What mods wont void warranty

[kinpin]

What mads can you do to the ZL1 that wont void the warranty.
I know a CAI wont but what else ?

[z28lt1]

Any mod that doesn't include consumables (tires, fluids, brake pads, etc...) can void PART of the warranty if the dealer in conjunction with GM wants to get picky. For some mods, its not very likely, but don't make any blanket assumptions. Take your CAI. Let's say the transmission blows up. If GM wanted to, they could say your CAI added 15 HP to the car. They designed the transmission for 580, and you now have 595, so they aren't warrantying the transmission. Is this likely? Probably not. Is it possible? Sure.

And unfortunately, you need to ignore all the internet lawyers who say GM has to prove the mod caused the issue. Technically, this may be true. But GM has a few things going for it you don't:

1: Lots of money
2: An army of lawyers
3: An army of engineers who can testify to design specifications

So it's not likely you'll find it financially beneficial to fight them long-term.

That said, if I put my common sense hat on, and if I was trying to come up with a general rule it would be: do not touch the tune, the supercharger, or the engine/transmission internals. Exhaust, intake, suspension, and the like generally don't cause significant problems -- although parts may still be effected. For example, if you put on headers, don't 100% expect your mufflers and cats to be under warranty any longer, even though some dealers may certainly repair/replace those under warranty.

Again, there are plenty of mods that should be "safe", but no one can guarantee it. Exceptions, of course, might be GM performance parts installed by a GM dealer. Otherwise, we go on the experience of others and some good faith, and hope GM doesn't have a change of heart and act like some other manufacturers looking for a reason to void warranties...

[Dwarfey]

Basically if the mod is directly responsible for the failure, then you are void.
Ex.) Supercharger causes the engine to fail. VOID
If the part is not responsible, then you're still covered.
Ex.) Axel-back exhaust could not cause engine failure. COVERED.

General rule of thumb. People will fight you on this as z28lt1 said. GM does have resources on their side, but if its a part under like a few hundred, most likley they wont fight you on it.

[ZL1-V]

Originally Posted by z28lt1

Any mod that doesn't include consumables (tires, fluids, brake pads, etc...) can void PART of the warranty if the dealer in conjunction with GM wants to get picky. For some mods, its not very likely, but don't make any blanket assumptions. Take your CAI. Let's say the transmission blows up. If GM wanted to, they could say your CAI added 15 HP to the car. They designed the transmission for 580, and you now have 595, so they aren't warrantying the transmission. Is this likely? Probably not. Is it possible? Sure.

And unfortunately, you need to ignore all the internet lawyers who say GM has to prove the mod caused the issue. Technically, this may be true. But GM has a few things going for it you don't:

1: Lots of money
2: An army of lawyers
3: An army of engineers who can testify to design specifications

So it's not likely you'll find it financially beneficial to fight them long-term.

That said, if I put my common sense hat on, and if I was trying to come up with a general rule it would be: do not touch the tune, the supercharger, or the engine/transmission internals. Exhaust, intake, suspension, and the like generally don't cause significant problems -- although parts may still be effected. For example, if you put on headers, don't 100% expect your mufflers and cats to be under warranty any longer, even though some dealers may certainly repair/replace those under warranty.

Again, there are plenty of mods that should be "safe", but no one can guarantee it. Exceptions, of course, might be GM performance parts installed by a GM dealer. Otherwise, we go on the experience of others and some good faith, and hope GM doesn't have a change of heart and act like some other manufacturers looking for a reason to void warranties...

I recently had a supercharger with a bad bearing that was squealing on start up! My ZL1 has a Roto Fab CAI and catch can. GM requested ECM data and photo of the engine compartment with mods. Supercharger replaced three days later. No hassle from dealer or GM. I have modded many vehicles in the past and never had a warranty claim denied. If you put a "tune" on your stock ECM you will get denied warranty coverage from GM.

[BigBlock69RS]

Originally Posted by z28lt1

blah blah blah, And unfortunately, you need to ignore all the internet lawyers who say GM has to prove the mod caused the issue. Technically, this may be true. But GM has a few things going for it you don't:

1: Lots of money
2: An army of lawyers
3: An army of engineers who can testify to design specifications

So it's not likely you'll find it financially beneficial to fight them long-term, blah blah blah.

Internet is full of sky-is-falling, don't put fuzzy dice on the mirror the dealer will void your warranty, can't fight the system which is setup to screw you over, don't bother trying to stand up for yourself it's hopeless, types as well.

Really It's not in GMs best interest screw over their customers to void a warranty for the slightest mod, Here is some good reading to counter all the bad info spouted:

Will This Modification Void My Warranty?
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267574

[Coupe]

Originally Posted by z28lt1

Any mod that doesn't include consumables (tires, fluids, brake pads, etc...) can void PART of the warranty if the dealer in conjunction with GM wants to get picky. For some mods, its not very likely, but don't make any blanket assumptions. Take your CAI. Let's say the transmission blows up. If GM wanted to, they could say your CAI added 15 HP to the car. They designed the transmission for 580, and you now have 595, so they aren't warrantying the transmission. Is this likely? Probably not. Is it possible? Sure.

And unfortunately, you need to ignore all the internet lawyers who say GM has to prove the mod caused the issue. Technically, this may be true. But GM has a few things going for it you don't:

1: Lots of money
2: An army of lawyers
3: An army of engineers who can testify to design specifications

So it's not likely you'll find it financially beneficial to fight them long-term.

That said, if I put my common sense hat on, and if I was trying to come up with a general rule it would be: do not touch the tune, the supercharger, or the engine/transmission internals. Exhaust, intake, suspension, and the like generally don't cause significant problems -- although parts may still be effected. For example, if you put on headers, don't 100% expect your mufflers and cats to be under warranty any longer, even though some dealers may certainly repair/replace those under warranty.

Again, there are plenty of mods that should be "safe", but no one can guarantee it. Exceptions, of course, might be GM performance parts installed by a GM dealer. Otherwise, we go on the experience of others and some good faith, and hope GM doesn't have a change of heart and act like some other manufacturers looking for a reason to void warranties...

Your comment about an army of engineers reminded me of a show I recently watched on the effects of lead on humans. I believe it was in the 60's that an army of engineers at GM were fighting the government stating that lead in gasoline did not harm people (backed by the oil industry). We know how that ended.

The advice above is very helpful.

[HDRDTD]

Your best bet is to talk to your dealer. Some dealers are very mod friendly and some aren't.
It will also help if that's the same dealer you would be taking your to for routine service as well as any warranty issues.

Mention the mods you are contemplating such as a CAI and see if 'in their eyes' it would void any warranties.

I'd also work in your favor if you ask them before you did any mods.

[Muscle Car Lover]

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

Your best bet is to talk to your dealer. Some dealers are very mod friendly and some aren't.
It will also help if that's the same dealer you would be taking your to for routine service as well as any warranty issues.

Mention the mods you are contemplating such as a CAI and see if 'in their eyes' it would void any warranties.

I'd also work in your favor if you ask them before you did any mods.

My dealer/salesperson is HUGE into Camaros/Vettes and had one of each both tricked out beyond imagination. He told me even a CAI is a VOID on warranty. You just have to make that decision.

[Summit_SS]

yep just about any mod can void a portion of your warranty. IMO do what you want to your camaro (minus a tune..cant really hide that) and keep the OEM parts. if you have a problem put the OEM stuff back on and take it to your dealer.