flynhi

I'm picking up a '15 A8 base coupe with performance exhaust next week and wondering what HP/TRQ enhancement mods can be made that will not void the powertrain warranty.

Cold Air?
Headers?
X crossover?
Tune?
Other?

Tks for any advice.

T/A KID

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c7-tech-performance/3469703-waiting-on-dyno-numbers-for-these-3-warranty-friendly-mods-post-em-up.html

flynhi

T/A Kid
I read the link you replied with and I find mucho good info on various headers and tuning which I am interested in doing but I don't want to void the GM warranty.

So my question remains open.

Thanks in advance for any help.

slesher

Generally any mech mods worth doing could be flagged during a warranty claim. For example you tinker with the exhaust and then get a CEL. Lawfully this should not affect other parts of the warranty.

My approach would be this:

1. Don't change anything and you don't have to worry about the warranty.
2. Wait out the warranty period and when it expires then apply mods or
3. Take your chances then apply mods knowing that any related issues could trigger out of pocket expenses.

Anything else is just splitting hairs.

Good luck

flynhi

thanks Slesher
Generally I agree but wonder about something as simple as a cold air /better air filter such as KN.

Would this changeout affect the powertrain warranty?

bob guzzy

I doubt an air intake would cause a warranty issue but I would check into the gains in power so you are not spending your mod money for nothing.

flynhi

Good advice, Bob

Most manufacturers claim 10-15 HP and Trq over stock. Some e.g., Callaway seem more believable than others.

EcoBrick Bob

You can do almost anything if you can get it back to completely stock, like when it left the factory. For instance, if you want to tune it, you can buy a second ECM and tune the new one, leaving your original stock. I am convinced that GM can determine 2 things if you tune your stock ECM... #1, how many times the ECM has been flashed. #2. the mileage when it was last flashed. Service records GM dealers post to GM would have to agree, and if not, they would likely deny any major repair expense.

The issue one can run into is if the car fails where you can't get it home to remove the mods. And.... how long it takes to return it to stock. Headers are a lengthy removal, as would an aftermarket FI system. However a ported intake, lower temp T-stat and an aftermarket CAI are pretty quick change-outs. To get better exhaust breathing, you can port/balance (blueprint) your cast iron exhaust manifolds which likely add as much as middies, and would never be noticed.

On the other hand, if you don't want to do this and you want more power, best solution is keep it stock, or find a used Z06 that won't break the bank in a year or 2.

W88fixer

Hard to believe that someone would be willing to go to the trouble of putting stock exhaust manifolds back in place of long tube headers for a service visit. Must not have much to do to spend that much time and aggravation for a few HP.

As was mentioned, what happens if you have a service requirement when out of town? May be SOL. Don

FYREANT

I dont understand why people ask questions like this. There are NO modifications that are "warranty friendly". The manufacturer has sold you a car and warranties it to be free from defect and craftsmanship -EXACTLY HOW IT WAS SOLD TO YOU-

If you change the characteristics of the car and alter the horsepower or braking or suspension of the car then they cant warranty the work that was done to the car or the parts that were put on. Only way that would work is if the parts were approved, sold, and installed by Chevy directly and they do not offer such services at this time.

Motohead279