Kyle Moe: No need to attempt to 'talk down' to me using your first grader perspective. I've been around engines for a quite a while now....and the best kind of engine is...you guessed it, a RACING engine......
Keep in mind, a lot of what has been learned at a race track, has went into the vehicles everyone drives today. If you need further instruction, I suggest you visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum......it costs only $3 to get in.
My dad was a machinist at an aluminum foundry for 35 years, and I have seen him machine anything from a turbo charger impeller, to table legs for the White Castle Hamburger chain...trust me, there ain't no way in hell that a piston for a Kohler should cost $115.80!! Heck, they 'wasted' more aluminum pouring the table leg mold than what it would take to pour a mold for a piston!
I saw a dealers price list about 2 years ago, and the dealer cost on a piston for a K321 was right at $20.00...suggested retail price, was $100.xx......so tell me again about "Bigger demand items get priced lower because the tooling and setup costs get paid for sooner and the profit margin will actually increase over time for high demand items."......
Evidently Kohler is making a profit while selling them to a dealer for $20....don't ya' think?
Judging by the kits to repower a 682 and 782 offered by Small Engine Warehouse, there must be a demand for the KT17's, but a lot of people opt for a $1200-$1500 retro-fit instead of a $2190 direct replacement.....maybe Kohler stuff is a little 'overpriced'. Just a thought.
Not saying a Kohler isn't a good/decent engine, but they are kinda pricey!
(Message edited by Bcook on January 06, 2006)
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