Distributor Cap & Rotor Brands

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 21 Mar 2016, 15:44

I know I've read to stick with Bosch, but I wanted to know what everyone here thinks about alternatives. I have no problem buying a Bosch cap and rotor, but I wouldn't mind saving a couple bucks on a brand that's just as good.
What are your experiences with different brands of distributor parts? I'm looking at the Standard Motor Products parts on Rock Auto, which look nearly identical to the Bosch parts. It looks like it's a good quality part (and I haven't seen any complaints online), but I want to ask what you guys think before I buy them. I'd rather not waste money on the cheaper one if it turns out to last a month.
Basically I want to know if this is just brand hype or there is actually a good reason to go with Bosch vs. anyone else who makes the same part. If they were all terrible, they wouldn't all make the part, would they?

Post by **misha** » 21 Mar 2016, 16:23

Only Bosch can replace Bosch.

Don't even think about alternatives...plus....they are not the items where you want to save money.They are not expensive at all.

I replaced factory cap and rotor,just for a precaution about two years ago.Replacement was also Bosch.

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Mar 2016, 16:36

Don't give up on waiting for a reply from someone who has had success with another brand, as there may be one. But I wouldn't try to guess about the Standard pars or any other one. The other brands rarely work on these cars, most of them are crap.

The replacement parts market is flooded with junk parts, the great majority of what you can buy is not worth the money you spend on them. So "yes" to your last question, they will certainly make junk parts knowing full well they are. When parts are put to market solely to make money for the sellers *in the short term,* we get junk.

And I digress but it is a general principle, you can see it all around you these days: when any economic choice is made solely on the basis of short term returns, all kinds of senseless decisions get made.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 21 Mar 2016, 16:54

I figured as much, thanks guys! I realize with the price difference of buying Standard cap & rotor and NGK wires vs. buying the Bosch cap & rotor and Bougicord wires, it really doesn't make any sense to skimp on these parts. There is a $6 price difference. I'm going to go with the Bosch/Bougicord parts from AutohausAZ.

Post by **rguzz** » 23 Mar 2016, 21:08

I've purchased a few Standard parts and had them be Bosch when they plopped out of the box. Other times not, though. I'm thinking of electrical switches, etc. Definitely a gamble, though.

Post by **abscate** » 24 Mar 2016, 03:53

bmdubya1198 wrote:I figured as much, thanks guys! I realize with the price difference of buying Standard cap & rotor and NGK wires vs. buying the Bosch cap & rotor and Bougicord wires, it really doesn't make any sense to skimp on these parts. There is a $6 price difference. I'm going to go with the Bosch/Bougicord parts from AutohausAZ.

...and be thankful they aren't BMW parts...

I did just get of the BMW dealer parts department for 2.48 usd in transfer case nuts. Gave the much too good looking cashier a 100 bill, then ate food in the lounge while she went around to make change.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 24 Mar 2016, 08:07

abscate wrote:
bmdubya1198 wrote:I figured as much, thanks guys! I realize with the price difference of buying Standard cap & rotor and NGK wires vs. buying the Bosch cap & rotor and Bougicord wires, it really doesn't make any sense to skimp on these parts. There is a $6 price difference. I'm going to go with the Bosch/Bougicord parts from AutohausAZ.
...and be thankful they aren't BMW parts...

I did just get of the BMW dealer parts department for 2.48 usd in transfer case nuts. Gave the much too good looking cashier a 100 bill, then ate food in the lounge while she went around to make change.

Ah, the BMW dealer... been there way too much recently. The Bimmer is happy again, though, the attention is going back to my V70!

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 24 Mar 2016, 12:22

I still have the cap and cords from my '98. I know they don't have a lot of time on them. right now I don't know the brand names, but you're welcome to them.
Shane

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 24 Mar 2016, 13:59

obayha wrote:I still have the cap and cords from my '98. I know they don't have a lot of time on them. right now I don't know the brand names, but you're welcome to them.
Shane

It'll definitely save me some money on buying them all new. How does the cap look? Could you post pictures of them, if it's not a problem?

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 28 Mar 2016, 07:20

Couple days late, but I will get a picture up tonight.
Shane