Look at how cheap the XS Power kit is now!!

[Ludachris]

What suprises me is Luda is the only one in here defending the vendors. Most of the big name vendors have usernames here, where are they to justify their cause, argue their side of the issue? We can say R&D is the justication for higher pricing, but none of them have popped in and confirmed that....

I guess that by me owning my own small web development business I can relate better with some of the vendors in the DSM market than some people in this thread. It's tough for many DSM vendors to make money in our market because it seems most people in our market are more concerned with cheap parts than they are proven performance. Companies will put out a good product, it will be copied and sold for less and DSMers will buy the cheaper products. Obviously, that will happen in any industry, but it runs rampant in our market. Those vendors usually end up changing their focus to other cars where the market will allow them to make a decent living and will appreciate what they bring to the market. Sure, there are vendors who look to make a killing in profits, but most just want to make a decent living and do what they love.

I just can't see how people would expect any vendor to come in here and justify their mark-up. If you don't see the value in what they bring to the market, fine. But don't go promoting companies that copy product designs and then go ask the companies that came up with the designs to justify their pricing. Why am I the only one who thinks this is wrong?

Anyway, I'm done with this discussion. You guys do what's right for you.

 

[JayRolla]

Like Ill say again Chris I am on your side. I just dont see the justice in charging so much money for a FMIC kit. I run my entire website business so I do understand. Ebay is killing my business horribly making me almost turn into pure ebay store. Its not right, but we cant stop it. Im would not buy this kit just because it may hurt another company, which I believe is ripping people off with there high priced kits. Understand what im trying to say also.

 

[Coup D E'Tat]

I just dont see the justice in charging so much money for a FMIC kit.

Please re-read my last few posts.

 

[JayRolla]

Please re-read my last few posts.

Ive read them and still dont see why it should cost so much. Alluminum is cheap, R&D should not cost that much at all on a FMIC kit. Still dont see the justice. The design is old, has been done, no new technology. What do they need to test, on test fit on pipes and build a core. Im pretty sure they didnt build the cores to be the most efficient as the can be. They find a way to make a part cheap, jack up the price and sell it. You cant say they are not making a killing on these kits.

 

[Coup D E'Tat]

Materials are of (my opinion) better quality (more money,) real labor costs (not overseas slave labor wages,) R&D on flow characteristics and amounts of air, trustworthy name with actual customer service, R&D into new designs possibly, R&D for flow characterics through the intercooler to the radiator (think of companies using different thickness fins to promote airflow through it to aid in cooling the radiator,) advertisement, other materials cost (good welders, rods, etc, but that is speculation, since I do not know what the foreign ones utilize,) etc etc

That's because they're all out spending all of the extra money we give them for parts that are overpriced. Because, you know, on top of what I'v ealready posted earlier in this thread, these guys (the vendors) don't have to pay property tax, maintain their buildings, pay for utilities, and eat at night, you know? I mean, why would anyone start a business to make money?

Highlights in bold.

 

[JayRolla]

I run a business of my own. I understand business costs. For everyother precision made part you are right. We are talking about a intercooler core and some pipes that are bent. Not a precision balanced ball bearing turbo.

 

[Coup D E'Tat]

How does that in any way pertain to what I highlighted?

 

[JayRolla]

Alluminum is cheap. A lot of top name brand companys up the price just because of there name. Dont need customer service if he quality is good and part is proven. Intercooler technology of these cores is not new, so where is the R&D. Any muffler shop can make intercooler piping. Other material costs like couplers and clamps, that are not expensive at all, cost them nothing.

In my opinion any top name intercooler kit should not cost as much as they do. The design is old, its cheap to make. So why not lower the prices to compete with these cheap ebay kits. $600 for a race core and pipes is where I think they should be priced. I mean at my buddys shop here he installs a full race FMIC and short route SS pipes for $900 using the XOXO 4" core. Labor and all.

 

[Ludachris]

Alluminum is cheap. A lot of top name brand companys up the price just because of there name. Dont need customer service if he quality is good and part is proven. Intercooler technology of these cores is not new, so where is the R&D. Any muffler shop can make intercooler piping. Other material costs like couplers and clamps, that are not expensive at all, cost them nothing.

In my opinion any top name intercooler kit should not cost as much as they do. The design is old, its cheap to make. So why not lower the prices to compete with these cheap ebay kits. $600 for a race core and pipes is where I think they should be priced. I mean at my buddys shop here he installs a full race FMIC and short route SS pipes for $900 using the XOXO 4" core. Labor and all.

What you think all FMIC kits should cost and what shops can sell them for could be way off the mark. You're coming to your conclusion making a lot of assumptions. Some people are assuming that all materials cost the same and all labor costs the same.

I think we've taken this way too far off topic and I'd like to do something about this issue. I'm going to close this thread and start a new thread on this topic alone. I'd like to collect your feedback and concerns so I can organize a letter to our supporting vendors. I'd like to get their feedback on all of this but I don't like the idea of asking them to come in here and get involved - nothing good would come out of that. Once I get their feedback I'll organize it and will post it on the site. Hope that will help.