When looking to replace ignition parts in your classic vehicle, there is always the question: OEM or aftermarket? There is a case for both, and it can be tough to decide which is best for you, so we’ve laid out some of the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
Aftermarket – Pros
• Benefits of modern technology
Many aftermarket parts exceed the technological function of their OEM predecessors. Engineering has improved over time, and parts that are made today utilize the advancements we’ve made compared to, say, parts from the 1960s, so using these parts can improve your engine’s performance and efficiency.
• Wide range of customizations available
There is a huge variety of parts you can buy, meaning you can tailor your ignition system to run exactly how you want it to, depending on your applications. You may want a distributor with a specific advance curve, such as the 998 A-Series mini distributor, or decide you want a high energy system to improve the spark energy, both of which are non-standard improvements you can make to help your vehicle run better.
• Cost Effective
Aftermarket parts often come in substantially cheaper than OEM parts due to their availability. Why spend a fortune on original parts when modern replacements do the exact same job?
Aftermarket – Cons
• Varying quality
Some aftermarket parts can be of a substandard quality, so it can be hit and miss when trying to find the best supplier. However, our distributors are built to the original factory specifications, so you don’t need to worry about quality with Powerspark. You can get OEM quality for aftermarket price if you choose to shop with us.
• Fitment Issues
Sometimes aftermarket parts don’t fit quite the same as your OEM parts. However, if you get our advice before buying, then you should never have fitment issues. When going out on a limb, it’s quite easy to get the wrong parts, so if you aren’t sure, talk to us first and we will point you in the right direction.
• Loss of originality
Originality can be an important aspect of classic car ownership, but sometimes the lack of availability of original parts can leave you with no choice. When that happens, you may want to look for an alternative that looks like the original. For instance, the Dynalite alternators we sell are designed to look exactly like your original dynamo, but with all the benefits of an alternator conversion. Additionally, the Viper Blue coil matches the old Bosch Blue coil to a tee, so if original look is what you’re going for, we’ve got you covered!
OEM – Pros
• Maintain original look
If keeping things as original as possible is the way you like to do things, then OEM parts will do that for you. This can be handy if you’re entering your car into Concours competitions.
• Use manufacturer-recommended parts
With OEM parts, there is no doubt that what you’re fitting is what the manufacturer intended. There are no compatibility or fitment issues, you can simply install the parts that were intended for that vehicle.
• Simplicity in selection
With OEM parts, you won’t have a vast sea of choices and alternatives to decide from, you can pretty much just go with what the manufacturer recommended. You can search for exact part numbers and not worry too much about alternatives.
OEM – Cons
• Cost
OEM parts can run you up a huge bill due to their rarity, even just for small and simple parts like condensers, you can end up paying a fortune when there are modern replacements for a fraction of the price.
• Age of parts
Due to the age of some of these original parts, you may be looking at a considerable amount of wear and rust that will be detrimental to the part’s functioning. You may also run into ‘new old stock’, some of which may have been rejected for defects when it was new, so beware what you are buying and who you are buying it from.
• Lack of support
When buying OEM parts, it’s extremely unlikely that the original manufacturers will be able to help you with something that is decades old. They may have stopped selling the part or even worse, the company may have gone out of business altogether.
Whether you are team aftermarket or team OEM, we hope that this article has given you some of the main pros and cons to consider, and if you are looking for high quality aftermarket parts made to OEM standard, and a support team who will help you with all your technical queries, then head over to simonbbc.com
