Ralph88

Any difference in buying Corvette "name brand" parts from Amazon vs. Ecklers, MA or another car part distributor.?

Especially for bigger ticket items like exhaust parts/mufflers I am finding that Amazon is much faster and has no handling charge...if prices are about the same has anyone found a reason not to buy from Amazon. Thanks.!

cdm747

I have bought parts for my 88 with no problem. Good thing if you are a Prime member free shipping and no issues with returns. I had a Throttle Position Sensor go bad shortly after installing it and they refunded with no questions asked other than why I was returning it.

belairbrian

I would verify part numbers with another source Amazon's fitment data has been known to be wrong

amazon will still take it back if it's a prime item but just a hassle to return and wait

Silver85

I have had success with Amazon and GM parts. Better prices, fast shipping and easy exchanges. My only gripe has been the packaging can leave a bit to be desired sometimes and they have shipped parts incorrectly labeled. But, they also immediately shipped the correct part and didn't ask for a return.

belairbrian

As for eckler's parts I've gotten better pricing through there eBay store

slhawkins

I've had to return a few things (bent gasket set, fuel pump) and haven't had any issues with it. Just verify the part numbers and go at it! When buying on Amazon, I only purchase Prime products for the return policy and quick shipping.

slow-vette

I have bought parts from Amazon many times. If you look closely you will find that Ecklers and Corvette Central sell on Amazon and Ebay as well. Can't beat Prime Shipping.

Ralph88

Thanks all for the input.!

Well, I purchased two things from Summit Racing today and was very happy with everything. It was the first time I have used them. The shipping was free, no tax and the price was actually better then Amazon when all was said and done.

I also purchased a part from Amazon and it was priced right, free shipping and it shipped the same day. Gotta love it.!

I will still use Ecklers and MA, I have been using them on occasion for years, but it is nice to know there are some good options.

Hope I am not premature in my positive thoughts and everything is delivered properly..will know when they arrive next week..!

I will update once I receive everything.!

slhawkins

I live 20 miles from one of Amazon's distribution centers, sometimes I can order something at 11am and have it by the end of the day. :-D

It spoils you though. I ordered a few parts from someone two weeks ago and it took all of 8 days to arrive. In that time I could have ordered the PVC I needed from Amazon and custom made it myself!

DGXR

I just bought a power steering pressure hose (Gates) from Amazon and it was the correct part. The AC Delco "Corvette brand" part was a few bucks cheaper on Amazon but I have very good experience with Gates products and didn't think twice about paying a bit more for their part. Very high quality and low price, hard to beat. Before ordering, I cross-referenced the part on a few different websites to be sure it was the same part number listed on Amazon. Granted this power steering pressure hose is not a big-ticket item but it is specific to this model.

jose7740

Well, I had not the same experience, bought a brake master cylinder for my '98 and it was a bad unit but because it was past a thirty day return policy, the selling store would not take it back saying I had to deal with the manufacturer, Amazon would not help getting me a new part, so I closed the account and have not anything from them since and never again.

drcook

Wait until you actually have to deal with someone and find out, Lo and Behold, that you are talking to someone in India that has no clue as to what anything regarding an auto is about. They have absolutely no product knowledge, no business acumen etc.

I tried dealing with them regarding a suspension kit for our travel trailer. The way Amazon had it worded, I needed to verify they were selling both sides, ie: a kit. There is no one that is available to talk to that has an effing clue as to what an RV part is, or what the word "kit" entails.

After that bit I refuse to purchase anything over 10 to 15 dollars, if that, from them.

What are you going to do when they put everyone else out of business and you need to talk to someone on the phone that can answer your questions and understand what you are talking about AND talk to you in an accent you can actually follow ??????

If you take your time, most times, you can find the same product, at the same, or close to the same price AND keep someone here working.

Amazon is just like every other big business that is outsourcing jobs to India.

1800Wing

I've used Summit and JEG's for years, what I like about either is even if I order at 2230 in the evening it goes out that night via UPS. Sometimes depending on the part it's drop shipped from the manufacturer and usually comes FedEX. Even the gals working the phones are gearheads...gotta love that.

later, tiny

Ralph88

Just thought I would follow-up on my initial post.!

Happy to say I received all of my exhaust parts within a week and they are all correct and in good shape.!

I received the Summit Racing parts within 2-5 days and got the Amazon part in 6 days. All free shipping and good prices.! It took a little research and an hour or so to check numbers and prices, etc., but what a pleasure.!

Just FYI, I ordered KBD Targa mufflers, front Y pipe without cats, a main cat and a rear Y pipe for my 1988 Coupe.

I am proud to say I bought my 1988 new in December 1987 and have had KBD Targa Mufflers on since late 88 when I put the originals in a box and put these on, I think they look great on an early C4 and except for rusting inside still look fairly good on the outside, but it was time for a new set. The car is basically stock so the extra little rumble is nice too.

I am not doing the work so now I am just hoping they are installed properly!! lol

Ralph88

Update, had the exhaust put on and it looks and sounds great although I am still having a little work done and have not actually driven it yet.

The original old front y-pipe with the two mini cats that are gutted, the original main cat (gutted), the rear y-pipe, and two old KBD exhausts with nice chrome that were taken off are still in ok shape and work, should I keep since the original equipment or try to sell, etc..?

(I still have the original mufflers in a box and wondering if I ever sell the car would it be good to have these old/original parts, a little rusted or not....)

cv67

Amazon isnt bad just certain parts beware

FI.....lots of GM LS7 knockoff lifters that look the part but are pure junk.

don hall

Compare by shopping at RockAuto.

ElisTwoCents

If the vendor you wish to go with is listed on Amazon I would suggest getting it through there. I just ordered some CORVETTE ABS filler lettering for the rear bumper and it was about $5-6 cheaper than through eBay or Ecklers own website plus with Prime shipping, can't beat it.

ChumpVette

Sounds like the same service I get from my local parts houses.

kalvin06

Ive have had good experience with amazon, I am a prime member so shipping is excellent. Looking up parts can be sketchy with them though and I alway verify part numbers either through a manufacturers page or with another auto parts store.

I know its a little shady but I will look up all my parts through Rock Auto and then I will comparison shop with Amazon. Rock Auto has the cheaper prices usually but I still have pay for shipping, and returns for them are much more of a hassle than Amazon.