Total Cost Involved Engineering
Total Cost Involved Engineering is a family-owned, USA-based manufacturer of precision-engineered suspension and chassis systems for classic American muscle cars, trucks, and street rods, serving global enthusiasts and professional builders from its Ontario, California facility since 1974.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1974
- HeadquartersOntario, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Total Cost Involved Engineering does
Total Cost Involved Engineering (TCI), founded in 1974 and headquartered in a 32,000-square-foot facility in Ontario, California, is a family-owned manufacturer of precision-engineered suspension and chassis systems for classic American muscle cars, street rods, and pickup trucks. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures its products in the USA, with a portfolio spanning Independent Front Suspension (IFS) kits, 4-Link rear suspensions, Torque Arm rear suspensions, and complete chassis systems covering Chevy and Ford platforms from 1928 through 1991, plus universal products including 4x4 chassis platforms and Mustang II-based IFS. Products are vehicle-specific with geometrically correct designs and complete bolt-in installation, backed by a lifetime warranty on custom parts and a 6-year/60,000-mile warranty on wear items. TCI was recognized as SEMA-SRMA Manufacturer of the Year and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.
The company operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce (TCI Store) for components and apparel, phone-based inside sales for custom quotes, and a dedicated Builder Program that serves professional hot rod shops and restoration businesses worldwide. Pricing is one-time/perpetual across the catalog, ranging from approximately $444 for brake and clutch assemblies up to $50,995 for complete Pro-Extreme 4x4 chassis systems, with Buy Now/Pay Later financing options and promotional bundles (free Ridetech Coilovers, free headers, free freight) used to drive conversion. Marketing is multi-channel including organic social (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X), a blog, email newsletter, and an active presence at automotive events such as Goodguys Nationals, C10 Nationals, F-100 Western Nationals, Triple Crown of Rodding, and sponsorship of the CAM class in the Corner Exit Autocross Challenge Series.
Revenue mechanics are hardware-driven across two principal customer segments: classic muscle car and truck enthusiasts (primary), and professional builder shops (secondary), with a smaller segment addressing non-mainstream classic vehicles requiring universal solutions. The company ships globally, with documented international reach including Japan, and has executed four product launches or strategic partnerships in the first five months of 2026 alone, signaling an active product cadence. TCI remains privately held under founding family ownership with no disclosed outside funding, no parent company, and no subsidiary structure.
Total Cost Involved Engineering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Total Cost Involved Engineering
- Legal name
- Total Cost Involved Engineering Inc.
- Website
- https://totalcostinvolved.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1974
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Total Cost Involved Engineering is a family-owned, USA-based manufacturer of precision-engineered suspension and chassis systems for classic American muscle cars, trucks, and street rods, serving global enthusiasts and professional builders from its Ontario, California facility since 1974.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Total Cost Involved Engineering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aftermarket Automotive Suspension and Chassis Systems
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (33633), Motor Vehicle Brake System Manufacturing (33634), Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (3363)
- SIC
- Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies (3711)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aftermarket Suspension & Steering Components Manufacturing (Shocks/Struts/Bushings/Tie Rods) (IMACANAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Axle & Suspension Linkages (Control Arms/Tie Rods/Bushings/Ball Joints) (IMACAIAL), Chassis Frames & Subframes (Ladders/Unibody Structures/Crossmembers) (IMACAIAG), Passenger Vehicle Chassis, Suspension, Steering & Braking Manufacturing (ICE) (IMACAAAJ)
Keywords
Where Total Cost Involved Engineering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ontario
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Total Cost Involved Engineering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Suspension Systems Sales: Complete suspension kits and systems for classic muscle cars and trucks. Products include IFS front clips, rear suspension kits, and integrated packages sold directly to builders and enthusiasts.
- Chassis Systems Sales: Full chassis replacements and complete rolling packages for classic vehicles. High-value chassis systems ranging from $3,395 to $50,995.
- Component Parts: Individual components including bushing sets, transmission crossmembers, brake and clutch assemblies, engine mounts, mini-tubs, air ride systems, headers, master cylinders, and hardware accessories.
- Apparel and Merchandise: Branded merchandise including shirts, hats, jackets, sweatshirts, and TCI Steel Logo Emblems sold through the TCI Store.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Universal Chassis Systems - Base models |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Universal 4x4 Chassis Systems |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Brake and Clutch Assemblies |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Suspension Packages |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Total Cost Involved Engineering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Total Cost Involved Engineering designs, engineers, and manufactures precision-built suspension and chassis systems for classic American muscle cars, trucks, and street rods. The product line spans Independent Front Suspension (IFS) kits, 4-Link rear suspensions, Torque Arm rear suspensions, and complete chassis replacements for Chevy and Ford platforms. Products are sold direct through the TCI Online Store and a dedicated Professional Builder Program, with vehicle-specific and universal configurations available.
