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There are a multitude of misconceptions and lack of understanding of what a "limited run" of anything consists of. I won't bore you with the entire process, but the bottom line is that tooling costs (setting up a unique spec'd product as well as the initial work in setting up the EXACT dimensions for a direct replacement part, is expensive and time consuming). The company had to take a 3.69 ring and pinion gear set and configure a replacement set with different teeth ratio (41 ring teeth and 10 pinion teeth) that fits exactly the way the stock gears fit. Of the dozen sets I've had set up in So. Cal., only one had to be shimmed differently...not bad. I've posted extensively about the difference between producing (for instance) 1,000s of Ford 8.8", 9", GM 12 bolt, etc. sets vs. the complete R&D process, tooling costs, and the large cost to me for a limited run (100 sets). I hesitate to post my costs, since it opens up a can of worms about resale, how much I should charge, etc., but what the hell. My INITIAL expenses (with testing, obtaining diffs., paying for the gears up front [no collecting money and waiting for the product to be produced}, and a variety of other ancillary costs) was around $50,000. I get a little irritated when people voice uninformed opinions about why they cost so much, "Ford 9"s only cost $180",etc., without understanding the process. I wonder how many Z owners have spent thousands of dollars on (mass produced): boost controllers, wheels, cosmetic parts, and a multitude of significantly more expensive items with a staggering mark up, yet don't complain?. I know I sound a little defensive, because I am, but I personally think the gears (for the right matched set up, and performance a drivability goals) are as cost effective a mod as you can buy. I personally believe (in the long run especially) that they are a better mod than the NA swap (no buying of a multitude of replacement parts, deleting the HICAS, and running the risk of breaking smaller components and then having to replace them, and either paying somebody to do the swap or spending your own time to do it). I realize that some people do their own work, but I value my time, and when that is factored in, along with the (almost) bullet proof aspect of the R230 diff. and axle compenents, I think it is a better deal, in most cases. I also encourage those who are ambivalent about the purchase (I realize it is an expensive committment) to talk to the people that have done the install of the 4.10s. As someone also posted, give some gear companies a call and see what you can come up with for a few sets. I got one quote for $20,000 for ONE set. I welcome all questions, without it becoming a debate about economics. I appreciate your interest and thoughts. Take care, Mark
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21:54:03 03/13/05
