My apologies for bringing this up again but I called my dealer and was told that when I install my Corsa sport exhaust it will void the powertrain warranty secondary to the reduced back pressure which could damage the engine and transmission. Another dealer said it would not but a CAI and headers with cats definitely would. He hinted that the mods may indicate the car was being "abused".

I was going to keep it stock but after test driving a NPP car, I can't go back. I also have a A6 so getting rid of torque management would be nice.

I could potentially see maybe the headers, which is a stretch, but the exhaust and CAI seem unreasonable to me. It is their warranty though. What I worry about the most is the tranny and they being able to weasel out of a defect. I may track, drag, or auto cross it once or twice in the future. I don't even do burn outs.

I don't think I will get headers but would like the option. My car is mostly a DD. I really want to add a 160 thermostat, CAI, and tune and I'm wondering if any body had problems with warranty service with such light mods. Thanks.

 

If you keep it stock, there will be not questions as to the warranty.

You asked 2 dealers and got 2 different answers. Some dealers are OK with a CAI and catback system, some are not. Opinions vary.

If you came to my store, I would be concerned about:

• Headers
• Torque management software calibration changes
• 160 degree thermostat

 

Forgive me for being devious, but couldn't you just take the modifications (not cam obviously) off if something broke before you went to the dealer?

 

Find another dealer.

 

I've been wrong a few times in my life so this could be another time...



Thinking out loud...

Doesn't GM (Borla) offer a catback that can be purchased through the dealer? IF the catback is offered, would this not be a dealer offered mod and thus be covered under the warranty program?

Elmer

 

All I can offer is my own experience...

No warranty pushback from either dealer after these mods:

2005 Infiniti G35
- Borla cat-back exhaust
- CAI
- Plenum spacer (raises the entire intake)

2005 Chevy Silverado
- Magnaflow cat-back exhaust
- Volant CAI
- Hypertech programmer (even left programming in when arriving at dealer)

1993 Chevy Silverado
- Custom dual exhaust (no mufflers at all)
- High flow cats
- Edelbrock headers
- TB spacer
- Open element air cleaner
- Hypertech chip

So, I think it is all about the dealer you find. Look at this site from SEMA which will give you a ton of info...

http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=60128

Enjoy!

 

If the GM dealer accessory cat back exhaust system is installed, the warranty remains.

 

Following that logic a hair more....


How does the dealer accessory catback differ from any other catback?


Seems to me the catback should not cause problems. So either change dealers or don't use anything bug genuine GM parts.

I have the B&B RTE66 on the car and the dealer I use didn't even twitch.

Elmer

 

Other systems may not differ by much or differ at all. The difference is that GM has tested, validated and approved the GM dealer accessory exhaust system. GM is not responsible for other aftermarket exhaust systems.

Other aftermarket systems may never cause and issue, but since they are not approved by GM, GM has the right to question their use realitive to warranty.

 

I have never have had a power train waranity issue in the 31 years I have been driving. Maybe I am lucky?

I love my car modified with the cam, double springs & pushrods, headers, CAI, UD Pulley, 160 stat and Tune by Carolina Auto Masters. It's worth it to me having the excitement of driving a 446 RWHP car! I'm not going to let the GM folks be the determining factor in my decision which allows me to enjoy my car to it's fullest potential.

So if I were you, I would mod my car now and worry about finding a dealer with some sense if it breaks. If you are afraid of losing the warranity and it bothers you that much, your decision is simple. For me the decision was simple (MOD! ) and I have never looked back!

 

right now just the exhaust is going on. I may add the CAI. I'm hoping GM will have a A6 upgrade available in the future. Like I mentioned earlier, I haven't heard of any recurrent engine problems with the C6s so I don't think other light mods would hurt. I have heard of issues with A6s and I've had mine, so I guess theoretically a different program could damage the tranny.

 

Corsa sports have nothing to do with anything else on the car.

 

You will enjoy the extra power. I have had my car back after the mod a couple of weeks now and man is it a hoot to drive!

I had to get past the warranity issue myself and fully accept the responsibility if something happens to the car. The benefits far out weigh the risks in my mind. We all have to live with our decisions though. Do what makes you happy because that is who you have to please in the end other than maybe the wife!

 

Devious? You're suggesting fraud. Would you steal money from a bank...from your friend? I'm sorry but it blows me away when people suggest 'stealing.' IMO if you want to modify your car be man enough to take responsibility for your actions. Oh yea....you're forgiven.

 

Many of the dealers installs the corsas. Mine did .

 

My dealer loves me when I go in for adjustments or to fix a problem with the car. They always kid around about the shinny exhuast system and the headers too. They always ask me if I want them to fix that whinny sound coming from under my hood. I bring them coffee Regular AND French Vanilla (2 box of joe) from Dunkin Doughnuts and a dozen doughnuts AND 50 Munchkins. I feed them well and I haven't had a problem yet. I also gave my 1 mechanic (guy does 90% of my work) a $100 gift certificate for Christmas. I have his phone extention now and call him direct when there's a problem and he takes me right away or first car the next day. I know it's alot but they have taken care of me many times and I will keep feeding them every time I go there. That's just my story.......Charlie C6ROLLER

 

my dealer offered to install my Corsas but did it myself.... find another dealer...

 

doing stuff like this goes a long way. when you bring people food they respond in a positive way. whenever anyone is doing any kind of work for me whether it be tiling,car stuff etc... i always have lunch, drinks, and the job is always done perfect.

 

According to the law, in order for GM (since GM provides the warranty not the dealer) to not honor a warranty claim, they would need to PROVE that the non-factory replacement part CAUSED the problem. I would suggest that you ask the dealer to contact the GM regional service rep to provide you a written letter that says a using non-factory replacement parts voids any part of your warranty. Once they have a talk with the regional rep, their tune will change.

 

They also do nothing for perofrmance.

Just to bring up another issue that most arent aware of. An extended warranty doesnt have to have work done at a GM dealership. You can go to most authorized aftermarket tuners and get work done. Vette docs did an engine replacement for an extended warranty customer that had a supercharger.

Perhaps you should get the work done after you factory warranty is expired or simply get the work done at a GM dealership that mods corvettes. Here in NY, Ramp chevy does everything including supercharging and honors the factory warranty from the day you buy the car and mod it to. They of course have to do the work. It includes headers, S/C's, exhausts, cams....ect.

I took my car back to them after moding and for those that dont know me, my car lost its stock heads and cam 3 days after I bought it. I went back for service a month later and they didnt say anything about the idle lope, FAST manifold, headers, home made air cleaner assembly, and Nitrous bottle other than, "Wow this thing must move!".

Find a new GM repair shop.

One more thing, if you are going to mod and loose sleep over warranty issues at least get some mods that affect performance. The exhaust and air cleaner silly mods do literally nothing for you performance and for the same money you could have regeared with 3.15's and had a serious change without any overt signs that mod one was done to the car. The A6 with 3.15's is the best single mod and they wouldnt know it was done.

An UD pulley would have made a bigger difference than an exhaust.

Other mods that would work for your cause and be hidden:

1.85 slp rockers and comp 918 springs look stock. 12-15hp
160 stat and a tune would make a 12-15hp difference and cant be detected.
Ported stock manifold: claimed 10hp