So my 2004 Impala LS with the 3.8L engine was bought new and has been a pretty good car. Now with 207,000 miles it needs a few things to get it ready for the next 200,000 miles. Parts are needed but I am confused about what the difference is between AC Delco OE and AC Delco Professional Gold parts. The labor to install I think would be the same so I want to get the longest lasting versions. I am using prices from Rock Auto but I haven't bought anything yet. One of the parts needed is a front wheel bearing. The AC Delco OE bearing cost is $223.79. For the AC Delco Gold the same part is $135.79. That is a 65% difference. But the description of the parts are about identical. What makes the OE part worth that much more? Would I get 65% more use from it? The same story for the Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly; $146.79 for the AC Delco OE and $99.79 for the AC Delco Gold. A little difference in the verbiage of the description but it does not account for the 47% difference in price. I called the ask GM helpline. The lady tried to get some information but didn't really answer the question. Of course, she would not comment on prices found on other websites. She said that the "Gold" part was not available so she couldn't get any information on it. Does anyone really know what the best part is and why? Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/199...e2/#post501795