Cost or Quality

sealevel · April 13, 2004

I'm changing spark plugs, plug wires, and drive belt. I noticed the cost of different brands to be a big difference, and the life time warranty products to be higher priced. Is there a big difference in performance? Can someone help me feel confident about purchasing these items at these prices?

ness5575 · April 13, 2004

personally I try to buy the best products for my truck. just think how foolish it would be to be stranded in the middle of nowhere cause the cheap-o belt that saved you $20 failed.

MCourson · April 13, 2004

I am willing to pay for a brand that I know I can trust. Now for spark plugs though, I dont use the $5 platinum plugs, just the regular coppers.

gmcjoe · April 13, 2004

I agree. I bought my two belts from a local auto parts store for my 2000 5.3l Sierra. I bought NGK Tr55 plugs ($2 each) and Taylor wires (Around $40 - didn't really need wires but what the hell) from http://www.thunderracing.com and would recommend them to everyone

Joe

superbee · April 14, 2004

I agree, Taylor wires from summitracing.com and NGK V-Power plugs is what I like to run. My advice again is to find a owner operated parts store and get EVERYTHING there that you can. They will know your name when you come in and won't sell you junk like Advance, Pep Boys,etc. It may cost a dollar more for an oil change, but in the end, you'll be far ahead.

az'03Silverado · April 15, 2004

I always go with brands that are reputable. With the spark plugs, all of the newer trucks call for the platinum plugs. Whether you get the expensive or inexpensive ones is up to you. They'll both perform pretty much the same, but the higher-end plugs will perform at their optimum level for a longer period. (although, I'll go along with the consensus on the forum and vote for the NGK plugs) Just get the best part that is within your budget. As far as the drive belt is concerned, I always take the old one off, roll it up and throw it under the seat just in case. But, it's definately worth it to pay a little extra for a good one that won't make you change it on the side of the road down the line. All auto parts are supposed to be manufactured within a certain level of quality. And, if changed at regular intervals, will do the job just fine.

PewterC3 · April 15, 2004

By quality...not just price. The cheap stuff doesn't usually last...that's why it's cheap! Tires, parts, etc. Remember the Yugo?

Best example I can give is furniture. Buy real wood and you'll pay more but it will last forever. Buy laminated and your replacing it in no time because it looks like crap or the particle board is falling apart.