Does the brand matter??

I do not have experience with diesel. But, with auto parts most replacement part manufacturers make adequate replacement parts. However, going with OEM parts usually lends a greater certainty that the parts are good. There are a few off-brand manufacturers that make crappy parts. I'd say you have a bit more to consider than just the cost of the replacement parts. The downtime and labor for such a rebuild is a significant cost of the project and in my opinion, considering you probably want to be able to rely and depend on the rebuild, I'd go with the OEM parts, even though the cost is greater. It'd give me a much better warm fuzzy that the rebuild itself will last as long as it should and defective or inferior parts will not shorten the life of the rebuild itself. That's what I'd do if I were in your position unless I simply did not have the resources to purchase the OEM parts. Regardless, good luck to you.

 

What is the cost difference of 4,000 vs 2,500 over the next estimated 600,000 miles the rebuild should last for?

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I while back I was looking at a pete with a cummins in it, which needed a rebuild, and everyone I talked to said spend the money, go with cummins genuine parts, don't get the other brand.

 

there are many overhaul kits for cummins and other engines made by companies other than the original engine maker,,I would always use only parts made by the original engine maker,,I am sure some aftermarket parts are good,,I would not do it. Overhaul parts are not highest cost of an overhaul,,,the labor is what cost the most,,Would you buy a truck with a cummins or cat engine that does not have cat or cummmins parts? Made in India or China?

 

I am not sure the brand name makes that much difference. Are you planning on doing the rebuild yourself? If you know a mechanic who works on those engines regularly, you could ask and see what he says. I know a CAT mechanic who owns several CAT engines. He always uses OEM parts on them. He doesn't seem to think there is any difference in the quality.

 

There's nothing wrong with a Lot of the good quality "aftermarket" Rebuild Kits...
In fact most of them use the same suppliers as the OEM kits!! (there's only a few Piston ring Manufacturers in the world)
Just do a bit of Due diligence,& if you're doing the Work yourself,some serious money can be saved.
If you're paying for the labour though, the saving is not quite so great..

Just My 2 cents worth..

 

Most of the rebuilt kits for cummins now days are made in China. So the best option to go with quality aftermarket made in the USA I've used them for n 14 cheaper and so far have 400k on it and still running perfect