340 Manifolds, Reproduction, Any interest?

Interest in 340 Reproduction Manifolds

  • YES!

    Votes: 75 59.5%

  • NO

    Votes: 51 40.5%
  • Total voters
    126
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Treblig said:
If the casting costs $200 I don't think there's any way to make profit on 100 sets. I'm a machinist and have designed and built many fixtures to hold casting while they are being machined. Making a reliable fixture that puts out consistent product takes time and money. One fixture would have to be made for each manifold then a machine programmer would have to develop (write) a program to run the CNC machine. Then the CNC machine would have to be "set up" for one run of 100 then "torn down" and set up again for another run of the other 100 manifold. I would estimate a cost of $3000.00 (rough estimate) to make/test the fixtures and to program the machine. Then to set up each run would be another cost, after that all you have to do is pay for the machining itself.
You'd probably have to make a run of at least 500-1000 (if not more) sets to be able to drive the cost down to an acceptable level. Fixtures and programming are a one time cost. Each time you have to "set up" for a run is a recurring cost. The cost of the machining itself should be consistent.
Most of the cost (up front) will be in designing and making the fixtures, testing the fixtures, writing the program, testing the program.

PS - We didn't mention any testing to ensure reliability/durability which takes time and money.


Treblig
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I agree 100%
30 year machinist here....you're actually being nice with the numbers. Our shop would charge every bit of that - more likely more than that.

100 sets is a small run.....

Jeff
 
Back to the original question - hell yeah I'd buy them and put sets away for future projects. If you think you can do it go for it - I see those 68-70 manifolds disappear pronto at swap meets and on this site, you know you could sell a pile of them. With the resources you talk about, if you could run a CNC porting program that cleaned up the inside that would just be extra cost gravy for you to offer...
 
If you could arrange for reasonable shipping to Sweden, I'd take a pair too. Maybe a couple of extra pairs and sell them over here to finance the deal.

Also, the fact that they're available for $650 doesn't mean they can't be made for $200. Supply and demand dictates profit.
 
Now if you could make a modified set that fits an early A with power steering. that would be good.
 
... couldn't help but notice your mention of a cast centre link..Castings are porous and weak..these should be forgings.Be very careful with this type of part.
..i don't think any suspension components have ever been cast but could be wrong.
 
Well we had originally planned on casting the center links out of cheese we mined on the moon but decided to change our plans and now have them forged from spinach as it has a lot higher iron content. Good news is that they are only $15 and readily available in the freezer section at your local grocery store.
 
So what are the chances at you taking a stab at producing some 340 manifolds. I know from personal experience that there is a market out there but it will depend on the price. I've sold numerous sets of 340/360 magnum manifold sets in the last couple of years. FABO members are willing to spend good money on a good set of manifolds if the cost is within reason.

treblig
 

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magnummopar said:
Well we had originally planned on casting the center links out of cheese we mined on the moon but decided to change our plans and now have them forged from spinach as it has a lot higher iron content. Good news is that they are only $15 and readily available in the freezer section at your local grocery store.
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freakin awesome ! I can tell you've had years of retail experience . Id buy a set to look at based solely on that comment:coffee2:
 
oldcarnut, yea about 30, dont remember anymore. Started first garage/speed shop in 1988 but have been professional tech since 1983(figure getting a pay check made it professional). Worked on lots of pit crews and race teams before that when I was younger and could stay up for 3 days straight doing repairs in pits...and didnt mind living out of a suitcase!
Been watching the parts world get turned upside down to where there is no money in it thanks to the big 3. Watched all the speed shops die a slow death, then the truck /jeep market. Only way to ever make a $ anymore is producing something that is small enough sales that chineese are not interested in making like wire harnesses and headers...
If I had half a brain I would have been a banker or real estate agent and made enough to pay people to build my **** while I sit by pool and sip drinks.
Thats the problem with addiction, keeps you from making money and ultimately drags you down into poverty....if only I could kick my Mopar habit and get my life together. I have now almost gotten back to just being a recreational Mopar user, only have 6 cars now, 64, 65, 65 4 door, 67 gt vert, 68 valiant, 69 dart ht and 74 sport...oops slipping again, thats 7! Better get my *** to a MA meeting asap.
 
I don't believe there's any hope for you at this point.....I mean c'mon your so fried your tryin' to actually do something nice for other people without a ridiculous profit if any , creating more work for yourself and dipping into those empty pockets when you thought you couldn't get any worse:violent1:
 
I have not read everything but if you can make 68 to 70 340 ones
they need to be factory correct
with part numbers
and keep the around 500.00
you will sell a lot of them
 
just this tiny issue of patient infringement. Chrysler has a **** ton of lawyers that would rapidly relieve you of any profits you made then stomp your *** into axle grease. Dont think they would let you build Mopars in the big house either.
 
If you read the whole thread you will see the pics of Laysons employee getting chrome bracelets for the exact same thing, making 68-70 340 manifolds with Chrysler logo/part # cast on them.
 
magnummopar said:
If you read the whole thread you will see the pics of Laysons employee getting chrome bracelets for the exact same thing, making 68-70 340 manifolds with Chrysler logo/part # cast on them.
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you can put part numbers just not the logo
 
After the exhaust manifolds are made, how about small block cross ram intake manifolds? You can put me down for one ......
 
way back there was an aluminum small block cross ram made, maybe edelbrock? my friend Johnny had one on the bench
 
davescuda said:
I have not read everything but if you can make 68 to 70 340 ones
they need to be factory correct
with part numbers
and keep the around 500.00
you will sell a lot of them
Click to expand...
They were made once before and classic industries had some
 
Gentlemen, this thread is nearly ten years old and the original poster hasn’t been back here in over a year.
 
magnummopar said:
If you read the whole thread you will see the pics of Laysons employee getting chrome bracelets for the exact same thing, making 68-70 340 manifolds with Chrysler logo/part # cast on them.
Click to expand...
Yup, lots of feedback has been provided on your thread. While some of it is indicating ‘it can’t be done’ others are indicating there sure is a market for it at the price you’re thinking of. Since you made a moon reference, a lot of people didn’t think landing on the moon was possible.

Sounds like it’s time to stop typing and start doing! Make some sets and they will sell at your indicted price point!!
 
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