Why would headers void the factory warranty ?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 2
From: WV
Why would headers void the factory warranty ?
Service advisor said headers would void the powertrain warranty.. Why is this ? If they are a quality unit (LG's etc..) then why would that be a problem ? Thanks for any opinions I was just suprised to hear this..
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
It will run fine with the headers and no tune (and will make more power). However, a tune can get you a little more power. 
It really depends on the dealer as to whether or not they'll void your warranty. I would advise you to talk to the service managers at the various dealerships in your area until you find one that is mod friendly.
Times are a changin'! GM is LOOKING for a reason to void your warranty these days!
It really depends on the dealer as to whether or not they'll void your warranty. I would advise you to talk to the service managers at the various dealerships in your area until you find one that is mod friendly.
Times are a changin'! GM is LOOKING for a reason to void your warranty these days!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Madison MS
Make sure your tuner saves your stock tune so that any time you need to take your car in for service, you can have him reload the stock tune. Your service managers will not know the difference. As far as headers only voiding your warranty, it really depends on your service manager. Mine says headers are ok as well, but some do not allow them. Hope my 2 cents helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
It is up to the service manager if it headers void the warranty or not. Some are more lenient than others.
Your engine control system uses two O2 sensors per side, one in front and one behind the catalytic converter. The rear one is monitored to determine the health of the cat. When the cat comes up to temp and lights off, it burns everything left in the exhaust and the rear O2 output is flat. The stock location without headers places the cats up next to the engine. Your long tubes place them further down under the tunnel. Thus it takes longer for them to come up to temp and may occasionally set a code. This can easily be locked out by a tuner and then returned if you need to.
Your engine control system uses two O2 sensors per side, one in front and one behind the catalytic converter. The rear one is monitored to determine the health of the cat. When the cat comes up to temp and lights off, it burns everything left in the exhaust and the rear O2 output is flat. The stock location without headers places the cats up next to the engine. Your long tubes place them further down under the tunnel. Thus it takes longer for them to come up to temp and may occasionally set a code. This can easily be locked out by a tuner and then returned if you need to.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 2
From: WV
What mechanically would headers do that would cause GM to void the warranty ? Is it the extra power ? Sorry about the dumb questions I'm just trying to understand.. It's not like you're doing anything internally to the engine..
Are they really worth the $$ and possible trouble ??
Are they really worth the $$ and possible trouble ??
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
What mechanically would headers do that would cause GM to void the warranty ? Is it the extra power ? Sorry about the dumb questions I'm just trying to understand.. It's not like you're doing anything internally to the engine..
Are they really worth the $$ and possible trouble ??
Are they really worth the $$ and possible trouble ??
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
What mechanically would headers do that would cause GM to void the warranty ? Is it the extra power ? Sorry about the dumb questions I'm just trying to understand.. It's not like you're doing anything internally to the engine..
Are they really worth the $$ and possible trouble ??
Are they really worth the $$ and possible trouble ??
If visual inspection is involved, it might not, because long tube headers, and relocating your catalytic convertors are not street legal in any state.
This is one of the reasons why Katech and Callaway will not install them (unless your car came in there with them on in the first place).
If codes have been set and subsequently disabled, and a "not ready" situation exists, this could also cause issues for you when you have the car undergo emissions inspection depending on your state's testing requirements and methods.
As far as warranty and long tube headers, you might want to check with Z06 owner Frenchican.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...ty-merged.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...post1565254040
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...-question.html
So when you talk about long tube headers, you could run across two issues, the warranty, and the emissions testing requirements, if any, where you live.
Most are going to tell you that you aren't going to get the full benefit of your headers unless you get the car tuned as well. And with a tune, well, there could go your warranty. They can tell if the car has been tuned and returned to stock if they want to.
Last edited by '06 Quicksilver Z06; Feb 14, 2009 at 08:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 2
From: WV
As far as "worth" the $$ and the trouble, you will want to take into consideration if it will pass emissions testing requirements in your state with long tube headers on it, and what the emissions testing consist of.
If visual inspection is involved, it might not, because long tube headers, and relocating your catalytic convertors are not street legal in any state.
