High Performance Parts and Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts – What are the Distinctions Between the Two?

Think about the alternator, the brake pads, whatever it is that must be replaced. Many options are available at the parts counter, ranging from low-cost to higher-end alternatives. We’ve previously discussed how aftermarket components may be just as high-quality as OEM parts, if not identical in some cases. Today, though, we’ll examine why performance components are more expensive and why you might choose to spend more money on high-performance modifications rather than saving money by using economy parts.

ALTERNATORS

As a result, your Ford Mustang is displaying indicators of alternator failure. You may quickly get a 130-amp and a 200-amp version of the identical car’s charger online, with a price difference. What’s your choice? It all depends on what you want. Trying to overdo it with the amps here is pointless since you can’t. If you have an 85-amp or 300-amp alternator, the car’s electrical components will only get the power required.

If you’re an Uber driver who spends a lot of time sitting in city traffic, a high output alternator might assist keep your battery from being undercharged. As an off-road enthusiast, you’ll need more power for your lights, winch, and other accessories, so choose a high-output alternator. Are you a fan of the extreme side of audio? The higher the output of your sound system, the more amps it consumes; therefore, opt for the maximum power. Remember that upgrading to a high-amp alternator is not the only way to reduce your vehicle’s electrical consumption. To avoid overheating the wiring, use thicker-gauge cables instead of the thinner ones. Why risk undercharging if you’re changing an alternator in a daily driver? Get a better alternator to keep your battery ultimately charged and power any future accessories you decide to add.

CAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS

We’ve already discussed the differences between OEM and performance brake pads, so let’s move on to disc brakes. Brake pads and rotors intended to fulfil minimal safety standards while being as inexpensive to produce as feasible are “economy” products. Because of this, their stopping effectiveness, resistance to brake fade and longevity will likely be mirrored in these brakes.

Performance brake rotors are built to endure intense driving or even racetrack damage and heat. So they include cryogenic treatments in the forging process and have rotor surfaces that are grooved or drilled to keep them calm throughout extended periods of operation. Brake fade is reduced when the vehicle is kept cool, whether on a racetrack or descending a mountainside. To give the rotors more excellent “bite,” performance brake pads employ a different compound than economy brake pads. If you’re looking for the best performance brakes, you’ll have to deal with more brake dust. Wheel and brake cleaners are all needed to get rid of it.

You probably think you should buy performance brakes the next time you visit the dealership. Obtain the performance pads and rotors when towing, driving through hilly terrain, or doing any high-performance driving. There is no need to worry about gas mileage when travelling about Kansas in a light car like a Toyota Yaris or Mazda Miata.

INTERCHANGEABLE EXHAUST AND CONVERTER

When increasing a vehicle’s horsepower, exhaust components are often the first to be upgraded. Compared to stock exhaust systems, which need the engine to work harder to get the wasted exhaust gases out of the system, performance exhaust systems are built for improved flow and lower back pressure.

If it fails, you need to replace your catalytic converter as soon as possible. Get the OEM catalytic converter if you’re not interested in improving the performance of your car and have no intentions to do so. They’ll be able to fulfil emission standards while still being cost-effective.

Drivers of muscle and sports cars, or those who need more power for towing, should spend a little extra money on a high-performance exhaust system. However, consider installing a performance exhaust system if you’re looking for a little performance boost. Assuming you can afford it, you can get a high-performance exhaust system that will meet or surpass emissions requirements and pass state-mandated inspections.

Oil and Oil Filtration

Traditional and synthetic oils have a few distinctions and variations between the more expensive performance types. To summarize, synthetic oils can withstand more significant temperature variations and need fewer changes. However, their higher prices than store brands or non-brand lubricants, Redline, Mobil 1, Royal Purple, and Liqui Moly have devoted followings. A detailed comparison of synthetic vs conventional oils may be found here.

Oil filters vary widely as well. Paper screening within a cheap filter lasts for at least 3,000 miles before it clogs and allows unfiltered oil to circumvent it. You need a filter that can withstand today’s lengthier oil change intervals (some manufacturers recommend 7,500 or even 10,000 miles). Most of the particles floating in your engine’s oil may be captured by a long-life or premium filter with a synthetic cellulose and paper filter element.

There is a good chance you should be utilizing a synthetic oil of excellent grade. Your driving circumstances may have met the severe service schedule if you haven’t had an oil change in a while. Even if you don’t use your vehicle’s engine very often, it makes sense always to use a high-performance oil and oil filter.

CONSTANT SHOCK AND STRUT

A performance shock/strut may not last if a standard one, but it will improve the driving experience significantly. The shocks and struts eventually wear out because of the repetitive compression and expansion cycles of the interior gases. The OEM components effectively reduce suspension travel induced by road bumps to maintain steady on-road handling. Suspension components designed for off-road use can also be used for on-road racing and racing purposes.

We recommend using the factory or economy suspension components if you want a factory-quiet and smooth driving experience. A set of performance suspension components is a good investment if you’re driving a sports vehicle or a muscle car from the factory with all the original parts.

Plugs for Spark Plugs

One of the most typical initial changes new car owners make is swapping out the spark plugs with a more expensive pair. Spark plugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Standard copper spark plugs use inexpensive copper cores and nickel alloy tips to ignite the air/fuel combination. According to my experience, copper plugs endure between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. Platinum or iridium tips on premium plugs are more durable materials that can withstand the heat and stress of combustion better than standard materials. Iridium spark plugs have been reported to last over 100,000 kilometers. Not at all. The prescribed service interval should be followed.

Are performance plugs worth the extra money? It’s situational, like with most things. If your car comes with factory-supplied copper plugs, you can use those in place of the aftermarket ones. If your car is stock and you don’t plan on changing the spark plugs for a long time, go with platinum. Even though they’re more expensive, Iridium batteries are expected to last the longest in high-use driving circumstances, with a range of up to 100,000 miles. Don’t downgrade if your vehicle was equipped with better-quality OEM spark plugs; instead, upgrade to a better-quality spark plug. It is essential to consult your owner’s handbook and get the best spark plugs within your price range. As a result, you’ll have more time to drive and less time to tinker.