Factory Stock Original

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: supton
Garak, that F150 is starting to sound pretty cool.

It does okay. The next thing, when I get the time, is the distributor. The factory one isn't timing very well at all; the weights seem to be stuck. So, I ordered something new and just need to get around to it.

The factory wheels might need to be freshly powder coated before I put some new rubber on them. But, the engine is fresh, as is the transmission, brakes, and suspension. The body needs a bit of work, but I drive it, I don't stare at it.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Originally Posted By: y_p_w
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
I like stock, as for wheels if I change them I like to stick to the same manufacture.

IE a different style of Chevy wheel for a Chevy truck, but still all GM.

Generally factory stuff works the best, I dislike playing backyard engineer.

Like I said, a lot of people get aftermarket replacement parts like brakes, shocks, or tires. When my insurance paid for a new windshield to replace one hit by a rock, they paid for slightly green tinted Pilkington glass (made in the US) rather than the OEM Japanese glass with a smoke tint.

If you need a new radiator, there are aftermarket equivalents as well as aluminum performance radiators (which I got).

I know some people insist on everything being the same. I know someone with a BMW who just got a new set of tires. He wanted to get the OEM and got the same Bridgestone Turanza model that came from the factory. I was wondering why not something higher performance like a Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS RFT , but I guess some people insist on keeping things the same. Also - I guess he needed run-flats without a spare, but there are some long wearing run-flats like the 960AS I mentioned.


Depends on the vehicle. Radiators for instance, if your talking German cars Nissans makes one for just about everything and they are so so. Behr OTOH costs twice as much but are OE quality and suppliers. Last Behr radiator I bought had the Mercedes star and part number stamped right on it. Same radiator you get at the dealer just in a different box, and about $100 cheaper!

Same with my truck I can buy a GM radiator for $80 more than an aftermarket, I'll buy the GM radiator and not have to touch it for another 10-15+ years.

Parts can be a real mixed bag, some of the Chinese stuff is really bad. I tend to stick to OE supplier brands. Like I bought Moog tie rod ends for my truck when I needed them. They cost $10 more each over the Chinese ones, but Moog is a known good brand at least in the Mercedes/BMW world.


For a radiator...honestly, I would rather have a Modine than an OE part.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Another repulsive mod,fartcan exhausts. I just don't get it I guess?

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Another repulsive mod,fartcan exhausts. I just don't get it I guess?


I personally despise loud vehicles on the street. It is simply not necessary. But IMO a 4 banger or V6 is far more obnoxious than a V8.

I have a history of spending a bit more on my street cars to make them quiet, a sleeper is much more fun. Besides, an 'open' exhaust may make a few HP up top but my quiet mufflers generally fatten the torque curve up. Many cars run their best stock ET's with a factory exhaust...

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Another repulsive mod,fartcan exhausts. I just don't get it I guess?


I personally despise loud vehicles on the street. It is simply not necessary. But IMO a 4 banger or V6 is far more obnoxious than a V8.

I have a history of spending a bit more on my street cars to make them quiet, a sleeper is much more fun. Besides, an 'open' exhaust may make a few HP up top but my quiet mufflers generally fatten the torque curve up. Many cars run their best stock ET's with a factory exhaust...


^^Same here. I prefer a quiet exhaust. Seems a loud exhaust would give you a headache after a long highway trek.

 

[TFB1]

Depends on what it is... I have two stock Grand Marquis(well except stereo systems that look stock but came from other Ford/Merc vehicles), a stock F-150 & 99% stock 428 Cobra Jet Fairlane...

What isn't stock is my '88 T-Bird ex Turbo Coupe(yeah the one with pressurized half motor) that now has a 331 stroker 5.0 and a '72 Mercury Comet that sports a warmed up 306, with aluminum intake, headers etc... I also installed a Torino disc brake upgrade to replace the factory drums...

Yes sometimes stock sucks...


Before

Now

 

[ls1mike]

I guess it depends on what it is. I do like a nice set of aftermarket rims. I don't mind an exhaust. My Trans Am has lots done to it but it looks stock. As long as it is done tastefully I don't have a problem with it. Problem is what is tasteful to some is not tasteful to others.

 

[Jarlaxle]

My Caddy is heavily modified...but short of looking under it to see the TH-200-4R trans or the rear disc brakes, you'd never know unless you drove it. It looks stock down to the stereo (AM-FM-8-track Quadraphonic) and wheelcovers. I will be getting aftermarket wheels soon, only because performance tires in 235/70R15 just aren't there anymore.

 

[dailydriver]

I am one of the very few LS1 f body owners who still has ALL of the factory emissions equipment installed and functional.

I DO NOT want to chance paying those spot check fines, or impounding/fail stickers/etc. like everyone else with these cars who eliminate the catcons, and use long tube headers, don't seem to mind doing if caught.

Just NOT worth it to me for an extra 50-75 ponies.
I also then have the 'bragging rights' of a completely CARB emissions compliant car which can run a mid 12 second quarter mile at 115 mph.

The only readily visual/aesthetic things different from factory on this car are a Recaro SRD driver's seat, Sparco suede steering wheel, and about an 1.5" lowering from stock ride height.
Now, the suspension components are VERY different than the stock/OEM setup.

 

[Blokey]

My Pontiac G8 GT is mostly stock. I added several GM accessories and factory upgrades including: an auto dim rear view mirror, parking sensors, FE3 rear swaybar, GXP mufflers, padded center armrest, GXP steering wheel and digital triple gauge display. The only non-factory upgrades I made are not permanent: a set of Kooks mid-length headers, AEM intake tube and a tune.

So the car looks stock but has a noticeable performance improvement. It's just the way I like it.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: Blokey


So the car looks stock but has a noticeable performance improvement. It's just the way I like it.


As do most of us that aren't comatose...

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: supton
Garak, that F150 is starting to sound pretty cool.

It does okay. The next thing, when I get the time, is the distributor. The factory one isn't timing very well at all; the weights seem to be stuck. So, I ordered something new and just need to get around to it.

The factory wheels might need to be freshly powder coated before I put some new rubber on them. But, the engine is fresh, as is the transmission, brakes, and suspension. The body needs a bit of work, but I drive it, I don't stare at it.

Cool beans. I still love the concept of a simple truck with a straight six.