Got Bearings? said:
Are you saying Scat products are inferior because of their Chinese orgins? If so, please explain how.
When it comes to chinese products, like scat rods forgings, I doubt the quality of the materials. When scat orders 1000 rods, 250 sets or so, which is a very small quantity, I doubt any manufacture will take them seriously when it comes to making sure they used 100% correct raw materials. To make sure your do get the right stuff, you need to have some sort of quality control.
When you order stuff from China, there are no refunds once it leaves the port. I know countless guys who tried to order exhaust manifolds to end up throwing out $50,000 into the garbage. Or they had to spend money to fix it before sale.
So To have proper quality control from china, you need to be there, or hire or have someone there inspecting the quality. Chinese standards are not the same. 304 SS could be 302SS and they wont ever tell you.
Not all supplies are like that, some are very honest, but if you start asking for the best price, they will not cut into there own profits but buy cheaper raw materials. Again the supplier of raw materials will also cheap out on quality before cutting into profits.
Its not because they cant do it. China can, and does make great products. Its just that you have to pay for it. Most companies go to china for the best deal, not best quality.
I am personally a fan of Norinco and Polly Technologies Rifles. They are very high quality rifles. the M14S made in China is one of the best ever made. It will out shoot the Spring field version.
VW also makes parts in China, but they actually own or have share in the companies. That gives them total quality control. Chinese workers are just as capable as any other nation.
My opinions are based on politics and economy.
1000 rods is nothing, and unless they have some really good business partner, I doubt the quality of the material. I personally have a set of scat rods for my 2.0 16v 9a block. Yes, they look good, and I do not see anything wrong with it. I paid $499 for the set. Carrillo charges $950. I will still use Scat rods, for my 2.0 16v 9a block.
But any future builds, I am going Carrillo just for piece of mind.
If you want the best, rods, on the market, which are made by the best known company to me, Carrillo rods. Any motorcycle, car, boat, f3000, or major motor sport racer/mechanic/tuner, knows Carrillo.
Now if your building a full engine, going all out, does $500 really brake your bank? Id go for Carrillio. Best rods IMHO.
Just my opinion