When To Buy OEM Parts And When To Buy Aftermarket

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Sourcing parts for classic musclecars can be a challenge. If you can’t find what you need at the local pick-n-pull or only something fresh off the production line will do, your costs increase immediately. But is it always necessary to purchase Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, or are there times when going aftermarket and saving some cash is ok?

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision. How particular are you about your car? Having said that, when you understand exactly what options are out there and how they differ, it becomes a simpler choice. Let’s take a look at the differentiating factors among these items.

NOS, NORS and OEM

Replacement parts for classics typically fall into one of these three categories. OEM is the one you’re likely already familiar with. It means the part was manufactured by an outside supplier, but that supplier is the same one who made the parts that came on factory originals. OEM parts are typically of solid quality but can differ cosmetically from the stuff you got when it rolled off the lot.

NOS means “new old stock.” These are parts designed to go on cars from the factory and were somehow left over. They are considered the gold standard of replacement parts. NORS pretty much just means any aftermarket replacement. Expect to see a 50 to 100% markup for OEM as compared to NORS parts.

If OEM is the yardstick, generally, NOS can be considered a step-up and NORS a step-down. But it’s not a perfect measure. For example, if you’re building a high-performance muscle car, the aftermarket suspension options available will probably outperform what came on the car from the factory.

Know When To Go Big

If aftermarket parts are more available, of equal quality and cost less, why not use them all the time? Best practices depend on what type of classic muscle car you own.

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If you’ve got a pristine numbers-matching Corvette, and you are treating it as an investment and are going with the NOS parts — even if they cost more — you could net an extra 10 grand on the auction block down the road. It could also net you a feeling of pride in your vehicle — that’s why this is a personal decision.

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Conversely, if you’re building something you plan to drive and are less concerned about it being entirely factory correct, you are more than likely safe with the OEM or NORS parts.

Hopefully, this gives you a good idea of why these different options exist and can save you a little money in the future. See you on the road!

About the author

Scott Huntington

Scott Huntington writes about cars all over the internet, but muscle cars are his one true love.
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