All good points and of course you can put a giant aluminum spoiler for all I care on your car. In the end you have to drive it. So whatever makes you happy. But the reality is it’s a replica part. To me it’s the same reason that’s similar to why we don’t let body shops usually replace our front bumper with a non OEM bumper. The part just isn’t going to fit the same no matter how “perfect” some one thinks it does or actually look the same close up ( color shade, small details, small gaps between the bumper and diffuser) or function the same when it comes to real world use and aero properties if there’s ever a time where you actually are using the car as designed. BTW the part itself isn’t that much more. That price is for the close out panel with the part and the brackets to secure the panel. I included the link so now people can buy the real one if they want. There’s not one link to the real diffuser on this forum. And I think it has less to do with the price and more to do with people not knowing where to get it. It took me a while to find the OEM diffuser for sale.
So what you’re saying is your friend used OEM SRT parts for the base cars and people liked them. What’s the difference from what I’m saying? Your friend didn’t use replica parts. Trust me I’m sure that would’ve changed peoples opinions on those cars if he had to disclose the parts were cheaper replica parts and not Dodge/SRT parts. My statement isn’t about how much power a car that uses the parts has. So I’m not sure why it was relevant to bring up V6 models. It’s about wondering why people are using replica parts instead of OEM Ford parts. Listen this wasn’t meant to be a debate. The link is there for anyone who wants it.
I get it but anyone whose done any sort of work on any car knows in the end usually. Not always but 99.9% of the time the non oem part is nowhere near the same quality. When it comes to the example you’re making about “proprietary parts” everything ford performance sells is rebranded parts. But they pass a certain quality control to be granted the ford performance label. But none of those parts are Ford parts so I get it. Great example is the half shafts which are made by G force and not ford. They’re just painted blue and have a label slapped on them but it’s not apples to apples. It’s similar I get it but not the same.
sorry you said he would “...fix those using SRT parts instead of the normal/regular bumper, hood, etc...”. I mean maybe I misunderstood. You never said replica in the statement. If you meant replica then I understand what you’re saying.
For that matter then based on that point people should never buy parts from an $80k car even if they are replica. But I get it. I guess I’m just different. To me a few extra dollars is worth piece of mind when it comes to quality. It’s a car that costs more than 40-56k depending on the equipment/trim and model if you got a GT so I don’t see it as let me put whatever part is cheapest on the car. Just my opinion though. And to me when they start making 5in tips for Corsa exhausts which they will I want the best quality plastic considering not knowing they won’t melt the replica versions.
Unfortunately even the factory OEM Ford parts don't fix perfectly as well ..example the OEM 2018 front bumper cover under the right headlight is horrible fit and finish . I have used and seen better fitment with aftermarket. Even the 2015 to 17 OEM front cover is junk with fender clips.
It's usually not cheapest vs most expensive, but relative bang to the buck. If it serves the function I need for 80% of the cost, why pay 100% of the cost for the "real" thing? For me and my computer parts, I'll pay that premium for the brand I know and trust, but for car parts where the warranty is nonexistent or at most a year, I'll take the discount.
The kind of aftermarket replacement part you describe is usually of inferior quality because the only reason it exists is the lower cost vs. OEM. Your link is to a "custom kit," (not actual OEM replacement for a real GT500 ,which presumably would not fit). I doubt one can assume it's better than any and all aftermarket versions.
Read the link better. The title of the part is “Genuine GT500 diffuser and close out panel”. The parts are all gt500 parts made as a “custom kit” by Levittown Ford which is a dealership near me with an extensive service and parts dept to ensure fitment on a regular mustang. They are all OEM parts with OEM part numbers as they are listed because that’s what dealerships service depts sell. So yes the diffuser and close out panel will fit a gt500 because it’s a gt500 part. And yea the quality should be better than any replica because it’s an OEM part made by Ford. I’ll post the pic of the Ford stamp and box when I receive if you would like
