Approved Mod List
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 209
From: Orlando FL
Approved Mod List
I think it'd be helpful to the community if GM released an approved mod list for the C7. Mods that can be completed without voiding powertrain, specifically.
Things I would expect to see on the list:
Things I probably would not expect to see on the list:
Right now it's a crapshoot trying to decide what we can do to the cars without voiding warranty. Dealers also inconsistently will honor repairs. It'd be helpful if GM could make clear lines in the sand.
Things I would expect to see on the list:
- Intake
- Headers
- Exhaust
Things I probably would not expect to see on the list:
- Turbo
- Supercharger
- Nitrous
Right now it's a crapshoot trying to decide what we can do to the cars without voiding warranty. Dealers also inconsistently will honor repairs. It'd be helpful if GM could make clear lines in the sand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,353
Likes: 779
With other cars I've owned, FWIW, adding/changing absolutely anything to the engine or a tune would void warranty if your car was flagged while at a dealership by a regional rep. But more importantly, what really matters is if you have a problem and bring it in, if they can in any way link your mod to the problem...it's adios.
It is especially bad with BMW.
This is a good question, but honestly I could see Tadge avoiding answering this at all costs. Think of the possible ramifications from GM "approving" modifications to these cars.
It is especially bad with BMW.
This is a good question, but honestly I could see Tadge avoiding answering this at all costs. Think of the possible ramifications from GM "approving" modifications to these cars.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,445
Likes: 4,403
From: Northern VA
"Ask Tadge" Producer
Folks, please think through this one carefully. Note from the top that I'm not even going to put it up for vote. Before you crucify me for that, think through it. You're asking a leader within GM to, basically, certify mods. How do you really think that's going to end?
Think it through first before responding to me. Seriously.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,353
Likes: 779
Folks, please think through this one carefully. Note from the top that I'm not even going to put it up for vote. Before you crucify me for that, think through it. You're asking a leader within GM to, basically, certify mods. How do you really think that's going to end?
Think it through first before responding to me. Seriously.
I'm a heavy modder of all of my cars and I cheat the warranty system on every platform I've ever worked on, but you are 100% correct. Even if he wanted to, GM would never let him answer this question...and even if they did, it would be a solid "NO MODS".
I'm Batman..
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,142
Likes: 921
From: Lehigh Acres FL
Tech Contributor
Here is your complete list of GM certified mods:
*Driver
Lol
In all seriousness, the only mods approved are those that GM sells as "accessories". If its not in the Official GM accessory order book, then its is a no go. Period.
*Driver
Lol
In all seriousness, the only mods approved are those that GM sells as "accessories". If its not in the Official GM accessory order book, then its is a no go. Period.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 209
From: Orlando FL
Where is this book? Last I checked GM didn't even offer bolt-ons. Obviously a lot of owners want them, so then they should partner with a specific aftermarket company, at a minimum. Tons of people are hesitant to buy a new car because they want to mod it and will potentially void the warranty. If GM were to change their strategy, they could get revenue from mods and simultaneously boost sales.
I'm Batman..
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,142
Likes: 921
From: Lehigh Acres FL
Tech Contributor
Where is this book? Last I checked GM didn't even offer bolt-ons. Obviously a lot of owners want them, so then they should partner with a specific aftermarket company, at a minimum. Tons of people are hesitant to buy a new car because they want to mod it and will potentially void the warranty. If GM were to change their strategy, they could get revenue from mods and simultaneously boost sales.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 163
From: Concord NC
Where is this book? Last I checked GM didn't even offer bolt-ons. Obviously a lot of owners want them, so then they should partner with a specific aftermarket company, at a minimum. Tons of people are hesitant to buy a new car because they want to mod it and will potentially void the warranty. If GM were to change their strategy, they could get revenue from mods and simultaneously boost sales.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
I believe that under the Magnuson-Moss Act, an aftermarket part does not "void" any warranty. If that part is defective, of course GM is not responsible. If that part is defective and that defect causes damage to a warrantied part, GM can deny the claim on that repair. If the aftermarket part by it's very purpose creates added stress to warrantied parts and they fail, GM can deny those repairs as well. But they cannot "void" the entire warranty.
So, for example if you get a cold air intake, and the engine spins a rod bearing, or the rear diff goes south, those parts are still covered. If however, excess oil from the aftermarket filter damages the MAF or the Throttle body, those repairs are on your dime.
Headers are tricky. The headers themselves are not the devil. However, when headers are installed, they tend to throw off the parameters of the emission system. So headers typically require a modification to the ECM, and that will at the very least void your emission warranty, and more than likely the powertrain warranty, since the ECM controls every aspect of operation.
But I would not expect Tadge to even address a question about modification and warranty, unless we're talking about selling GMPP parts that are not labeled "off road use only".
So, for example if you get a cold air intake, and the engine spins a rod bearing, or the rear diff goes south, those parts are still covered. If however, excess oil from the aftermarket filter damages the MAF or the Throttle body, those repairs are on your dime.
Headers are tricky. The headers themselves are not the devil. However, when headers are installed, they tend to throw off the parameters of the emission system. So headers typically require a modification to the ECM, and that will at the very least void your emission warranty, and more than likely the powertrain warranty, since the ECM controls every aspect of operation.
But I would not expect Tadge to even address a question about modification and warranty, unless we're talking about selling GMPP parts that are not labeled "off road use only".