[ihc] What does it cost to make a big hole instead of a small one?

[Jim Camery <jcamery@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Digesters - something that's always made me wonder..

Does the US Mint charge more to print a $100 bill than a $20?

Why did a 392 cost more than a 345 or 304?  Essentially, why does a 
motor with bigger holes for the larger pistons cost more than one with 
smaller holes?  Most everything else on the motors are the same or at 
least of equal complexity to design and manufacture.  In fact, in my 
minimal machine shop experience, making a SMALL thing is more difficult 
and exacting than making a BIG thing.  Steel is expensive now, but the 
extra 20 or 50 pounds still is just cents, not dollars.

I know that in some cases, bigger motors come with bigger trannies, 
axles, brakes, etc., and then it makes sense that ordering the larger 
engine should cost more.  (Although, again, why would large drums and 
shoes cost so much more than small ones?)  With a modern Ford 150, you 
can order different engines without getting different drive trains and 
running gear, but the price changes radically.  With the older Light 
Line, you could closely specify all components and isolate the 
additional cost for the larger pistons.

Similarly, why does a 750cfm 4bbl carb cost (quite a bit) more than a 
400 of the same design?  Same number of jets, pumps, circuits, chokes, 
etc., just generally larger orifices?  The mold and manufacture should 
be the exact same process, and shipping and distribution should be very 
close to the same.

Jim with Questions
(and two fewer travelalls - the scrap dealer paid me a visit!)