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Day by day more grey market and generic knock-off parts are
creeping into the high performance market, we have witnessed
the differences between buying quality parts and parts of
lesser quality. There are several reasons why you, the end
user, should be aware of the difference when it comes time
to purchase.
1) Warranty: Good aftermarket manufacturers put a warranty
on their products to ensure consumers are happy with their
parts. Without this warranty, you have little or no recourse
if something goes wrong.
2) Quality: If you are buying a part as simple as a strut
tower bar, the amount of differences could be more than you
think. Top manufacturers do countless tests to find the best
materials for each application. Knock-off parts however look
for the most inexpensive route to produce a part that looks
similar. These parts are usually made from second or third
grade materials. This affects component finish, strength and
durability. For example, if you purchase a fake GReddy blow
off valve, expect the internal rubber diaphragms to be as
thin as a condom. With no fiber reinforcement, they will pop
under any boost levels, giving you a boost leak that will
reduce power as well as induce compressor surge.
On the other hand, if you purchased genuine parts from an
authorized dealer, such problems would simply not occur.
Even if you did have an issue of some sort, the merchandise
could be returned without question to be repaired or
replaced. Try doing that with something purchased from eBay.
If you ask anyone that has purchased and installed parts
from both ends of the spectrum, they will tell you the
difference. Unfortunately, learning this lesson first-hand
usually involves losing time and money.
Examples of poor quality below: |
