Wells vs. AC Delco

[ct91rs]

A guy I work with (who tends to know his stuff) claims that Wells makes about 90% of AC Delco parts. I told him I didn't believe he was correct, but I think I heard that before. I haven't been able to find any info. on this to prove whether he's right or wrong, and satisfy my curiosity. If it's true, you think Wells makes a better line of product that they label as Delco?

[Earlsfat]

Originally Posted by ct91rs

A guy I work with (who tends to know his stuff) claims that Wells makes about 90% of AC Delco parts. I told him I didn't believe he was correct, but I think I heard that before. I haven't been able to find any info. on this to prove whether he's right or wrong, and satisfy my curiosity. If it's true, you think Wells makes a better line of product that they label as Delco?

I wouldn't have the faintest clue as to whether he's right or not, BUT.... usually when a company manufactures another company's product for them and they're similar products.... the only difference is mainly cosmetic. Especially with smaller items, the profit ratio isn't there for them to switch out parts for different production runs. Sorta like the Camaro / Firebird scenario.

Like I said... I really don't know but if one is making the other's products there probably is no significant difference between the two.

[stepho]

I agree with Jim.

Why would they make the product crappy? My dad is AC delco fan and tends to go with them whenever he can... why would Wells want to disappoint him and possible have him switch to a diffrent company, when they make the same amount of money on AC delco and Wells products.

[ct91rs]

Originally Posted by stepho

I agree with Jim.

Why would they make the product crappy? My dad is AC delco fan and tends to go with them whenever he can... why would Wells want to disappoint him and possible have him switch to a diffrent company, when they make the same amount of money on AC delco and Wells products.

Let me try again.

AC Delco parts are supposed to be of better quality than their Wells counterparts (and rightly so being much more expensive). If Wells makes AC Delco parts, do they slap a different tag on each and call it a day (which I doubt). Or is there actually a difference in the part itself?

i.e. If Wells makes AC Delco and there is no difference in the part, than there is never any point in going to the dealer to get OEM AC Delco equipment.

Come on 89, Formula, Morley I know one of you guys has the answer.

[Rally Sport]

I bet if the parts were any different they would have to be tested for results and that would probably be the only possible way to be sure which is better.

[Earlsfat]

What "parts" are we talking??? AC Delco is stamped on alot of stuff. for instance... I've never seen a Wells radio in a GM car so obviously their radios aren't up the quality of AC Delco (jkg).

I've never heard of Wells so I am assuming you're talking about oil filters, spark plugs, etc. But think about this... retooling a production line to use a less expensive part for your own product is going to cost you more than your going to save with the cheaper part.

GM probably has a ridiculous markup on their products, even though they're the same as the Wells products, to leave the impression that the AC Delco products are superior.

Hell, AC Delco probably OWNS Wells and kills 2 birds with one stone... got the high end and low end of the market covered with the same product just different labels on it. Sears (and all the other major manufacturers) does it all the time.

But to get back on track... I have no damned clue, and wouldn't really have an opinion until someone actually gave me some facts and test results... kinda like Iroc and the oil filters.

[ct91rs]

Originally Posted by Earlsfat

But think about this... retooling a production line to use a less expensive part for your own product is going to cost you more than your going to save with the cheaper part.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by Earlsfat

I've never heard of Wells so I am assuming you're talking about oil filters, spark plugs, etc.

I'm particularly interested in ignition parts, and specifically ignition modules

Originally Posted by Earlsfat

GM probably has a ridiculous markup on their products, even though they're the same as the Wells products, to leave the impression that the AC Delco products are superior.

That's what I used to think, but then I started hearing a lot of people say you should stay will Delco whenever possible, now I don't know what believe.

[Morley]

Originally Posted by ct91rs

Agreed.



I'm particularly interested in ignition parts, and specifically ignition modules



That's what I used to think, but then I started hearing a lot of people say you should stay will Delco whenever possible, now I don't know what believe.

AC Delco modules are made in Singapore, Wells is made in China I believe.
The MAF sensors are made for GM by Bosch and/or Hitachi (depends on year)
Not sure who makes A/C's distributor caps but it ain't Wells. The wells caps are utter crap, the terminals come loose in the caps in very shrot order and causes erratic timing and hunting idle. Never had a Delco cap's terminals come loose.

[ct91rs]

Thanks Morley

[Earlsfat]

Thanks for the info Morely... sounds to me like the two companies have no relationship whatsoever.


CT you oughtta ask your buddy if he wants to wager his next paycheck on it.

[ct91rs]

Originally Posted by Earlsfat

CT you oughtta ask your buddy if he wants to wager his next paycheck on it.

I think I just may...