Original AC parts or Aftermarket

[kalmwill]

Hi everyone,

I own an 86 Vette and it has a leaking evorator in the AC system. Before I take the old part out I am looking for help in deciding which part to buy, original component or aftermarket.

I am looking for advice on whether to go with and original AC evaporator or to buy a cheaper aftermarket one. Eckler's sells an evaporator for around $200.00 and it is made by Gilmore out of Florida. I don't know much about them but Eckler assures me that it is a quality component. I can also get an original equipment evaporator from AC Delco for about $100 more.

I know that the AC evaporator in GM cars is generally a weak point in their AC system. Perhaps an aftermarket part may be better. On the other hand an original component is assured to fit and connect properly.

Any knowledge or experiences that you may have had with this component would be appreciated.

Bill

 

[Edmond]

A part like that; I would stick with Delco. In general, electrical related parts, I would stick with Delco. I've just had better luck with Delco when it comes to some parts.

A part, let's say a master cylinder or a brake booster, I would feel confident using an aftermarket part. My booster was replaced last year by an aftermarket part.

 

[Dougs91]

I'd go AC also, as above

 

[JimmyS5600]

I will say AC also, I try to use only AC parts in my Vettes.

 

[tnovot]

"I know that the AC evaporator in GM cars is generally a weak point in their AC system. Perhaps an aftermarket part may be better."


That is correct. Especially the past several years since ALL evaporator manufacturers have been forced to use solder with less lead content. Remember, it was an OEM part that failed. So if replacing the OEM part of questionable quality with another OEM part of questionable quality makes you feel better, have at it. I personally doubt if there is much difference and would go with the aftermarket if it is guaranteed to fit and has a warranty.

 

[nyernga]

I'd make sure the aftermarket has the necessary fitting's. Especcially the metering orifice just in case it is not an exact replacement for the delco.



Len

 

[kalmwill]

Thank you everyone for your input. Eckler says that the GM evaporator is no longer available. It is being replaced by an aftermarket component made by Gilmore Products. They assure me that it is a quality component. I think that I will have to go with it. Thanks again.

 

[Edmond]

Thank you everyone for your input. Eckler says that the GM evaporator is no longer available. It is being replaced by an aftermarket component made by Gilmore Products. They assure me that it is a quality component. I think that I will have to go with it. Thanks again.

Call your local auto shops and see if they have that part. IMO, it seems that Ecklers and MAD are on the higher side of prices. And I was told that Ecklers charges more than they should for shipping. I can't say for myself because I've always stayed away from those guys because of their prices.

You can also try: www.vette2vette.com Jason is a good guy to deal with. He's in Illinois so I don't know if he'd ship to Canada.

 

[kalmwill]

Thanks for the info. The price for an evaporator at an AC Delco outlet is $598 C$. In US$ that translates into about $450. At Eckler's the aftermarket unit sells for $212 US. You can see that even with their high prices, to me, it is still a bargain. I wish I knew of an AC Delco outlet in Niagara Falls NY. I would just drive over the border, purchase the unit, and import it myself. I'll look into the source you mentioned in your posting to see if they export to Canada. It might be a good source for parts for my Corvette.
Thank you for your advice. I appreciate your interest.

Bill

 

[taegdh]

Check for Chevrolet or GM dealerships via 'anywho.com"

Just go on out the belt to Cheektowaga, and there are GM dealers down the street from the Thruway Lanes, plus look for auto airconditioning supplies. You could just go down to Hamburg also. Up in the Niagara Falls to Lockport area there are plenty of GM dealers which will have plenty of dealers and independent distributors / suppliers.

Be adventurous, Buffalo isn't filled with buffoons, it only seems that way.

I know, I was one of them at one time.....

 

[kalmwill]

I like a person with a sense of humour. I grew up in the Niagara area and used to frequent both Niagara Falls and Buffalo. It's good advise that you gave me on finding dealers in both Niagara Falls and Buffalo. I will follow up on it and check out both prices and availability of parts.

Thanks again

Bill