[Cloud9...68]

This isn't a tool related topic, but I didn't see a better sub-forum for it. I'm getting ready to purchase a large number of parts for my car as part of a project to repair a number of items that need attention, and to make the car significantly more track-worthy. I wanted to get peoples' opinions as to the best sources for the various categories of parts. Here's what I have in mind:



Specific aftermarket performance upgrades, like single mass flywheel, spherical bushings, cat back exhaust, upgraded A/C and power steering pump tensioner, etc.: Elephant Racing, RS Barn



Miscellaneous replacement parts (power steering pump re-seal kit, steering rack re-seal kit, high pressure power steering pump line, etc.): A quality aftermarket supplier like Paragon Products



Gaskets and seals (oil pan gasket, rear main seal, transmission input shaft seal, clutch pilot bearing): Sunset Porsche(?)



I put a question mark behind this last one because I was somewhat surprised by the fact that Sunset, which tends to be significantly cheaper than other sources of original parts, was actually about 20% higher on average than Paragon on the above items, and in the case of the pilot bearing, they charge about triple what Paragon does. I by no means want to skimp on critical parts like gaskets and seals, but is a dealer like Sunset actually a better source for these parts than Paragon? If there's any question, I'll order through Sunset without hesitation, but I'm curious as to what the forum thinks.



Also, who would you guys recommend for "gray area" parts like flywheel and clutch pressure plate bolts, and clutch release fork needle bearings? Thanks.

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[flash]

that's because paragon gets parts from SSF, WorldPac and other suppliers like that, and Sunset does not - they only get them from porsche - those other supplies can often get the same parts but since they are not held to porsche's markup, can sell them cheaper



i don't want to slag paragon, or anything like that, but i have not had the best experience with paragon - the guys are helpful, and they have a ton of stuff, but there are way too many times i would be sent the wrong part, or worse, an incomplete order - it always got straightened out, and they never argued with me about it or gave me any grief in any way, but it often took a few unexpected extra days to get the right part, and like most people timing was usually critical - i still use them when i need to, but i make darned sure i have the time for a double delivery





try pelican - they usually have the lowest prices on OEM parts, and also sell the other brands

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[Peter]

I am relatively a new 968 owner, but I order my parts from Pelican: I found their prices somewhat lower (at least, on parts I needed) and good info on parts. Free shipping on orders over $65 (which is easy to achieve <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />). Each time the orders where complete and shipped fast.

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[Cloud9...68]

Thanks for the inputs. For some reason, I've never used Pelican, maybe because Paragon is just "down the road" in Corpus Christie. But of course that means I have to pay both shipping and sales tax... I do like the free shipping thing at Pelican.



Would you guys say a place like Pelican is OK to order stock parts like the oil pan gasket, rear main seal, transmission input shaft seal, clutch throwout bearing, clutch fork needle bearings, power steering high pressure line, rod bearings and nuts, and flywheel and pressure plate bolts? Or would a dealer like Sunset be a surer bet on these parts? Thanks.

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[flash]

absolutely - i order a lot of stuff from them - of course i get to play the sales tax game with them, as they are local to me, so pricing often becomes a wash, but the delivery time is better

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[Cloud9...68]

Much appreciated. I took a look at Pelican's site, and their prices are very good, and they seem to use quality suppliers, such as Victor Reinz, which I've had good luck with on other cars.

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[Darryl]

Sunset and Pelican here too. I'll sometimes shop around if I'm looking for a specific item and have both a brand and a part number, but I want to make sure I'm getting exactly what I want. More often then not, a cheaper price usually indicates that you're not comparing "apples to apples". I have a local franchise auto parts place just up the street that does World Pac, so I've started to get some stuff from them. They'll also knock a little off as a professional courtesy and that is sometimes enough to offset shipping costs.



- Darryl

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[raydog]

I stick with Pelican or Sunset. I stay local for the routine maitenance items. This is not a bash against Paragon, it is simply a fact. I once ordered a clutch hose from their website for my 944, and used the part number listed for my model year. I got the wrong hose, it was clearly too short, nothing I could do to make it reach. Upon further research, I found that my car uses the same hose as the turbo. (I think it is an ABS thing). I called them and explained this to them and they replied that the hose must have been replaced previously with a different part. I knew this was BS, but I ended up eating the cost of sending it back and they charged me to resend another, this time the one for the turbo. They of course never admitted to a mistake on their website. Customer service is important, I use them as a last resort.

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[gbarrier]

Don't totally rule Paragon out. I especially like the product they call the "window express". Haven't found it anywhere else.

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[flash]

i agree - i didn't want to start a bashing session - the only issue i have has been the accuracy of the fulfillment of the order

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[968Syncro]

I once needed a long list of OEM parts, almost 2 pages of items. I did all the research in the PET, created a spreadsheet with part numbers and descriptions and emailed it to Jeff at Sunset First made a phone call to make arrangements to use this method which he liked, better than speaking dozens of part numbers on the phone. He filled in the prices in the sheet for each item, and maybe made some comments where needed, and he emailed it back to me. One more phone call to confirm or make a couple of adjustments, give a credit card, and all was done. Everything arrived perfectly, in little bags with part numbers for the smaller items, no discrepancies at all.

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[rl968]

I use Paragon and Pelican. Paragon for performance products, Pelican for repair products. What I like about Pelican is that they usually offer you the choice of an OEM supplier or the actual part from Porsche. I've only had positive experience from both of these suppliers.

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[biotechee]

Usually use Sunset, but wouldn't have a problem using Pelican.



Jeff at Sunset is great.



Besides, the owner of Pelican has a 959, so that's gotta count for something! He's beyond a Porsche nut!

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[lbpesq]

I've used both Pelican and Sunset with good results from both. I been amazed at how quick Pelican is.



gbarrier: Thanks for the head's up on the "window express". I'd been thinking this would be a small but cool improvement - never knew anyone made such a beast. Just ordered one from Paragon.



Bill

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[bombfactory]

Just ordered a new power steering pressure hose from Pelican yesterday afternoon. They shipped it out the same day - free shipping even since it was over $75. No complaints about those guys, they're on the ball.



-Austin

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[Cloud9...68]

The high pressure power steering hose was part of my order from Pelican as well.

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[psuphoto]

Thanks for the pelican tip. I'm not much of a DIY guy (mostly time, and fear of screwing it up worse), but I'm thinking the radiator fans is something I could handle.

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