How do you guys feel about aftermarket replacement parts?
I used to only buy Ford parts for non-performance replacement parts (sensors, hoses, mounts, things like this), but now that money is tight, and my car isn't like a show car or anything, I've been buying almost all aftermarket parts from Autozone, and similar stores. How do you guys feel about this? Have you had good results with aftermarket parts? I've always felt like they were inferior and worried that they woldn't last as long as a Ford replacement part, but I have to stretch my dollar now. For example, I was looking online at the price difference between a Ford ignition control module for my '95, and a Duralast(I think that's the brand?)module from Autozone. The online Ford price is about $95, and the Autozone price is like $55. I bought a replacement MAF sensor for $67 from Autozone, and the Ford one was $160. The MAF isn't as important because I'll be getting a bigger housing with sensor when I replace the injectors, but the ICM seems pretty important. Same with coolantr temp sensors, O2 sensors, TPS, etc....
I love my aftermarket heads, intake and camshaft along with other pieces I have replaced lately. But seriously sometimes buying from the local gives you the security and warranty that if anything goes wrong you just pull it off and get a new one.
I don not buy anything from Autojunk. There are other brands of aftermarket that are better than any of them. I use Ford parts to replace sensors but most do not come from the dealer.
I already got a used ECM off ebay. I agree, I wouldn't buy a reman ECM from anyone but Ford. Not sure about sensors though. Does anyone have good OR bad experiences?
From my experience, Ford likes Ford electrical parts, like the TPS, starter, IAC and so on. I remember on my 95GT, i went through 6 autozone starters, to the point they said they won't honor the warranty if i come in again. I told him fine, and you'll give me my money back. well...it took a crap and I finally bought a Ford starter and it lasted for years till I sold it.
Gaskets and super minor things, i'll get from Autozone.
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1995 Mustang GT-Heavily Modded-Sold 2003 Ford Lightning-Sold 1997 Saleen-5.4 conversion-Sold 2005 Mustang GT-Torch Red-Sold 2003 Mustang Cobra-Oxford White 2003 4Runner V8 Sport Edition 4X4
There's things you can use replacement parts for like coolant hoses, belts, wiper arms/blades, light bulbs, because these are wearable items and the Ford name doesn't improve things. You'd just be paying more for the same thing.
There's things like headlight lenses, taillight lenses, electronics, and so on that the regular aftermarket doesn't exactly measure up. I don't think things are held to the same standards.
In other words, the sensors I'd get from Ford. Hoses would be from the store because they're just hoses, they all wear out. Mounts would be aftermarket because Ford mounts are rubber and deteriorate, urethane mounts don't.
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There's things you can use replacement parts for like coolant hoses, belts, wiper arms/blades, light bulbs, because these are wearable items and the Ford name doesn't improve things. You'd just be paying more for the same thing.
There's things like headlight lenses, taillight lenses, electronics, and so on that the regular aftermarket doesn't exactly measure up. I don't think things are held to the same standards.
In other words, the sensors I'd get from Ford. Hoses would be from the store because they're just hoses, they all wear out. Mounts would be aftermarket because Ford mounts are rubber and deteriorate, urethane mounts don't.
+1. I have never had a problem using napa/autozone parts. Like water pumps, thermostates ect. Sensors though I would go with FORD.
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"Nitrous Oxide is like a hot chick with an STD. You want to hit it but you are affraid of the consequences."
91 GT convert. GT40P's, Off Road H-PIPE, Flowmasters, 4.10s, posi rear, welded subframes, 70mm TB, TFS Stage 1 cam, 155lph holley pump, Cobra intake mani, ford racing headers, Allum. Radiator, No smog, Freashly rebuilt......
Most of the time for main things I'll either go to the ford place or reputable aftermarket ie-fel pro, mr.gasket, comp etc. But the only stuff I'd get from autozone is oil, lights, wiper blades and wax. I wont settle for their crap belts...+ working with a middle aged woman that has never changed a battery gets annoying...
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1994 Mustang GT 5.0
Mods to date: T5 swap, MGW shifter & Composite race knob, Ram clutch, flowmaster cat back system, BBK o/r h pipe, BBK equal length headers, BBK cold air intake
In the process of a gt40 install along with 4.10's and some other new goodies
What's a good internet place to buy Ford parts? I've always looked at buyfordparts.com, but their prices are still double. There used to be a place here that sold motorcraft parts wholesale named Calstate, but I haven't worked for a dealer in forever, so I have no connections there, and they don't sell to the public.
for sensors deffinately stick with ford. i made the mistake of putting on an autozone crankshaft position sensor on my stang during a timing belt change, and 5 months later the thing sh*t out on me. put me a ford one on him, and 10,000 miles and 5+ years later my baby is still goin strong.
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C. i dont know ok!! its just got some freaking water in it!!!
Most of the stuff on my car is FRPP. I dont have to have the fastest car or biggest dyno numbers. I just wanted quality and reliability. Without having to worry about it. The other stuff came from Jegs and Advance Auto. The Ford parts counter is even more expensive now than ever. The only things that I ever bought otc from the dealership were plugs for the back of the heads and the iac adjustment plate. Got my heads from Blue Oval Performance years ago but have heard recently that their customer service has gone WAY downhill. Dont deal with them. LRS has a fair amount of parts that are OEM Ford. Laurel Mountain Mustang also has OEM Ford parts, but call and ask if its in stock first. Before you order.
The other thing you can do is find the Ford part you want and google it. Most times you can find it cheaper on the web.
I have had good luck with O'Reilly Auto Parts, Car Quest, Napa, Federated. Although I havent had to buy sensors. Good for brake parts, belts, hoses, stuff like that. As far as Autozone, I havent bought as much stuff there, but not bad for basics.
How do you guys feel about aftermarket replacement parts? 
But seriously sometimes buying from the local gives you the security and warranty that if anything goes wrong you just pull it off and get a new one.
its just got some freaking water in it!!! 
