Re: Mopar Performance's Muscle

From: Rader (rlr@bbt.com)
Date: Tue Mar 11 1997 - 13:37:16 EST


> I wonder if Dodge will ever offer a "performance transmission" as
> an option? They have a "Sport" and now an "R/T", why not go all the way?

  Good question. Is Dodge providing anything but the automatic in
the Durango with the 360/5.9?

> Why wouldn't manufacturers equip their cars with something like this
> in the first place?? I'm sure they could do it for a heck of a lot
> cheaper than $300, so that's not a huge issue...

  You hit the nail on the head: cost. If the manufacturer can shave
a dollar off their cost, well for them that's many thousands of dollars
more profit.

  Another issue is durability and reliability. Performance oriented
vehicles often require more tinkering and care than the average car.
I'm sure the prospect of having to replace stock tube headers under
warranty every time they spring a leak fills manufacturers with
fear and loathing. Hence, cast iron manifolds.

  Yet another issue is that all automotive components are a tradeoff.
Performance parts are not necessarily superior to stock in all
aspects. Is it heavier or lighter, does it cost more to manufacture
or maintain, etc? Anybody who's had to replace header gaskets knows
what I'm talking about.

  The thing that really pisses me off is the way in which new vehicle
prices have WAY outpaced inflation. It's not just greedy manufacturers,
either. Many things contribute to this trend: mandated safety
equipment, people refusing to buy vehicles that don't have the latest
whiz-bang features, and the plain old Invisible Hand of the market.

  Ron

 



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