First, this IS NOT a rant about an auto parts chain!

I recently purchased a thermostat, gasket and radiator cap from my local NAPA store. When I compared these items to the original Mazda parts they seem kind of . . . well, cheap! I am not saying they will not work, it's just they don't seem to be of the best quality.

My question is this: should I be buying original Mazda parts, or are other supply places - specifically Black Dragon - a better deal quality-wise?

Just curious if there are better options - I want to keep my 85 running for a long time.

 

my experience has NAPA having the better parts on average than competitors. Also helps to have access to an account there. anyways They have a beck arnley brand that seems kind of cheap. Sometimes places offer different quality and lines of product, and withthe RX-7's you may need to custom order them. Black dragon is an option, although I doubt there would be a substantial improvement from the chain stores.

 

Well, first of all I would ALWAYS buy a OEM Mazda thermostat. I have had nothing but trouble with aftermarket.
Second of all, most Mazda parts are very very good, but they come at a price. You have to decide which parts are important enough to pay a premium for.

 

an oem t-stat is a part worth paying the premium for. order the t-stat and gasket from your local mazda dealer or through www.mazdatrix.com. i have not had great luck with any aftermarket t-stat in any 7 that i've tried them on. i always buy the oem t-stat and gasket. works properly every time.

 

Yeah, get the OEM Tstat.