Performance Parts: OEM or Aftermarket?

For those of us who fix our own GM manufactured cars and even those who pay someone else to do it, our time is extremely valuable. If we are going to take time out of our busy schedule to do necessary repairs, we need to make sure that we get it done right while doing so efficiently. There is just no time to do a repair twice or going back to the store because we received the wrong part, eating up our time. When we buy parts, it’s not just about getting the right part; it’s also about deciding if we want GM performance accessories vs aftermarket parts.

It’s true that all of our cars are going to need to be repaired at some point, we can’t go forever without something breaking or wearing down. But when those necessary repairs come up, we have a choice to make when it comes to the parts that are being replaced. This is especially important with performance vehicles and performance parts. It’s crucial that the right part is used because the car was designed to work with that certain part. GM (General Motors) has a variety of performance parts for their vehicles; likewise, there is an equal if not greater amount of aftermarket parts for the same vehicles.

What are the benefits of buying right from the manufacturer? What are the pros and cons of aftermarket and GM OEM performance parts? Let’s pit these two together; GM performance accessories vs aftermarket. You’ll soon see that the pros of OEM performance parts outweigh any other manufacturer.

What are OEM Performance Parts?

General Motors OEM, and really any OEM part stands for (Original Equipment Manufacturer.) This means that GM performance parts are designed by GM. The parts are brand new and made out of the best material for that part. Aftermarket parts are typically not made with the same material as the OEM equivalent. The GM performance parts are backed by GM by the testing and engineering department.

Aftermarket parts are different; they are not built by the manufacturer and usually can’t make the same claims that the OEM parts can. This is not to say that all aftermarket parts are bad, but it’s a toss-up. They can exceed, be equal, or be worse than the OEM equivalent. With OEM performance parts, they are always of the highest quality.

It’s up to the consumer to choose what brand of performance parts works for them. It seems though; the OEM parts have more pros than cons when compared to the aftermarket parts. Notice the first upside of using GM performance parts is they fit inside the vehicle.

GM Performance Fit

Even when going outside of the performance area, it can be really annoying when a purchase is made, only to get home and realize that it doesn’t fit. The drive-of-shame back to the store to get the right part is extremely frustrating and wastes time. The same applies to performance parts; whether we are replacing a part in a performance car or upgrading to a performance part, we want a good solid fit. Due to the part coming right from the manufacturer, the size and shape will fit right into place. This will include the clips or washers that are needed.

Aftermarket parts can’t always guarantee fit, and typically don’t include the extra parts like clips and washers that are needed in the replacement process. If you’re looking to take a standard part and replace it with a performance part, OEM performance shines. Typically, the new performance part has some sort of difference from the standard part. This difference needs to be calibrated to fit into the old area. At the GM performance division, they guarantee that the new part will fit into the previous location. Where-as the aftermarket equivalent in most cases can’t do so.

For instance, a common performance upgrade is the air intake. It is generally a simple upgrade that can be done at home. Most of the time, the old airbox needs to be removed, and the new one put in. This new one is normally smaller in size yet increases the airflow by making the filter and intake hose larger.

The manufacturer will account for this, assuring that there are still mounting brackets and securing points for the new intake. Aftermarket parts might not include these, causing the intake to be improperly secured to the engine. What about the quality of the parts?

Quality

Whenever we make a purchase, we want that purchase to last as long as possible. This requires that it be made out of decent quality materials, improving the durability. With OEM performance, the quality is always there. Even if the original part is faulty, GM will make sure to test a new form of the part to replace the old faulty one.

This is not to say that all aftermarket performance parts are of bad quality, but it’s generally a toss-up. Some brands have good quality, while others are worse than the original part. Instead of doing a ton of research, why not just go with the proven and tested option.

Warranty

This topic is probably the biggest difference between the two choices. This could be really evident if you decided to get the OEM part installed at a dealership. Unfortunately, every part will break at some point. That is just what is to be expected, especially performance vehicles, which are pushed harder than the average car.

But what if the part breaks shortly after you install it, or have it installed? GM has great warranties for their parts. For most of the parts they sell, there is a 24 month/50,000 mile warranty. For two years, you can have complete peace of mind, knowing that the money you spent was well worth it.

This warranty extends into the installation of the part. If you got the part installed at a dealership and it breaks, within the warranty’s specification, then the reinstall is covered under the warranty too. Do aftermarket parts offer such a warranty?

While most aftermarket companies do have some sort of warranty associated with their products, they are normally not as long or cover as much as the OEM warranty. Aftermarket parts also don’t cover installation. It’s important to consider these things when choosing your purchase as it can determine how much money you’ll have to pay in the long run.

GM Performance Accessories VS Aftermarket

At the end of the day, both choices have their pros and cons. While GM performance parts do have a lot of pros, there is one minor drawback. Typically, the OEM version will be more expensive than the aftermarket alternative. But that is not to say that you won’t get what you pay for, it’s clear that there is a lot of worth behind the OEM parts.

You spent a lot of money on a nice performance vehicle. Why risk ruining it? The OEM parts clearly have the backing to improve your vehicle without adding unnecessary risk. While the aftermarket parts might be cheaper, the fit, quality, and warranty of the OEM alternative are definitely worth it. The GM parts also come with installation guides to help you along the way.

If you’re in the market for performance parts for your Chevy, head on down to your local dealership and pick them up, due to it being just a Chevy parts dealer they always have a great inventory. If you live in the Cincinnati, Ohio area looking for performance parts, stop on by McCluskey Chevy. Located on Kings Auto Mall Drive, they have a great staff and parts department. Helping you to find the part you’re looking for and upgrading the performance.