into the C5.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 10
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Originally Posted by sprinter
Yeah, It has just been confirmed over at Z06vette.com that the LS7 will be 427ci. This is what I am going to get in '06 ...and you get GM warranty to boot
I think the pricing for these will be sub $10k
I think the pricing for these will be sub $10k
I doubt you will a warranty if it is installed in the wrong vehicle.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis Indiana
St. Jude Donor '11
Hey All,
We do an all new resleeved LS6 block and AFR head 427ci base installed and tuned package with injectors, cam, pushrods, oil pump, lifters, etc. for $14595 that requires only your covers and is used on cars having all the normal bolt-ons such as cold air intake, headers, cats, exhaust, etc. There are sevearl "small parts' that add up that a lot of folks don't realize. Add ons would be 90mm LSx intake and 90mm TB and UD pulley beyond the normal longtube headers, hig flow cats, catback exhaust, fuel system, and so on. And of course everyone wants a warranty on a race engine.
This a pretty broad statement as far as add-ons and we usually discuss each vehicle with the customer for a custom package matching your needs.
Hope this helps.
Mike Norris
We do an all new resleeved LS6 block and AFR head 427ci base installed and tuned package with injectors, cam, pushrods, oil pump, lifters, etc. for $14595 that requires only your covers and is used on cars having all the normal bolt-ons such as cold air intake, headers, cats, exhaust, etc. There are sevearl "small parts' that add up that a lot of folks don't realize. Add ons would be 90mm LSx intake and 90mm TB and UD pulley beyond the normal longtube headers, hig flow cats, catback exhaust, fuel system, and so on. And of course everyone wants a warranty on a race engine.
This a pretty broad statement as far as add-ons and we usually discuss each vehicle with the customer for a custom package matching your needs.
Hope this helps.
Mike Norris
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: CenTex Texas
Originally Posted by John Shiels
What would you think they should make 5%? If you don't make a profit you won't be in business long or have good service.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: CenTex Texas
Originally Posted by Vette Doc
Hey All,
We do an all new resleeved LS6 block and AFR head 427ci base installed and tuned package with injectors, cam, pushrods, oil pump, lifters, etc. for $14595 that requires only your covers and is used on cars having all the normal bolt-ons such as cold air intake, headers, cats, exhaust, etc. There are sevearl "small parts' that add up that a lot of folks don't realize. Add ons would be 90mm LSx intake and 90mm TB and UD pulley beyond the normal longtube headers, hig flow cats, catback exhaust, fuel system, and so on. And of course everyone wants a warranty on a race engine.
This a pretty broad statement as far as add-ons and we usually discuss each vehicle with the customer for a custom package matching your needs.
Hope this helps.
Mike Norris
We do an all new resleeved LS6 block and AFR head 427ci base installed and tuned package with injectors, cam, pushrods, oil pump, lifters, etc. for $14595 that requires only your covers and is used on cars having all the normal bolt-ons such as cold air intake, headers, cats, exhaust, etc. There are sevearl "small parts' that add up that a lot of folks don't realize. Add ons would be 90mm LSx intake and 90mm TB and UD pulley beyond the normal longtube headers, hig flow cats, catback exhaust, fuel system, and so on. And of course everyone wants a warranty on a race engine.
This a pretty broad statement as far as add-ons and we usually discuss each vehicle with the customer for a custom package matching your needs.
Hope this helps.
Mike Norris
Last edited by 97C5ENVY; Dec 17, 2004 at 08:27 PM.
