Question about CAI's and Axle Back add ons - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Mr Smith · 10-17-2009, 12:14 PM

Will adding a CAI and a Borla Axle Back exhaust kit void my GM warranty?

GaryTucker · 10-17-2009, 01:55 PM

Depends on the parts you use. If you "chop up" your exhaust versus using a GM installed flange breakpoint in the exhaust, the entire exhaust warranty is probably gone.

If the CAI you choose causes a lean condition at WOT (this problem was noticed in some CAI installs on the Trailblazer SS LS2 engines, so it may be something to consider with these cars)...then I could see how it could screw up things in engine management and result in your powertrain warranty being voided.

The thing to remember when you mod is that ANYTHING you change from the OEM to something that isn't a "replacement quality" part COULD void the warranty on the system the part is placed on.

Let's get away from powertrain for a minute and go to something like window motors... Let's say I can figure out a way to rewire the switch on my window motor to cause the window to roll up faster. The window glass breaks...should GM pay for it? Probably not, because you can't prove that it wasn't your modded window motor that didn't cause a binding that broke the glass. Its the same process when thinking about modding powertrain parts.

I'm sure someone is going to jump in and preach to you that Magnuson-Moss will cover you for ANY mods you do as M-M says the manufacturer (GM) has to prove that the mod caused the problem. Their proof is their decision to void a warranty...and the only way around it is to sue the corporation (not the local dealer, as this isn't their decision it is GM's)...and most of us don't have the funds to front a lawsuit like that...and you won't find a lawyer that is going to take it on a percentage as it just isn't winnable.

The mantra to live by with modding is "you've got to pay to play" and then not mod if you can't afford to do without the warranty on that specific item.

MoranoRacing · 10-17-2009, 02:57 PM

It all depends on the dealer. It is tuff to say. For example if you have an exhaust and your radio is messed up, a dealer can't blame your radio not working because of your exhaust.

I really wouldn't worry about it. You can always take the parts off the car and put the stock ones back on if you have to take your car in for servicing.

Try to find a dealer that is cool with modifying cars. I've had dealers contact me for performance parts for their customers cars, so there are some pretty cool dealers out there. They just may be a little hard to find.

Mr Smith · 10-19-2009, 12:28 AM

Very insightful info and much appreciated. Back when I was building street machines in the 80's and early 90's I never really worked on anything newer with a warranty. I was hoping maybe there were GM approved products. I see they have an exhaust but not CAI. It appears to me the stock exhaust would still have to be cut off and the new one fitted or welded into place. Wouldnt that be correct?

10-17-2009, 12:14 PM	#1
Mr Smith Born again Hot Rodder Drives: Black 1SS/RS LS3 M6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cartoon City, Nevada Posts: 680 View My Garage	Question about CAI's and Axle Back add ons Will adding a CAI and a Borla Axle Back exhaust kit void my GM warranty?

10-17-2009, 01:55 PM	#2
GaryTucker Drives: 09 Vette GT1, 06 350Z, 82 MSE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 573	Depends on the parts you use. If you "chop up" your exhaust versus using a GM installed flange breakpoint in the exhaust, the entire exhaust warranty is probably gone. If the CAI you choose causes a lean condition at WOT (this problem was noticed in some CAI installs on the Trailblazer SS LS2 engines, so it may be something to consider with these cars)...then I could see how it could screw up things in engine management and result in your powertrain warranty being voided. The thing to remember when you mod is that ANYTHING you change from the OEM to something that isn't a "replacement quality" part COULD void the warranty on the system the part is placed on. Let's get away from powertrain for a minute and go to something like window motors... Let's say I can figure out a way to rewire the switch on my window motor to cause the window to roll up faster. The window glass breaks...should GM pay for it? Probably not, because you can't prove that it wasn't your modded window motor that didn't cause a binding that broke the glass. Its the same process when thinking about modding powertrain parts. I'm sure someone is going to jump in and preach to you that Magnuson-Moss will cover you for ANY mods you do as M-M says the manufacturer (GM) has to prove that the mod caused the problem. Their proof is their decision to void a warranty...and the only way around it is to sue the corporation (not the local dealer, as this isn't their decision it is GM's)...and most of us don't have the funds to front a lawsuit like that...and you won't find a lawyer that is going to take it on a percentage as it just isn't winnable. The mantra to live by with modding is "you've got to pay to play" and then not mod if you can't afford to do without the warranty on that specific item.

10-17-2009, 02:57 PM	#3
MoranoRacing Account Suspended Drives: 2005 GTO, 1973 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Westchester Posts: 460	It all depends on the dealer. It is tuff to say. For example if you have an exhaust and your radio is messed up, a dealer can't blame your radio not working because of your exhaust. I really wouldn't worry about it. You can always take the parts off the car and put the stock ones back on if you have to take your car in for servicing. Try to find a dealer that is cool with modifying cars. I've had dealers contact me for performance parts for their customers cars, so there are some pretty cool dealers out there. They just may be a little hard to find.

10-19-2009, 12:28 AM	#4
Mr Smith Born again Hot Rodder Drives: Black 1SS/RS LS3 M6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cartoon City, Nevada Posts: 680 View My Garage	Very insightful info and much appreciated. Back when I was building street machines in the 80's and early 90's I never really worked on anything newer with a warranty. I was hoping maybe there were GM approved products. I see they have an exhaust but not CAI. It appears to me the stock exhaust would still have to be cut off and the new one fitted or welded into place. Wouldnt that be correct?