OEM brand electral componets
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I like Bosch relays. And SMP Products. Ignition I prefer Performance distributor or DUI.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
I am also a big believer in BOSCH relays and components. If I add a new relay to my car it will always be a new Bosch relay as I have had awesome experience with them. Echlin is always a good backup for me. I have places where I installed a Bosch relay 25 plus years ago and they are still working like new. I bought a box that had 10-15 Bosch 40 amp/12 Volt relays and I still find uses for them.
For an important relay that is hard to change then I would use DeOxIt and clean the terminals inside the relay. It is fairly easy to clean the contacts and then treat them to make them last longer. I fixed various relays by simply cleaning the parts and ensuring good connections inside the box.
For an important relay that is hard to change then I would use DeOxIt and clean the terminals inside the relay. It is fairly easy to clean the contacts and then treat them to make them last longer. I fixed various relays by simply cleaning the parts and ensuring good connections inside the box.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 597
FWIW
Echlin is also an SMP brand, as is Blue Streak; and Accel grew out of Echlin's desire for a hi-po ignition line.
And SMP is a Tier 1 supplier to traditional OEMs.
In addition to traditional OEM, there's also a separate trade name OEM; also an SMP brand.
https://www.oemautoparts.net/en
Things change; count on it.
Echlin is also an SMP brand, as is Blue Streak; and Accel grew out of Echlin's desire for a hi-po ignition line.
And SMP is a Tier 1 supplier to traditional OEMs.
In addition to traditional OEM, there's also a separate trade name OEM; also an SMP brand.
https://www.oemautoparts.net/en
Things change; count on it.
Last edited by Rebelyell; Jul 15, 2025 at 05:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 10
From: Claremore, OK
Thanks for all the good advice, I ordered a SMP relay from Rock Auto. This is the hi-speed blower motor relay that sits on the side of the AC box under the hood. They had 2 SMP relays listed for a '69 Corvette I got the one for $32.79 because it had 4 terminals like the original AC relay. The other one had 5 terminals and was about $10 cheaper. I'm hoping the extra $ means it has better quality contacts. I went through 2 new OEM relays; each lasted for less than an hour of operation before failing.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 597
Thanks for all the good advice, I ordered a SMP relay from Rock Auto. This is the hi-speed blower motor relay that sits on the side of the AC box under the hood. They had 2 SMP relays listed for a '69 Corvette I got the one for $32.79 because it had 4 terminals like the original AC relay. The other one had 5 terminals and was about $10 cheaper. I'm hoping the extra $ means it has better quality contacts. I went through 2 new OEM relays; each lasted for less than an hour of operation before failing.
SMP often offers two nearly identical part numbers for approximately same part.
Some will have a "T" suffix. I avoid those. They're usually somewhat cheaper but also have a lesser warranty.
They're marketed with the commercial garage/shop in mind where the lowest cost is paramount; and little else.
No doubt I like SMP, but just sayin'
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Joined: Jun 2023
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From: Western N.C.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 10
From: Claremore, OK
Just wanted to update y'all on my blower relay. I installed the SMP relay in July and have driven the car quite a bit this summer always with the AC on high. The SMP relay has been doing its job. Thanks again for the tip.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,715
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"SMP has four operational segments. Vehicle Control brands include Standard, Blue Streak, Echlin, BWD, GP Sorenson, Belden, OEM, and Pollak".
Suggest do Not choose Standard brand parts having a "T" suffix; those are bargain-priced And intended for shops requiring better profit margin And they have lesser warranty. Other brands may ALSO have a similar 2 or 3-tiered price v. value scheme.
Last edited by Rebelyell; Oct 27, 2025 at 01:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 498
From: NJ
It's quite possible that you are burning up relays due to the blower motor drawing excessive amperage due to age related problems, like a dirty commutator. Check your current draw on the blower motor.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 597
Or, to include a binding bearing/bush needing lube or R&R.