buying non-gm parts

[simple]

I usually put ac delco spark plugs, and some other minor items in my chevy truck, but what do you people put in as other things go? (starters, alternators, water pumps, etc.) Do you stick with ac delco or do you go with another brand? Do you think it matters?

[kowalcs]

I find AC Delco parts wind up being too expensive. If it has a lifetime warrantly, I don't care what brand I buy.

[TROYROBO]

i usually buy whatever-whenever ---not tied to 1 brand all the time--sort of spread my money around and always looking for a good deal

[MSG]

I usually put ac delco spark plugs, and some other minor items in my chevy truck, but what do you people put in as other things go? (starters, alternators, water pumps, etc.) Do you stick with ac delco or do you go with another brand? Do you think it matters?

I go with GM / AC Delco parts. I like to do the job once with reliable parts, without having to replace the part 15-20k miles later. I put a lifetime warranty alternator in my last truck and broke down in SC 8,000 miles later on Vacation. I wasn't crazy about the lifetime warranty because it did'nt help me then. I could of saved a lot of money in the long run.

[Shadowfax]

I use AC Delco plugs and a few other things. However I do get a lot of stuff from Napa such as brakes, blower motoers, relays, etc, etc. Never had a problem with them either.

 

Now stuff like radiators and etc It doesn't matter as long as it works and is gaurnteed. On my 91 I replaced the rad with one I got from a company outta texas, and it was a better rad than the factory one. Even had metal tanks on the side instead of plastic ones.

[gmcjoe]

You would be suprised that most of the replacement parts (water pumps, starters, etc) found at autoparts stores are the very same as AC Delco parts.

 

Most come with a lifetime warranty and are ususally cheaper anyway

[awdvkd]

Delco does not make all those parts themselves, they contract out just like everybody else! If its purchased from a major auto chain and you can get to one when they break to take advantage of the life time warranty GO FOR IT! All manufacturers have bad parts and good parts that why they have warranties. Problem is that you can't tell how long a part last by looking at it. Most parts houses will tell you how good particular parts are if they are honest with you. Many times I have been steered away from certain parts due to the hig return rate. Thats why it is so important to develope relationships with your local part house. Hope this helps.