One could say that the car prices are NOT in fact dropping - indeed, they have gone up nominally each year. It's simply that the dealers are willing to deal more, rather than mark up. The difference between MSRP and invoice is around $3500, so there's lots of room for a dealer to move around and still make money. Most aftermarket resellers only have a profit margin of a couple $100 if that for each item they sell, so it's unlikely they'll be cutting you any slack.

 

turbo_pwr you are dead right about this but it is just the canisters. That really isn't going to add that much to the cost. If the entire system were Ti that would be one thing and would clearly warrant a $1,500 price tag IMO. I guess there really will never be a right answer here but I just don't think that full exhaust should cost just as much, if not more, than a OEM hardtop. Just doesn't make sense for the gains you are getting.

 

R&D costs add up too. To do preliminary design specs, test a couple of prototypes and then set up tooling can easily run into the 5 figure range. The manufacturer has to make that back.

Not that I don't think Mugen's stuff is overpriced, but they do have a brand that commands a premium. Now, if you want to talk price differentials between our market and other markets... :-)

UL

 

you have to stop judging/comparing the hp gains. I know it's hard coming from a V8 background, especially a Camaro. You can eek out power easily from them. But a full tilt maxed out 4 cylinder engine like the F20C is just a different beast. By the way a Ti cannister runs in the $300~$400 range on most universal applications. So times that by 2, then add the additonal piping. I agree $1500 is steep, but I think you are paying for more research then anything else. Since Mugen does so much more R & D then most other companies they need to make up the money somewhere.

 

Economies of scale have a lot to do with it.

It probably costs just about the same to do the design and set up the manufacturing jigs/dies for the exhaust for a Camaro as for an S2000.

However, the Camaro exhaust can amortize these fixed costs over many more units.

If you want to drive an exclusive car, be prepared to pay through the nose for modifications and even replacement parts.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by honda606
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