Dyno Report : GIAC DME Stage 3 Program on Boxster S

[Adam]

Thankyou. Are you sure the headers and cats will void my warranty since they are just bolt-on mods? If I can retain my warranty and do the mods then I think it would be a no-brainer.

[clubhead]

Originally Posted by Adam

Thankyou. Are you sure the headers and cats will void my warranty since they are just bolt-on mods?...

I'm often told that cat-back mods will normally not affect warranty ie. you can only change your muffler. Changing anything forward of the cat, including the cat itself, is normally frowned upon by the OPC and may void your warranty. Best is to check with them directly.

[Adam]

I check with my dealer and see what they say. Brucelee, what do you think?

[Brucelee]

My guess is this is a warranty buster but I will check it out later today with my dealer.

[Adam]

Mucho gracias Bruce

[Brucelee]

Dealer says as follows:

These mods would void emissions warranty (7/70) immediately.

They MIGHT void warranty on engine related problems, ie internal or electrical. Dealers are now reporting any mods they note on engines and chassis during service visits. If a problem develops, this could be used to deny warranty claims.

So, say you play with the suspension and develop a related issue, you could be denied coverage.

So says the local experts.

[Lux]

Know your rights.

There is something called the Magnusson-Moss Warranty. You can read it all here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.htm

Here's a little blurb on it that I picked up off the net:
No aftermarket part or accessory that is properly installed on your vehicle will entirely void your original vehicle manufacturer's warranty. According to the provisions in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, it is the dealership's responsibility to prove that your modification directly caused or affected the failure you are trying to resolve.

With that said, some dealerships are more performance-oriented than others and are more willing to work with customers. After all, if they won't comply then you have no choice but to take them to court. Not entirely convenient.

Warranty-related materials, published by the new vehicle manufacturers, usually state that the installation of aftermarket parts have no effect on the warranty unless such equipment causes the problem that leads to the warranty claim. Check your warranty to be sure this is the case.

Nonetheless, some dealers have improperly denied warranty claims even though the claim had nothing to do with aftermarket parts. I.E., just because you install an exhaust system, your suspension failure warranty claim cannot be denied. If you experience a problem with an uncooperative dealership, point out the provisions of the this "FEDERAL ACT".


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[Adam]

Thankyou for the input. I don't care about emissions violations because I don't live in CA or other environment friendly states. However, if my engine grenades down the road I want to be 100% certain they won't try to shaft me on warranty issues if these mods are installed. I'll check with my dealer and see what they say.