As I have pointed out before, there is often a difference between parts obtained through the Delco Parts System and the GM Parts System. I have recently found an example which perfectly illustrates this situation. Although this particular part does not involve a Corvette application, exactly the same thing would apply for a Corvette parts application.
In this case, I purchased an upper radiator hose for my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. I purchased one hose from the Delco parts system under Delco #22482M aka GM #88920158. I purchased another through the GM Parts System under GM #15835990, the OEM PRODUCTION part number. The Delco part cost me $16.15 from a Delco dealer. The GM part carries a GM list of $47.40 and I paid about $27 for it.
So, are the parts the same? No, they are not. They are very similar and, of course, both are configured the same and correct fit for the application. But, they are subtly different. For one thing, the texture of the hoses is different which implies some difference in the construction. For another thing, the GM Parts System hose is noticeably more rigid and "stiffer" than the Delco hose (neither hose uses an internal spring so that's not a factor).
Some folks think that GM and Delco parts are the same or, even, that "all parts are the same regardless of brand". Every once-in-awhile that's true, but not always and definitely not in this case.
Here's the rule as far as Delco and GM parts are concerned for any particular application.
If the GM "long number" on a Delco part is the same as the "long number" on a GM Parts System part, then the parts are exactly the same. Period.
If the GM "long number" on a Delco part is NOT the same as the GM "long number" on a GM Parts System part OR if there is no "long number" on the Delco parts system part, then the part is NOT the same. Period.
In general, Delco parts system parts are AFTERMARKET quality. GM Parts System parts are OEM quality.
In general, you get what you pay for.
DSCN2635.jpgDSCN2636.jpgDSCN2637.jpg
In this case, I purchased an upper radiator hose for my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. I purchased one hose from the Delco parts system under Delco #22482M aka GM #88920158. I purchased another through the GM Parts System under GM #15835990, the OEM PRODUCTION part number. The Delco part cost me $16.15 from a Delco dealer. The GM part carries a GM list of $47.40 and I paid about $27 for it.
So, are the parts the same? No, they are not. They are very similar and, of course, both are configured the same and correct fit for the application. But, they are subtly different. For one thing, the texture of the hoses is different which implies some difference in the construction. For another thing, the GM Parts System hose is noticeably more rigid and "stiffer" than the Delco hose (neither hose uses an internal spring so that's not a factor).
Some folks think that GM and Delco parts are the same or, even, that "all parts are the same regardless of brand". Every once-in-awhile that's true, but not always and definitely not in this case.
Here's the rule as far as Delco and GM parts are concerned for any particular application.
If the GM "long number" on a Delco part is the same as the "long number" on a GM Parts System part, then the parts are exactly the same. Period.
If the GM "long number" on a Delco part is NOT the same as the GM "long number" on a GM Parts System part OR if there is no "long number" on the Delco parts system part, then the part is NOT the same. Period.
In general, Delco parts system parts are AFTERMARKET quality. GM Parts System parts are OEM quality.
In general, you get what you pay for.
DSCN2635.jpgDSCN2636.jpgDSCN2637.jpg
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