So what is the truth behind 'performance' or 'premium' parts you can get from your local parts store?

For example today I went to 'Oriellys' and bought a IAC. The guy asked if I wanted the basic or premium IAC. The price difference was either $35 or $37, and both by different manufactures. They both came with the same warranty. Is there really a basic vs premium part with only a dollar or two difference?

 

In simple words, no.

 

Yes, but it depends on what the part is. I sold parts for 3 years in college at advance auto so i was able to see some of this first hand...

parts where brand matters and can make a big difference: suspension parts, wheel bearings, drive belts, u joints, certain engine electronics depending on vehicle

parts where brand doesn't really affect performance (assuming part is not defective): spark plugs, wires, air filters, oil filters, brake parts, etc.

 

You've never seen the inside of different oil filters have you???

fram for example:

insides are simply loose paper elements with cardboard centers and cardboard end caps holding it all together... the internals usually collapse after a few thousand miles.

name brand like acdelco, mopar, wix, fleetguard, etc... tighter paper element and metal end caps and center holding it together.

 

A lot depends on the part youre buying. Some stuff it doesnt really matter, some there are remarkable differences. Like what Jig is saying with Fram, they suck.

Just remember, you get what you pay for.

A lot of things youre paying for the part to not break down after a mere 6 months of normal use.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about the Fram = P.O.S. thing...but you are definitely correct...I was more referring to all the purolators/bosch/mobil/k&n ones....i've never actually seen a fram filter have a negative effect on an engine but i'm sure its happened from all the stories i've heard

hambone is right: YOU ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR....i can't even count the number of times i wanted to shout that in a customer's face as they complained about the performance of a $15 ball joint

 

As the guys have pointed out there are some "performance" parts available over the counter, but I highly doubt there is a performance IAC for these trucks.

 

I think it's most important to get the right brand like NTK or Denso for O2 sensors, and Denso or Delphi for fuel pumps.

 

As for IAC, no I don't believe their is a premium or performance difference but different brands of IAC are different quality. As for other parts like wheel bearings, filters, etc then yes, there is a big difference and sadly I think we all know that from experience one way or another. I'll spend an extra $100 for wheel bearings (which I did last week) that are better quality and won't need replaced in 6 months.

 

There is no such thing as a performance IAC...

Premium vs Standard are simply different brands. IIRC one is a BWD and the other is a Mastercraft or whatever.