The cost of building a 5.9 OE for the factory was about $1,100 in 2010. That is the approximate figure that we used for all paperwork when I was a shipper at PRTAP (B van plant). That is why the original crate motors were affordable.

The average car guy only needs a crate motor to be happy with his ride. Many bought the more agressive crate 5.9 engines and detuned them. Not every one is a hard core racer that needs, wants, or even knows what to do with more power. The original crate motors were a bargain at $2-3,000. That was 12 years ago or more, get over it, the world has changed again.

Zippy is correct in his thoughts and observations. The new generation of hemi is the crate motor to look at now from a cost perspective for those who don't have 20 to 40 years of oldschool experience and thinking.

Mopar Performance is trying to provide what it thinks the market is asking for. Unfortunately, that is what it costs. Is your time, manpower, marketing, transportation, shop cost, etc. free?

Too many cars, too many parts, too little coin, too little space to work in, too little time left to make it all happen! Update: down to one ride, still too many parts, a little more jingle in the pocket, gaining space, and it's going to happen this year!