I recently aquired a slightly used 2001 Z28 which is already insanely faster and more enjoyable to drive and race than my 1994 Z28 (even though that thing was a torque monster after major modifications).

My new Z28 is still under warranty and I am debating whether or not to renew it and just make slight, unnoticable modifications, or to just screw the warranty and go all out with major mods (headers, full exhaust, pulleys, etc).

However, a friend renewed his warranty to 75k and already has gotten half the value out of bearing, sensor and seal replacements (no major problems though). I'm worried that I will encounter the same maintenance issues in the future and will have to pay for it all outta my own pocket if I decide to not renew my warranty.

My question is: Presuming I do decide to renew my warranty for a certain amount of time (approx 50k miles), what are modifications that I can do that won't void my warranty or simply won't be noticed by the dealer?

btw: They already told me exhaust (mufflers & back) is fine.

 

You could always put a lid on it, then take it off when you take your car in to be serviced. I'm not sure what else...

 

You can do headers and still have the factory warranty.

The only way a dealer can deny your claim is if they can prove that the mods you did to the car are the cause of your problem.

IOW, they can't not rebuild your tranny or replace a window motor because you have full exhaust, lid, MAF ends, etc...

Some dealers will try to give you s**t for mods though so I'd say try to find a dealership that is cool with you doing a few things to the car. **A service manager is a very good person to be friends with.**

 

exhaust and a lid are the easy mods.

eric

 

If you install headers and screw up the O2 sensors, they won't replace them - $113 each - dealer price. If the aftermarket part is DIRECTLY responsible for a problem, then they won't cover the repair under the warranty. Here's how Hypertech puts it:

Will Hypertech Power Tuning void my vehicle's warranty?

No! Federal law PROHIBITS a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket equipment with only two (2) exceptions. The warranty can be voided if the aftermarket part causes damage or adversely affects the emissions system.

 

This is no like. I had a crazy exhaust setup on my 91 RS Camaro. I was running true dual sidepipes on it. Glasspacks underneath and they ran out the side if front of the back tires. Within 5 minutes of installing that. The dreaded check engine like kicks in and it starts running rough. I take it to the the Chevy place and they replace the o2 sensor with no questions asked. Now, did I screw that o2 sensor ? Or was it just coincendence
? I did not say anything either when they replaced it for me. The only comment I got from the service tech . Was "Nice Exhaust". It was nice but too damn loud. Imagine what 2 sidepipes with glasspacks would sound like coming out just underneath your doors. Very loud.

 

I want to go to a dealership like that! The one that I was going to would quote me some rediculous price when they didn't want to do something on my car, like installing new plugs and wires - ones that I would provide - labor $337!!!

 

My experience with even a lid...the dealer had me take it off and nearly had me pay for two new o2 sensors and four hours of diagnostic labor. I talked my way out of the cost but if my car visits the dealer, the stock lid is reinstalled first.

I have a corsa cat back...they so far have no problems with it and actually commented on how nice it looks/sounds. I did enquire with the service manager prior to purchase to see how accepting they would be with it.

When asking about headers... "if your engine goes south, gm will probably deny warranty because there a big power adder".

In Canada I have not heard of such a law about proof of cause...but from personal experience on warranty problems, when the service manager says no, you literally go through hell dealing with GM on the phone and trying to win your case. Getting a lawyer and attempting to utilize your US law will probably cost a fair amount of money and take significant time if you are denied warranty to even have your case heard.

...my opinion...mod it after the warranty is over or ensure that you are good friends with the service manager..

 

I had my dealer fix my intake oil leak a few weeks back. When the leak returned they went in and fixed it again under warranty.

A couple of years ago my fuel pump went bad. I had the dealer replace it. They have had to replace it two additional times under the GM lifetime warranty on fuel pumps.

If the modifications made to the car do not impact the warranty claim, the dealer should honor your warranty.

Talk to your dealer first, before you spend money, and ask them about warranties and modifications. If you don't like their answers or their attitude, go to another dealer.

It is possible to get the best of both worlds.

 

hmmmm, must be different strokes for different folks here..

My last car was bought used off of a dealership with a warranty.
It was my LT1 and I bought it at a Nissan dealer. The warranty was through Nissan motors.. The warranty stated that I could have anyone work on it I deemed fit and that was an AUTHORIZED ASE Mechanic. Thats all they wanted..
Under that warranty, I had 2 trannies replaced, and a host of smaller items like starter, window motor and whatnot..

I then bought another warranty.. Under that one I got 2.5 trannies (I ran out of coverage by the last one and had to pay for part of it), head work (had major issues that needed the heads removed.. I had them use hardened pushrods and stuff...), electric waterpump, and opti plus some more window motors.

I used both of the warranties until they maxxed out.. I would suggest to anyone buying a used car, GET THE FREAKING WARRANTY and if needed try Warrantygold.com. Dont skimp. Get it cause you never know if you just bought someone elses problem.. Like my last car! hehe

SEMA made sure to it that they cant deny you.. If one shop doesnt want to do the work, they probably arent competent enough.. Go to another! Heck, I have dropped my car off clear across town (in Houston thats very far) just to have work done that I could trust.

 

Thank you so much for all your advice (please keep it coming). It's been really helpful. I was considering headers, but when I casually mentioned it to a guy at the service dept he told me that it would void the warranty. I'm going to look into it further, but so far from what you've been telling me it's not impossible. I'm just going to have to find a commodating dealer. I will talk with the service manager at the dealership I have been taking my car to and see what he says. But, as for renewing the warranty I think I seriously might because of the chance that I may have inherited someone else's problems in buying a used vehicle. However, I've never had trouble with a Chevy so who knows.

How do Hookers sound? I hear they're just about the best, but hang a bit low. My 94 Camaro was an Edelbrock car (headers, exhaust and all) and the it sounded amazing, but I'm not sure if it's the way to go on my LS1. Let me know what you think.

Thanks again

 

Please read this page as well:

http://www.sema.org/content/?ID=22237&criteria=warranty

 

How do hookers sound? hehehhe almost tempted.. but.. ok...
I think Hookers are the best afforadablitiy wise.. especially since you may be able to get them from Jethot on a 3 month payment plan.. fully coated..

Others will swear on their FLP's..
Think a lot of it is based on your pocketbook..

Shop around for your warranty.. things you will want to know are:

Things like this make you wonder.. so I say get the warranty... have fun.. dont worry.. if you have the $ for major mods, then you arent too worried about warranties.. I dont have a money tree yet so I will continue to get warranties..

by the way, since you are a female.. check out my website.. in my sig above..

 

You can pretty much add any bolt on you want as long as you can put the stock parts back on before you take it in to the dealer ( i.e. if you have a high stall conv and you blow the tranny, you could always put the stock one back in before you take it in).

 

I'm the service mgr. at a Pontiac store in the Flint area We install FLP headers, SPOHN suspension, K&N Filters and F.I.P.K, Z-06 intakes, clutches, lingenfelter cnc heads, cams etc.

The way I look at it is "if you add power you should know what may happen up front" add on parts will not void your G.M. warranty unless the part caused the failure in question.