ImBatman

Out of the major Parts houses Pep Boys, Advance, AutoZone, NAPA etc. Do any of them have parts like starters, fuel pumps or alternators that are high enough quality that you would run them on your Vette? Just wandering if things like this are worth mail order for my '71 454 or do some of the above mentioned have parts just as good?

big_G

I don't buy starters and alternators from parts houses. I use an alternator rebuilding company locally, so I can explain the symptoms to an intellegent human. I can then have the unit upgraded at that time, if needed. It costs no more this way, unless you buy the low-end store brand...G/L

NeverFinished

I quit buying rebuilt electrical and A/C parts from parts houses. The parts were too unreliable. I get electicals rebuilt at a local shop and buy new A/C parts (unless a hose needs to be rebuilt).

Garys 68

You get what you pay for.
Since mine is not a daily driver and I dont put a lot of miles on it. I will occasionally be cheap and get the cheapest mexican made alternator, water pump, etc they have (usually have lifetime warranties). Then the only thing I'm out is 30 minutes of my time swapping it out if it goes bad in 2 months.
But if it's a part that's hard to get to, or it's failure will cost you A LOT, ie, oil pump, valvetrain components, etc. then get GM or better. It will always cost a lot more, but you wont have to worry about a $5 part causing $2000 worth of damage.

ImBatman

Thanks guys. I definately want to put dependable parts on the Vette I was looking at it from a cinvience stand point and if a quality starter could be bought from any of these places. I have mail ordered everything but it would be nice to run to the store and get something instead of waiting 3+ days for delivery.

Thanks
Wade

Yellow73SB

I buy low end stuff and replace it every year for free

David Ey

Oh you do not

big_G

I should try that on a ZR-1 starter....under the intake manifold...NOT!

I'm Batman

I've heard plenty of horror stories, but have never had any bad luck myself.

glen242

Sure he does. He is 14 years old and has a lot of time on his hands.

David Ey

WOW, and a sweet looking Vette too.

I wuz a baaaaad boy for saying such a thing.