Product overview
Total Cost Involved Engineering is a manufacturer of precision-engineered suspension and chassis systems for classic muscle cars, street rods, and pickup trucks. The product portfolio centers on IFS (Independent Front Suspension) kits, torque arm rear suspensions, 4-link rear suspensions, and complete chassis systems across multiple vehicle platforms. The company offers vehicle-specific products for Chevy Muscle Car (Camaro, Nova, Firebird), Chevy Truck & SUV (C10/K10 trucks, K5 Blazer), Chevy Street Rod (1928-1954), Ford Muscle Car (Mustang, Cougar, Fairlane, Falcon), Ford Truck (F1, F100), and Ford Street Rod (1928-1948). Universal products include Pro-Extreme 4×4 Chassis, Pro 4×4 Chassis, Pro-Touring IFS, and Mustang II IFS systems. Component offerings encompass bushing sets, transmission crossmembers, brake & clutch assemblies, engine mounts, mini-tubs, air ride control systems, headers, master cylinders, and brakes. All products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA at their Ontario, California facility, backed by a Lifetime Warranty on custom parts and a 6-year/60,000-mile warranty on wear-and-tear items.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Universal Pro-Extreme 4x4 Chassis with 1 Ton Axles Heavy-duty universal 4x4 chassis with 1 ton axles, designed for off-road performance and maximum durability in custom vehicle builds.
- Universal Pro 4x4 Chassis Universal 4x4 chassis platform for custom builds, providing robust off-road suspension capability.
- Universal Pro-Touring IFS Independent Front Suspension system designed for street performance and handling, available in multiple configurations.
- Universal Mustang II IFS Mustang II-style Independent Front Suspension for universal application, offering classic styling with modern performance and a 34-inch outside frame rail width option.
- Universal Street Rod Power Brake & Clutch Complete Assembly Complete power brake and clutch assembly for universal street rod applications.
- Universal Street Rod Power Brake & Clutch Assembly Power brake and clutch assembly for universal street rod builds.
- Chevy Muscle Car Suspension Kits High-performance suspension kits for Chevy muscle cars including Camaro (1962-1981), Nova (1962-1974), and Pontiac Firebird (1967-1981). Features include Custom IFS, Pro-Touring IFS, 4-Link rear suspension, and Torque Arm rear suspension options.
- Chevy Street Rod Suspension Kits Street rod suspension systems for Chevy vehicles including 1928-1936 Chevy Car & Truck, 1937-1948 Chevy Car, and 1949-1954 Chevy Car. Options include Parabolic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension and Coil-Spring IFS.
- Chevy Truck & SUV Chassis & Suspension Chassis and suspension systems for classic Chevy trucks and SUVs covering 1937-1987 C10/K10 trucks and 1969-1991 K5 Blazer. Products include Custom IFS, Pro-Touring IFS, coil-over 4-Link, and complete chassis systems.
- Ford Muscle Car Suspension Kits Suspension systems for Ford muscle cars including Mustang (1964.5-1970), Mercury Cougar (1967-1970), Ford Fairlane (1960-1967), Ford Falcon (1960-1965), Ford Ranchero (1962-1965), and Mercury Comet (1962-1965).
- Ford Street Rod Suspension & Chassis Suspension and chassis systems for Ford street rods covering 1928-1948 Ford vehicles with various IFS and chassis options.
- Ford Truck Chassis & Suspension Chassis and suspension systems for classic Ford F-series trucks including F1
Quantifiable outcome
- Industry's shortest lead times: 8 weeks for chassis, 5 days for suspension
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Total Cost Involved Engineering
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Total Cost Involved Engineering technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Total Cost Involved Engineering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Currie EnterprisescoreCurrie 'Extreme 60' 1-Ton axles offered as optional upgrade for TCI Pro 4x4 Chassis platforms. 8-lug/1-Ton axle option enhances strength and capability of 4x4 chassis systems.
- SummitRacingminorSummitRacing listed as series sponsor for DriveAutoXtreme autocross events where TCI products are showcased and demonstrated.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Total Cost Involved Engineering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Roadster Shop: Roadster Shop is a broader performance car builder offering custom chassis (SPEC, RAMS, FAST) for hot rods and pro-touring builds that competes with TCI's higher-end 4x4 and rolling-chassis offerings.
