[Harvey]

I have probably $1,000 worth of parts to buy. Paragon was going to send me a list of key items and prices but in two weeks they haven't gotton back to me although I understand they're very good.



I've already ordered some items from Sunset Porsche in Portland and they claim to be "competitively priced." (15% over wholesale). Others recommend Pelican, etc. Someone else told me that some of the other parts houses sell some inferior aftermarket parts...although cheaper. Being new to the 968, I don't have a clue as to whom to deal with.



In short, I want to make sure I purchase good quality parts for a Tbelt, WP, cambelt, roller and tensioner changouts, and key spare parts for traveling. I know that it's a sensitive topic but if any of you have particularly good experince with a particular company for 968 parts, I'd appreciate knowing. You can reply to pioneer4570AThotmail.com (replace the AT with @) I thank you for your advice.



Harvey

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

the belts are probably cheapest as a kit from Vertex - other factory stuff will likely be cheaper most of the time from Sunset, though there have been a few occasions where others like Paragon have actually been cheaper - aftermarket stuff, start with Speed 6 (you have to call them though - their site is very incomplete) or Paragon

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[NeedPorscheSpeed]

I buy most of my products from Sunset Porsche. With a 15% markup from their cost and the knowledge that every part is OEM, they are hard to beat. I have noticed in my parts hunting that whenever another company "beats" their price on something, the part is generally non-OEM. Personally, I would rather pay a bit more for an OEM part than to get an aftermarket one. In the case of seals, for example, I have heard of non-OEM ones turning to jello and summarily making the seal job turn into a huge headache. Just my two cents. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Greimann]

I have done business with all the majors (Paragon, Pelican, Vertex, AJ USA, Sunset) and can't think of a bad experience yet.



The only caution I have heard about non-OEM parts is with motor mounts. The aftermarket mounts supposedly collapse quickly.



Another caution is that it is helpful to know exactly what you want, because sometimes if the counter person can't find it for the 968 he may just substitute a 944 part instead, and they are not alway interchangeable.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[NeedPorscheSpeed]

[quote name='Greimann' date='Apr 5 2005, 04:47 PM']The only caution I have heard about non-OEM parts is with motor mounts. The aftermarket mounts supposedly collapse quickly.[right][post="2875"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Out of curiosity, would you feel comfortable buying aftermarket seals and gaskets? What about belts? Thanks. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Eric_K]

I have always gotten good service from Paragon. Plus Jason owns the right car.



Eric

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Greimann]

[quote name='NeedPorscheSpeed' date='Apr 5 2005, 03:49 PM']Out of curiosity, would you feel comfortable buying aftermarket seals and gaskets?  What about belts?  Thanks.  <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

[right][post="2882"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

No hesitation to buy those things from the lowest bidder. Where do OEM parts come from anyway? Belts, seals and gaskets usually come from reputable manufacturers that specialize in those products like Gates, Dayco, Felpro, etc. There isn't really any magic in an OEM gasket.



The OEM motor mounts, on the other hand are pricy and technically complicated to manufacture. An aftermarket seems to have sprung up to offer cheap and cheaply made substitutes to lure the cost conscience. Just about every vendor I have seen that sells motor mounts, offers both kinds. That is usually not the case with other replacement parts.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[NeedPorscheSpeed]

[quote name='Greimann' date='Apr 5 2005, 06:11 PM']No hesitation to buy those things from the lowest bidder. Where do OEM parts come from anyway? Belts, seals and gaskets usually  come from reputable manufacturers that specialize in those products like Gates, Dayco, Felpro, etc.  There isn't really any magic in an OEM gasket.[right][post="2887"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Thanks for your rapid response. You make good points, but I have heard too many stories about people who used aftermarket seals and gaskets, only to have them fail, which, of course, necessitated duplication of the job.



Here is one notable post regarding the valve cover gasket kit that is a case in point:



"There are some "valve cover gasket kits" on the market there are poor quality, and can lead to leaks from the valve cover.



In my case the defective parts was the 13 rubber "grommets" that go under the 13 bolts putting pressure on the cover. I found that a few weeks after the installation, the new grommets were "shrinked", reducing their thickness from the original 5mm to less than 3mm. With such reduction in size, the grommets where unable to put any pressure on the cover gasket, thus leaking.



I solved the problem in two steps. Reinstalling the old 13 grommets, i was able to use the car for 3-4 months without significant leaks. Recently I bought 13 original Porsche grommets, no more leak at all. And when installing, i detected in my hand that the new grommets put significant pressure on the cover.



It appears that you have to get a new OEM kit and redo the work."



That post was written by Ugo Manfredi, a well-respected member of the 968 Community. Because this is just one of the many examples I have heard concerning aftermarket seal/gasket failure, I choose to go with OEM seals and gaskets.



Let me state firmly that I disagree amicably with you on this issue, and in no way am I attempting to be difficult. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> Cheers.



Also, thanks for the time you put in here as moderator. Personally, although this site was only recently launched, it is my favorite on the web for the 968. I hope to become a solid member of this community over time. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

that is an unfortunate occurance, but also unfortunate is the fact that there is no guarantee that the OEM parts won't do the same thing - here's the problem lain out in a couple of scenarios that really happen:



scenario 1:

car manufacturer X says they need a widget for the car they want to build - they establish the specs for the widget - then they open up bidding to parts manufacturers A, B, and C, who all make widgets for other car manufacturers



companies A, B and C enter their bids to car manufacturer X to supply them with that widget - company A exceeds the spec, and is least expensive - company B may only meet it, company C meets it and is the same price as company A



company A wins the initial bid



company A goes out of business



company C now gets the follow on bid



both parts met the spec, but company C's part doesn't last as long or work as well as company A's part, but is still within the car manufacturer's spec



scenario 2:

company A decides to retool it's facility and change the way the part is made, but it still meets the original spec, though not as good a part



the bottom line is that an OEM part may or may not be the best part - you really have to look at each one individually to see the quality or lack therof - it's not as simple as "aftermarket" or "OEM"

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Greimann]

A real life experience beats speculation any day of the week. Thanks for relaying that info from Ugo.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[RPM]

Another dealer (read Sunset) advantage is the factory warranty on parts - which I believe is 1 year. Sunset's counterguys are the most knowledgeable I have dealt with and they handle errors and unforseen problems - which occur with parts that are shipped from Germany (not uncommon with 968 parts) and other challenges - better than any others.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

i'm definitely not pointing one way or another - i have to consider each part individually to decide which brand to go with - sometimes it happens to be the brand chosen as OEM - sometimes OEM isn't as good as something else - sometimes it doesn't matter



in any event - the suppliers named above all have good reputations

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Bodacious]

I know I am new to the 968 world, but I needed an A-pillar cap last week for my car. I called Sunset Imports for the part. Bob McCarthy was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Now I know this is a $5.00 part, but he sent it to me for free. They will get my business from now on.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[NeedPorscheSpeed]

[quote name='Bodacious' date='Apr 7 2005, 05:16 AM']I know I am new to the 968 world, but I needed an A-pillar cap last week for my car. I called Sunset Imports for the part. Bob McCarthy was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Now I know this is a $5.00 part, but he sent it to me for free. They will get my business from now on.

[right][post="2944"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



That's good to hear! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> I spoke with Bob just on Monday. It was my first time to talk with him, as I always request Jeff. Bob made the same impression upon me as Jeff always has, an outstanding one! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.