Why are headers so expensive?
08-22-2014, 02:30 PM
#31
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Location: Channel Islands, So. Cal.
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The bigger question is why is EEEEEEEVERYTHING performance boating related so much more money. I understand the whole supply and demand, all the R&D and it's a niche market but look at motors as the largest example... You can get a 500hp long block crate motor complete and ready to drop into your hot rod on eBay for 6k!! I always just thought it was funny. I guess marinization costs 25k+ a motor. 
08-22-2014, 02:52 PM
#33
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The bigger question is why is EEEEEEEVERYTHING performance boating related so much more money. I understand the whole supply and demand, all the R&D and it's a niche market but look at motors as the largest example... You can get a 500hp long block crate motor complete and ready to drop into your hot rod on eBay for 6k!! I always just thought it was funny. I guess marinization costs 25k+ a motor.
08-22-2014, 03:13 PM
#34
ALL CMIs ARE NOT JUNK.
CMI gets a bad rap for all the 525 and similar header issues.
However, CMI submitted a spec for the 525s when they came out.
Mercury didn't like it. They wanted something cheaper.
What CMI ultimately accepted was a product that wasn't built as well, but built within the $$/spec they were willing to pay.
CMI built that spec and sold them thousands for OEM Mercury packages.
Then after the headers started to fail, CMI got the bad wrap as they everyone pointed fingers in both directions.
CMI gets a bad rap for all the 525 and similar header issues.
However, CMI submitted a spec for the 525s when they came out.
Mercury didn't like it. They wanted something cheaper.
What CMI ultimately accepted was a product that wasn't built as well, but built within the $$/spec they were willing to pay.
CMI built that spec and sold them thousands for OEM Mercury packages.
Then after the headers started to fail, CMI got the bad wrap as they everyone pointed fingers in both directions.
08-22-2014, 03:17 PM
#35
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I thought I would get more comments on this since alot of people own, or are high up, in a business here.
Take Marina's and other seasonal businesses for example.
To stay in business, many times you have to charge what it takes to stay in business, not just your product cost times a small percentage.
Nothing is very easy business wise...not much anyway.
Take Marina's and other seasonal businesses for example.
To stay in business, many times you have to charge what it takes to stay in business, not just your product cost times a small percentage.
Nothing is very easy business wise...not much anyway.
08-22-2014, 03:21 PM
#36
auto industry get away with alot of chit . alot more should be recalled that doesnt . like for instance fords death wobble . holy chit that will fill a pants quick . ford nor the transportation safty has done nothing to adresse that . big buisness always wins
08-22-2014, 03:31 PM
#38
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So is the Gen X header CMI's sole design, direct replacement for the sport tube sweeper, with better quality stainless and manufacturing qualities maybe the first prototype the took to Merc.and was refused. I have CMI sweepers on my 540's with no issues, knock on wood. Personally I cant tell the two apart, well maybe a little where the tube welds up to the flange.
08-22-2014, 03:44 PM
#40
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Thanks for the information. I also called CMI and they advise 3 things kill headers in this order. 1. Salt water, 2. Heat, 3. Vibration. That the average life is 12 years (apparently longer on fresh water only boats), and that the port header is the side most likely to fail because of heat - it gets the hottest seawater (last pass through heat exchanger). The new headers do not have the bypass hose which increases water flow by 20%, thus less heat. Now I want easy installation so which ones to get - Merc Headers (which are built by CMI) or the Gen X replacements which may be cheaper and possibly better (or not) Any experience here? thx again
