Cracking the code can help when you’re buying parts
"OE" is short for "Original Equipment." This is a part that comes directly from Alfa Romeo or Fiat.
Example: A clutch kit in an Alfa Romeo or Fiat box.
"OEM" is short for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." In some cases, that same part was supplied to Fiat or Alfa Romeo by the manufacturer, but was also distributed directly to other suppliers. Example: A Bosch fuel injector for a Fiat Spider. Bosch was the original supplier to Fiat when the car was assembled, so the part is correct even if it comes in a different box.
"NOS" stands for "New Old Stock" of the OE or OEM variety. This is an item that isn’t being supplied by Alfa Romeo or Fiat anymore, but still can be found on the shelves. NOS parts can be found in dealer inventory, repair shops or your own personal inventory. Example: An original Carello headlamp for a Giulietta Spider.
"Reproduction" parts are becoming more available as demand rises and NOS is depleted on a particular item. These are parts that are no longer manufactured by the OEM, but are produced to the exact specifications of the OEM part. Example: Rear brake calipers for Alfa Romeo Spiders and GTVs.
"Aftermarket Replacement" is yet another term that is used to describe a part manufactured by a company or individual other than Fiat or Alfa Romeo. IAP offers several parts built by outside companies. Some simply replace a part that is no longer available from original supplier, while others improve upon an original design that didn’t work terribly well. Example: The clutch pedal pivot pin for Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider. The original part had a reputation of failing long before it should. The IAP version is reinforced to make the part stronger and much more durable.
"Aftermarket Performance Parts" are intended to replace a stock part and improve the performance of the car. Example: Street Performance Cams for a 2-liter Fiat engine.
"Remanufactured" means basically what you think it does. This is a part that has been completely remanufactured using quality core and new parts and pieces. This should not be confused with "rebuilt" parts. With rebuilds, only the parts and pieces necessary to make the part work are replaced.
International Auto Parts PO Box 9036, Charlottesville, VA 22906 international-auto.com - 800-953-0813 sales@international-auto.com
All Technical Bulletins and Tech Tips contained on this website are based on our own experience, and are not necessarily "factory approved." While we make a reasonable effort to verify the information contained in them, we assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information offered.
*Overseas customers please note that our entire website is based on US-spec cars, as sold before the manufacturer left the US market: up to 1985 (Fiat/Lancia) and 1995 (Alfa Romeo). We do not carry parts for current models.
