Aftermarket engine parts

[sdwagonjp]

If I were to change the pulleys and add a supercharger and something goes wrong with my engine under warranty and I just take all the stuff out will Toyota know it was tinkered with? I hate asking such a scum question, but i'm curious. I really like some of these aftermarket parts but with no miles on my car I don't know if my engine is a dud or not.

[Koa]

It will depend on the competency of the crew diagnosing and working on your car. ECU flashes will inevitably be a point of contention (read: if flash, you mark the car's ECU for life. They just won't be able to see WHAT you flashed to if you revert back to stock).

Other things YMMV, but typically going back to stock hasn't caused too much problems or red flags. Just have to be cognisant about the Magnuson-Moss warranty act and you'll be fine

[FirestormFRS]

Yep they will know.

Fraud is an expensive crime ya know!

[sdwagonjp]

Originally Posted by FirestormFRS

Yep they will know.

Fraud is an expensive crime ya know!

I didn't know that...

[Chanpion]

Rule of thumb. Modding=Voided Warranty.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by sdwagonjp

If I were to change the pulleys and add a supercharger and something goes wrong with my engine under warranty and I just take all the stuff out will Toyota know it was tinkered with? I hate asking such a scum question, but i'm curious. I really like some of these aftermarket parts but with no miles on my car I don't know if my engine is a dud or not.

In a nutshell: maybe.

It's a maybe because of how warranty is offered via dealers by the manufacturer. You need to take a look at this from the dealer's perspective and how they may or may not help you with warranty issues, depending on 1) how much of the mod would've contributed to the warranty problem, 2) how good the dealer is at handling modified cars, 3) how the dealer works with regional reps from corporate, and 4) how the management of the dealer responds to service claims on modified cars.

At the end of the day, it's a business and they won't turn down legitimate claims. However, if the mods on your car make the legitimate claim hard to justify, then it'll be yes or no depending on your own relationship as a customer with the dealer.

Originally Posted by Chanpion

Rule of thumb. Modding=Voided Warranty.

No, and no.

Modding does not VOID your warranty. It may be grounds to DENY you warranty claims, however your warranty is still very much valid and in force until the terms of the warranty is met.

Your warranty is void only when you exceed the time or mileage limits, or if you sell the car. The next owner would get whatever balance is left.

-alex

[cliff p.]

Also depends on the dealership. Annapolis Subaru is touted as a mod-friendly dealership. If for instance you flash a Cobb stage 2 tune with the appropriate hardware modifications on a WRX and your motor throws a rod, they are likely going to honor your warranty and replace the motor.

[IDFWU 420]

Doesn't Scion also encourage modding on their cars? I wonder how their warranty is like