When it comes to repairing or restoring performance vehicles, most car enthusiasts are faced with a difficult decision: OEM or aftermarket parts. OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, refers to parts built by the vehicle’s original manufacturer, while aftermarket implies that the parts were made by a third party and designed to replace OEM parts.
It’s a hard decision, and there is a lot to consider. You have to consider your performance goals, the goal of the overall bid, your budget, and more. This guide will compare performance parts vs OEM parts so you know which to choose for your next project.
What Are OEM and Aftermarket Parts?
OEM and aftermarket parts can look identical. They can even be made from the same materials. But there are some differences, so let’s compare these part types.
OEM Parts
These are replacement components made by the vehicle’s original manufacturer or the manufacturer that originally produced the parts for the vehicle. They are designed to meet factory specifications and ensure a seamless fit and function and return the vehicle back to its original performance or output.
Aftermarket Parts
These are parts produced by third-party manufacturers, not the original supplier. They’re designed to either replace or upgrade OEM components. They can offer better performance, more variety, and often lower prices than OEM parts.
Key Differences Between Aftermarket and OEM Parts
We know there are obvious differences, like where the part originated. But, there are often other differences between aftermarket parts and OEM.
Performance and Quality
There are a few things to note about OEM parts, especially regarding performance and quality. OEM parts are typically manufactured from inexpensive materials in the most cost-effective methods possible. They may also be designed to minimize noise or engine output for a variety of reasons. However, they’re also designed to work, which means a replacement part should fit perfectly and serve its original purpose.
Aftermarket parts can be superior in all aspects. They might be designed better, with a better material, and improve the vehicle’s performance. But, the trade-off might be that the engine is louder or the ride is a bit rougher—two aspects that few enthusiasts see any problem with.
But not all aftermarket parts meet OEM standards in terms of fit and quality. Some low-cost options may be made of inferior materials, require modification to fit, or could cause the onboard diagnostics to throw a code. This should never be the case with OEM parts.
Fit and Compatibility
We touched on this already, but fit and compatibility are major considerations when it comes to choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts.
OEM parts are specifically designed for your car and ensure a perfect fit without modification. For instance, if you ordered an OEM exhaust system, it would come with the proper flanges and hangers for an easy swap-out. They’re based on the exact car and designed specifically for it, and manufactured in such a way that they can be installed on an assembly line the same way, thousands of times each day in plants across the world.
Quality aftermarket parts offer a very similar installation experience, but they might require relocating a bracket, hose, sensor, or other part to fit. Low-quality parts might not fit at all, requiring heavy modification to get them to work.
Also, consider that there are quality aftermarket parts that are designed for “universal use.” For example, there are many quality exhaust manufacturers that sell high-flow mufflers with specific inlet and outlet sizes. They may “fit” a specific type of vehicle, but exhaust hanger modifications are almost always necessary.
Variety and Customization
One of the biggest advantages of aftermarket parts is the variety available. For many performance cars, there are dozens of companies offering aftermarket parts to improve performance or customize the vehicle. With OEM parts, the only degree of customization available is choosing a part for a higher-end trim level, such as sport suspension from a sport model to replace the base model’s suspension.
Price Differences
If you’re on a budget, your best bet is typically an aftermarket part. OEM parts are expensive, as they’re usually purchased through mechanic shops or through insurance claims, so the manufacturer positions itself to make hefty profit margins from people who need their parts. Aftermarket parts can be more expensive (much more expensive, in fact), but there are usually budget-friendly aftermarket parts options available.
For instance, a set of OEM wheels for a 991 GT3 might cost $7,500. But, an enthusiast can expect to spend less than $5,000 for a comparable set of aftermarket wheels.
Warranty and Reliability
When it comes to purchasing a new-old-stock (NOS) OEM part, that part will come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. This ensures that the part will perform reliability or will be covered if it’s defective. Quality aftermarket parts manufacturers also offer warranties, but coverage will always vary by the brand. It’s important to check the details before ordering.
Here is another consideration: If your vehicle is under warranty, the purchase of an aftermarket part doesn’t necessarily throw the entire warranty to the wind. However, if the dealership believes the aftermarket part directly impacted a failure or breakdown, the repair might not be covered under warranty. That’s never the case with an OEM part.
Availability and Ordering Process
As far as availability and ordering are concerned, aftermarket parts will win the day, every time. It always seems that OEM parts are hard to find or source. For many cars, the manufacturer will stop making the part once altogether. With aftermarket parts suppliers, if there is a demand for the parts, they’ll make them.
Also, ordering OEM parts can be a hassle. It often involves finding the part number, visiting the dealership, and ordering it directly from the parts counter, with a long wait time until they arrive. Aftermarket parts are widely available online, allowing enthusiasts to order them and have them delivered to their homes in just a few days.
Best Use Cases for Each Option
When to Choose OEM Parts:
- You want guaranteed compatibility with your vehicle.
- You’re focused on long-term reliability and maintenance.
- You’re repairing a daily driver rather than a performance vehicle.
- You need parts covered by warranty.
- You’re restoring a vehicle to its original condition.
When to Choose Aftermarket Parts:
- You’re looking to boost performance for road or track action.
- You want to customize your car’s appearance or functionality.
- You need a cost-effective replacement part without sacrificing quality.
- You want to pick from multiple brands and price ranges.
- You need a part as soon as possible and can’t wait for an OEM part.
How to Find the Right Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts can feel like a risk. But, if you purchase them from a reliable, trusted supplier, you should feel confident about your purchase. Here are some tips on how to find the right aftermarket parts.
- Check Reviews: Research customer feedback and expert opinions to find reputable brands for your specific vehicle.
- Compare Prices: Look at multiple sources to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Be sure to compare apples to apples, though, as low-quality products won’t offer any value.
- Consider Fitment: Make sure the part is designed for your car model. This includes the year, model, engine, and body style.
- Evaluate Performance Benefits: Determine if the part will enhance your ride’s performance or just act as a basic replacement.
- Check Policies: Look for the warranty policy to ensure the part comes with coverage in case of defects. Also, check on the return policy in case the product doesn’t fit or work like it’s supposed to.
Make Vivid Racing Your Aftermarket Parts Supplier
Both OEM and aftermarket parts have their place in the automotive world. If you’re restoring or repairing your vehicle back to stock, OEM parts are the way to go. However, if you’re looking for performance upgrades, customization, or better availability, Vivid Racing has you covered.
At Vivid, we offer all kinds of aftermarket parts for a wide range of cars and trucks. Whether you’re upgrading your wheels for show, tuning your engine for better track performance, or lifting your truck for off-road capability, knowing the pros and cons of each choice helps you make the best decision for your ride. We can help with that.