I'm thinking about some simple mods - CAI and complete exhaust system. At what point does one risk losing waranty coverage? The tighter things get, the more likley dealerships will use ANY excuse to get out of their obligations.

 

If the part that fails is caused by any of the aftermarket bolt-ons, then you're screwed. I've always modded my cars and have been lucky enough to have the parts replaced under warranty. So depending on your dealership, you should be ok. Especially just with a CAI and exhaust upgrade.

 

I asked my dealer service manager about a CAI and he said 'dont do it, "voids warranty". Since the big ticket items (supercharger, cylinder walls, rings, bearings Etc.) can all be related to inhaled dust and grit a cause and effect relationship could be argued since most CAI use the less effective fiber or foam. If you get bigger air boxes with paper filters and a less restrictive Y pipe (namely a Mercedes setup It be harder for them claim the intake caused the damage if not impossible. Do a search here on the forum for the SL55 setup or even the C320 setup. You can also search SL55 Y pipe.

On the other hand you can just take your Needswings or whatever off when you visit the dealer. That's kind of a hassle and not quite as up and up but I must confess I do it.

 

[quote=Mr. Max]I asked my dealer service manager about a CAI and he said 'dont do it, "voids warranty". Since the big ticket items (supercharger, cylinder walls, rings, bearings Etc.) can all be related to inhaled dust and grit a cause and effect relationship could be argued since most CAI use the less effective fiber or foam. If you get bigger air boxes with paper filters and a less restrictive Y pipe (namely a Mercedes setup It be harder for them claim the intake caused the damage if not impossible. Do a search here on the forum for the SL55 setup or even the C320 setup. You can also search SL55 Y pipe.

On the other hand you can just take your Needswings or whatever off when you visit the dealer. That's kind of a hassle and not quite as up and up but I must confess I do it. My Code3 intake worries me because it's just a thin piece of foam. I will probably go with the SL55 Y-pipe and boxes myself. One of the forum members has instructions and photos. Search about the site you'll find it. Good Luck!

 

Meant to hit edit, must have hit quote instead!

 

well the warranty kinda covers in the contract any mod's can void the warranty,
it really depends on the service manager..some are cool and some are D1ck's


Other Exclusions
Your warranties don’t cover the costs of repairing
damage or conditions caused by any of the following:
• fire or accident;
• abuse or negligence;
• misuse — for example, driving over curbs or
overloading;
• tampering with the emission systems, or with a part
that could affect the emission systems;
• use of used parts, even if they were originally
supplied by DaimlerChrysler (however, authorized
DaimlerChrysler or MOPAR remanufactured parts
are covered);

• any changes made to your vehicle that don’t
comply with DaimlerChrysler Corporation specifications;

 

CAI, pulleys (especially Code 3) are easy to install and return to normal.

 

I bought my car used at 24K miles. I wanted to wait to mod until the 33K warranty was up.

But I found that my trips to the dealer only resulted in "that is normal" claims by them, so the warranty was basically useless.

Now I'm out of 33K miles and a whole bunch of rattles, most likely bearings, and vibrations have popped up, so again the warranty was useless.

So in my opinion, just mod the car since you're pretty much on your own with a chrysler vehicle anyways.

 

Thanks, all. Pretty much what I figured. The switch out idea doesn't bother me, 'cause my stealership has always found a way to rip me on repairs (three motors on my commander under 20k miles), but hard to pull when break down requires a tow. Think i'll research the bigger boxes and filters. No response on exhaust mods. Thinking about the Borlen? cat back system. Can't switch that back and forth too readily. I know, they'll claim it proves I've been racing the car. Guess what. I have. Drive it like I stole it.
M Riley

 

well since your in the srt section i assume you have a srt, the borla is for the N/a

 

Cheap Mod- Have a muffler shop cut the resonator off and repipe it. Not everyone loves the sound. I think it sounds great!

 

I assume you have an SRT6, so (other than headers) an after market exhaust won't make a noticeable power difference. If you're only looking for power, there is no since installing an exhaust system and worrying about the warranty issue. If you are concerned with sound, it might be worth the risk.

 

Or, as I found out, "physical" damage. Such as a mouse chewing through wiring.