Mar 6, 2015, 01:47 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Steering and Suspension How-Tos
- Lowering Modifications
Overview of popular modifications to customize your Corvette.
Browse all: Steering and Suspension How-Tos
Chevy approved modifications
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Chevy approved modifications
As most you are like me, you want to keep your warranty and yet modify your car. I have finally got my answer from the big wigs at chevy and was told the items I could modify. List is below. Please keep in mind, I asked about a wide range and variety of mods. lastly, to CYA I would recommend asking your local service department and draw up something in writing for them to sign. I did that as well, therefore if anything happens I have documentation to CYA
List of approved mods:
-Supercharger (only the one from the chevy Z06, I checked parts dept and it is not offered yet but is expected to mid summer)
-headers
-air intake
-exhaust (must keep keep the converters on and must be a cat back)
-interrior lighting, aka led replacement bulbs and/or led strips.
-radar detector/laser jammer
-aftermarket body modifications I.e. Front bumper swap (if an issue arises with that modified part chevy is not responsible)
NOT approved but asked:
-lowering the car I.e. Springs
-performance chip
-handheld tuner
List of approved mods:
-Supercharger (only the one from the chevy Z06, I checked parts dept and it is not offered yet but is expected to mid summer)
-headers
-air intake
-exhaust (must keep keep the converters on and must be a cat back)
-interrior lighting, aka led replacement bulbs and/or led strips.
-radar detector/laser jammer
-aftermarket body modifications I.e. Front bumper swap (if an issue arises with that modified part chevy is not responsible)
NOT approved but asked:
-lowering the car I.e. Springs
-performance chip
-handheld tuner
Last edited by Hotrod304; Dec 19, 2014 at 01:03 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 73
From: Texas
The C7 has no “performance chip” it’s programming in the engine computer.
Headers, yes but only if they retain the cats and a lot don’t.
Was surprised that they were displeased with lowering/springs. Don
Headers, yes but only if they retain the cats and a lot don’t.
Was surprised that they were displeased with lowering/springs. Don
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From whati was told as long as you can order it from the parts department. But unfortunately they do not offer that part yet. Unless maybe that was just my local dealer, don't knkw. Always worth a check.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 567
Likes: 31
I would assume that if such a mod was allowed it would only be as a dealer installed option along with a chevy certified configuation of the ECU.
and even then, isnt the z06 motor beefed up when compared to the standard stingray?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 136,140
Likes: 2,432
From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 36,112
Likes: 8
From: Hotlanta GA
Cruise-In 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08, '15
Yeah, I don't buy it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 54
From: slower lower DE
As most you are like me, you want to keep your warranty and yet modify your car. I have finally got my answer from the big wigs at chevy and was told the items I could modify. List is below. Please keep in mind, I asked about a wide range and variety of mods. lastly, to CYA I would recommend asking your local service department and draw up something in writing for them to sign. I did that as well, therefore if anything happens I have documentation to CYA
List of approved mods:
-Supercharger (only the one from the chevy Z06, I checked parts dept and it is not offered yet but is expected to mid summer)
-headers
-air intake
-exhaust (must keep keep the converters on and must be a cat back)
-interrior lighting, aka led replacement bulbs and/or led strips.
-radar detector/laser jammer
-aftermarket body modifications I.e. Front bumper swap (if an issue arises with that modified part chevy is not responsible)
NOT approved but asked:
-lowering the car I.e. Springs
-performance chip
-handheld tuner
List of approved mods:
-Supercharger (only the one from the chevy Z06, I checked parts dept and it is not offered yet but is expected to mid summer)
-headers
-air intake
-exhaust (must keep keep the converters on and must be a cat back)
-interrior lighting, aka led replacement bulbs and/or led strips.
-radar detector/laser jammer
-aftermarket body modifications I.e. Front bumper swap (if an issue arises with that modified part chevy is not responsible)
NOT approved but asked:
-lowering the car I.e. Springs
-performance chip
-handheld tuner
I don't think my Chevy service manager is going to commit to anything based on a forum thread.
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
My thinking as well. Honestly, I was already planning to supercharge in a couple of years but go with an aftermarket option (likely A&A), just interesting to hear that I could potentially drop a GM-sourced part on.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
C) And if anyone knows of current aftermarket headers that do not move the catalytic converters back from their original position which would be a Federal violation, please post the brand names. Again, I doubt there is anyone in GM who can, or will sign off on headers that violate Federal regulations to which their cars have been designed to, and passed.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 160
From: Coralville Iowa
As others have stated, the supercharger comments have to be total BS - no way Chevy would endorse that without modification of internal components. That alone makes the credibility of the entire list questionable. I'd have to see the original documentation in writing - this sounds like the "opinion" of a saleperson just trying to make a sale (as in, "tell me what I want to hear").
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,951
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
As others have stated, the supercharger comments have to be total BS - no way Chevy would endorse that without modification of internal components. That alone makes the credibility of the entire list questionable. I'd have to see the original documentation in writing - this sounds like the "opinion" of a saleperson just trying to make a sale (as in, "tell me what I want to hear").
Elmer
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 400
Likes: 112
From: MD
there is no such thing as "APPROVED" mod. When something goes wrong with your car, your dealer will try to blame on "Something" on the other than OEM parts. simple mod such as license plate LED bulb can be blamed for fried ECU. Some dealers r more mod friendly, but you r taking chances.