GM Performance Parts has entered the direct-retailing fray by offering high-po hardware for purchase directly from its new online store at gmperformanceparts.com. The new site promises 38 different crate engines along with more than 300 performance part numbers, all using an interface that "actually allows consumers to purchase their hardcore hardware online, and have it shipped straight to their door." Given that Summit and Jegs, among others, have been offering similar services for several years now, we decided to do some comparison shopping to see how well the new GM Performance Parts site stacks up.
GM supplied us with a screen-grab of their base ZZ572 big-block, part number 12498792, showing an MSRP of $16,344.29.
Of course, no one pays MSRP for anything, so we continued through the shopping cart function, which gives you an actual price through a local distributor. The final tally was $14,301.25.
Jegs had the same part number for $11,495.99.
Summit didn't have the 572 base big-block online, but they did have the deluxe version for $12,799.95.
Of course, one plus that does come with purchasing direct from GM Performance Parts is the ability to have your engine shipped directly to your local GM dealership, saving the $150 or so in truck shipping fees required with an engine purchase from other online retailers. That makes your premium for buying direct from the General just $2,655.26. Full GM press release below.
GM Brings High-Performance Crate Engines and Components to Online Shoppers GM Performance Parts engines, blocks, heads, cams, intakes, accessory drives and dress-up parts - available at retail prices online DETROIT - GM Performance Parts has launched an online superstore that promises to simplify shopping for high-performance engines, parts and components. The site, www.gmperformanceparts.com, is the first OE performance parts site that actually allows consumers to purchase their hardcore hardware online, and have it shipped straight to their door. One of the most onerous tasks of any engine builder is assembling the shopping list, and then actually buying the goodies. Days, sometimes weeks of planning, research and shopping are involved before the parts are laid out, ready to assemble. The GMPP website simplifies this process by providing enthusiasts with access to the most popular GMPP products on a trusted GM site 24 hours a day - 7 days per week. Location, Location, Location The old real estate adage, "location, location, location" applies equally when it comes to online shopping and buying. Whether a shopper is a discriminating enthusiast who knows what he wants or one who doesn't know where to start, the information needed to make the right choices is literally clicks away: • Access to 38 genuine GM small block, big block and LS high performance crate engines • More than 300 different part numbers available for sale in one place - engines, blocks, heads, cams, intake manifolds, accessory drives and dress-up parts • Product search by category, name and part number • Product information - complete description of each GMPP product • Technical product information - dyno charts, tech specs, engine builds • Pricing - GM's MSRP and access to dealer's retail pricing Purchase Process that Actually Saves Time, Money! Unlike many online shopping sites that refer consumers to a retailer for pricing, www.gmperformanceparts.com makes it simple to buy what you want, when you want it, and have it shipped to your door. After entering the site, a buyer can find the products they need simply by searching for it, or by clicking on the category (e.g. "LS") and scrolling through the list. Each item can be added to a shopper's "cart." When ready to check out, shoppers enter their zip codes in order to locate the GMPP Authorized Centers nearest them. The site will list dealers that have all items in the shopping cart in inventory first, followed by others based on their distance from the shopper's location. After choosing the dealer they want to purchase from, the customer can check the dealership's retail pricing, enter billing and shipping addresses and select method of payment - including all major credit cards and PayPal®. Products can then be shipped directly to the buyer's door, or, by picking up the products at their selling dealership, buyers can save on freight charges. Dream it, Build it, Race it For a closer look at GM Performance Parts products and to get some ideas, the www.gmperformanceparts.com homepage offers three sections designed to help visitors in their quest for performance: • Dream It - We're in love with performance and power - we're enthusiasts just like you. Check out some of the dream cars of the GMPP team. • Build It - We've got the parts, you bring the project. Before you build, choose an engine and check it out on the site's virtual engine dyno. • Race It - If winning wasn't important; there'd be no need for a checkered flag. Get advice from six-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion and GMPP sponsored driver, Warren Johnson. GM Performance Parts Promise GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation; requiring that the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. And if that's not enough, GMPP installs crate engines in its own engineering vehicles for ongoing testing and continuous improvement. It's that commitment to quality and durability that allows General Motors to back GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24 month / 50,000 mile warranty (whichever occurs first). All GM Performance Parts components carry a 12 months / 12,000 miles warranty. Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads and components, from GMPP Authorized Center dealers or any other GM dealership nationwide. For more information or to locate the closest GM dealership visit www.gmperformanceparts.com. General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
[Source: GM]