This is one of the reasons why Katech and Callaway will not install them (unless your car came in there with them on in the first place).
If codes have been set and subsequently disabled, and a "not ready" situation exists, this could also cause issues for you when you have the car undergo emissions inspection depending on your state's testing requirements and methods.
As far as warranty and long tube headers, you might want to check with Z06 owner Frenchican.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...ty-merged.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...post1565254040
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...-question.html
So when you talk about long tube headers, you could run across two issues, the warranty, and the emissions testing requirements, if any, where you live.
Most are going to tell you that you aren't going to get the full benefit of your headers unless you get the car tuned as well. And with a tune, well, there could go your warranty. They can tell if the car has been tuned and returned to stock if they want to.
If visual inspection is involved, it might not, because long tube headers, and relocating your catalytic convertors are not street legal in any state.
This is one of the reasons why Katech and Callaway will not install them (unless your car came in there with them on in the first place).
If codes have been set and subsequently disabled, and a "not ready" situation exists, this could also cause issues for you when you have the car undergo emissions inspection depending on your state's testing requirements and methods.
As far as warranty and long tube headers, you might want to check with Z06 owner Frenchican.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...ty-merged.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...post1565254040
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...-question.html
So when you talk about long tube headers, you could run across two issues, the warranty, and the emissions testing requirements, if any, where you live.
Most are going to tell you that you aren't going to get the full benefit of your headers unless you get the car tuned as well. And with a tune, well, there could go your warranty. They can tell if the car has been tuned and returned to stock if they want to.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
While your personal experience may vary from others, the fact that the headers are not stock, make more power which the car wasn't designed for, and relocate the cat converters against federal law can be used to deny warranty claims for parts of the power train. Whether the local service and/or the regional rep who may have to sign off on warranty work will authorize it is something to be determined in the future. An optional tune is an obvious non-stock add on that fits in the above as well.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Basing what you will do with your car on what people say here (although it may be insightful or helpful but only opinions) is not in your best interest. Why would you not talk directly to the people who may be servicing the car? That should be the determining factor.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,646
Likes: 2
there is a new form you have to sign when you buy a vette. I have a thread and have the document posted in it, seach for GM warranty VOID. Headers will void your powertrain warranty without question. I tis clearly documented. Regardless what anyone tells you on this forum, it is a fact. Do 100% of Chevy dealerships follow this, no. If warranty is a concern, get catback exhaust and that is it. a tune will void your warranty BTW.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Your engine pops next week, they give you a new one and cover the labor. They don't have a leg to stand on if they want to fight you over it.
Your engine pops next week and while you have headers on it, the might cover it. But then again, they might not and could decide to fight you over it.
Besides, with a catastrophic failure, such as an engine going south or a transmission going bad, a major warranty repair, it may not be up to those at your dealership who will be servicing your car whether or not your warranty covers it..
A regional General Motors representative may have to have a look at the car before your dealership embarks upon a major warranty repair, if the dealership wants to get paid for it.
If he doesn't approve it, then you are probably SOL.
there is a new form you have to sign when you buy a vette. I have a thread and have the document posted in it, seach for GM warranty VOID. Headers will void your powertrain warranty without question. I tis clearly documented. Regardless what anyone tells you on this forum, it is a fact. Do 100% of Chevy dealerships follow this, no. If warranty is a concern, get catback exhaust and that is it. a tune will void your warranty BTW.
I saw your thread. Good information.
I had headers on my last two Vettes. I'll forgo them this time.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
I simply CANNOT imagine taking my car to any dealer anywhere around here to do anything including changing the oil. I had my tire monitor light come on in my 08 z so I took it to the local dealer. I sat there and watched the comedy show. I ended up telling them just to give me my fob and I went and had it dealt with at a tire shop. They are friends of mine and that's where I should have gone first. The dealerships here are beyond bad. I had an 06 coupe that was very heavily modded and never had an issue at all. My z is stock but i will still take it to those guys for anything over going to a dealer. I really believe that alot of GM's issues have to do with the incompetence of most dealerships. 