- Holley Performance Brands: Holley owns multiple performance brands (Holley EFI, Hooker, Earl's, Flowtech, etc.) and competes in the broader classic muscle and hot rod aftermarket; while not a direct TCI competitor, it addresses the same enthusiast builder/customer segments.
Direct peers
- Classic Performance Parts (CPP): CPP supplies brake, steering, and suspension components for classic Chevy, Ford, and Mopar vehicles, including spindle kits and front suspension modules that compete directly with TCI's IFS and component parts lines.
- Detroit Speed & Engineering: Detroit Speed manufactures bolt-on front suspension kits, rear kits, and complete chassis systems for classic muscle cars and trucks (Camaro, Mustang, C10, etc.), directly overlapping TCI's core product range and pro-touring customer base.
- Art Morrison Enterprises: Art Morrison designs and manufactures custom chassis and suspension systems for hot rods, muscle cars, and street rods, including GTsport and Sport chassis platforms aimed at the same classic vehicle restoration and pro-touring market as TCI.
- Ridetech (RideTech): Ridetech designs and sells coilover suspension systems, air ride, and Mustang II-style IFS for hot rods and muscle cars; it is also a TCI promotion partner, evidencing overlapping product portfolios in the pro-touring/classic car suspension category.
- Heidts Hot Rod & Restoration: Heidts produces IFS front suspension kits, 4-link rear systems, and complete chassis for hot rods and muscle cars, competing head-to-head with TCI's Pro-Touring IFS, 4-Link, and Mustang II IFS product lines.
- Speedtech Performance USA: Speedtech manufactures chassis systems and suspension components (Convo Pro, Pro Touring, Gocompact, SPEC autocross) for classic muscle cars and trucks, directly competing in TCI's chassis and bolt-in suspension categories.
- QA1 Motorsports: QA1 manufactures shocks, coilovers, control arms, sway bars, and rod ends for muscle cars, hot rods, and pro-touring builds, overlapping with TCI's suspension and chassis component ranges.
Emerging players
- Currie Enterprises: Currie Enterprises manufactures 9-inch rear housings, axles, and drivetrain components used in pro-touring builds; as TCI's recent 'Extreme 60' 1-Ton axle partner, it is a complementary supplier that increasingly overlaps with TCI's integrated chassis-and-drivetrain value proposition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Total Cost Involved Engineering social profiles
Digital presenceTotal Cost Involved Engineering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Total Cost Involved Engineering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Total Cost Involved Engineering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Total Cost Involved Engineering M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Total Cost Involved Engineering
What does Total Cost Involved Engineering do?
Total Cost Involved Engineering designs, engineers, and manufactures precision-built suspension and chassis systems for classic American muscle cars, trucks, and street rods. The product line spans Independent Front Suspension (IFS) kits, 4-Link rear suspensions, Torque Arm rear suspensions, and complete chassis replacements for Chevy and Ford platforms. Products are sold direct through the TCI Online Store and a dedicated Professional Builder Program, with vehicle-specific and universal configurations available.
Is Total Cost Involved Engineering a public or private company?
Total Cost Involved Engineering is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Total Cost Involved Engineering founded?
Total Cost Involved Engineering was founded in 1974. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Total Cost Involved Engineering based?
Total Cost Involved Engineering is headquartered in Ontario, United States, in the North America region.
How does Total Cost Involved Engineering make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Suspension Systems Sales are the primary driver. The others are chassis Systems Sales, component Parts and apparel and Merchandise.
Who are Total Cost Involved Engineering's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Roadster Shop and Holley Performance Brands. Direct peers are Classic Performance Parts (CPP), Detroit Speed & Engineering, Art Morrison Enterprises, Ridetech (RideTech), Heidts Hot Rod & Restoration, Speedtech Performance USA and QA1 Motorsports. Currie Enterprises is listed as an emerging player.
Does Total Cost Involved Engineering have an API?
No public API is recorded for Total Cost Involved Engineering.
What industry is Total Cost Involved Engineering in?
Total Cost Involved Engineering's product category is Aftermarket Automotive Suspension and Chassis Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACANAC, Aftermarket Suspension & Steering Components Manufacturing (Shocks/Struts/Bushings/Tie Rods), with a secondary code of IMACAIAL, Axle & Suspension Linkages (Control Arms/Tie Rods/Bushings/Ball Joints). Its NAICS code is 33633 and its SIC code is 3711.