From time-to-time the subject comes up here of the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts. Some seem to think that in today's world, where GM has ceased to manufacture most components and Delco is nothing more than a marketing organization, the parts supplied from major automotive suppliers are the same as those supplied in GM or Delco branded boxes. In some cases, this is true. However, this usually applies only to Delco-branded parts of "Professional" or lower grade. Delco OEM product line parts or those procured through the GM parts system are OEM quality parts and are usually different than aftermarket or Delco "Professional" or lower-graded parts.
It is true that the major automotive suppliers like Federal-Mogul, Dana-Spicer, DELPHI, and many others are the manufacturers of OEM GM and OEM Delco parts. However, I believe that the aftermarket parts sold under these brands are, in most cases, different than those manufactured for OEM. In fact, I think they are often manufactured in completely different manufacturing operations and plants.
For sure, this is a very complicated area and I can't possibly get into all the nuances of it here. However, here is an example of just what I'm talking about:
The flat tappet hydraulic lifters applicable to most 1955-86 small block and big block applications are GM #5232720 also known as Delco HL66. These are OEM quality lifters. This lifter carries a GM list price of $16.49 and a Delco list price of about the same. The Federal-Mogul/Sealed Power lifter for the same applications is their number HT-817. It carries a list price of about $10. Think they're the same? Think the GM or Delco branding is solely what the additional cost is all about? I don't think so. Pictured below are both a GM #5232720 and a Sealed Power HT-817. No way are these the same parts. Yes, they are equally functional (they would obviously have to be) but there is a quality difference. That you can't see. You can see the configuration differences, albeit slight, that absolutely confirm these are NOT the same part in different boxes. That's reinforced by the fact the GM/Delco is made in USA and the Sealed Power is made in Mexico (don't get to think that's what makes the difference between OEM and aftermarket, though, as sometimes the OEM quality part will be of non USA origin and the aftermarket quality will be of USA origin). Also, these are not parts manufactured in different eras; I purchased both of these today out of dealer stock.
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It is true that the major automotive suppliers like Federal-Mogul, Dana-Spicer, DELPHI, and many others are the manufacturers of OEM GM and OEM Delco parts. However, I believe that the aftermarket parts sold under these brands are, in most cases, different than those manufactured for OEM. In fact, I think they are often manufactured in completely different manufacturing operations and plants.
For sure, this is a very complicated area and I can't possibly get into all the nuances of it here. However, here is an example of just what I'm talking about:
The flat tappet hydraulic lifters applicable to most 1955-86 small block and big block applications are GM #5232720 also known as Delco HL66. These are OEM quality lifters. This lifter carries a GM list price of $16.49 and a Delco list price of about the same. The Federal-Mogul/Sealed Power lifter for the same applications is their number HT-817. It carries a list price of about $10. Think they're the same? Think the GM or Delco branding is solely what the additional cost is all about? I don't think so. Pictured below are both a GM #5232720 and a Sealed Power HT-817. No way are these the same parts. Yes, they are equally functional (they would obviously have to be) but there is a quality difference. That you can't see. You can see the configuration differences, albeit slight, that absolutely confirm these are NOT the same part in different boxes. That's reinforced by the fact the GM/Delco is made in USA and the Sealed Power is made in Mexico (don't get to think that's what makes the difference between OEM and aftermarket, though, as sometimes the OEM quality part will be of non USA origin and the aftermarket quality will be of USA origin). Also, these are not parts manufactured in different eras; I purchased both of these today out of dealer stock.
DSCN3017.jpgDSCN3018.jpgDSCN3019.jpgDSCN3020.jpg
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