I've been reading this Forum for couple months. I gain a lot of knowledge by reading this :D. I’m no car expert. In fact, I don’t know much about car at all. I’ve been driving for over 10 years but when get into the parts and mods, I don’t know much. I’ll get my new my02 WRX within a few days. There are something I want to do to my car but I need some advice from you.

I want to do some performance modification on my own that won’t void my warranty. Any modification recommended? The following is a list of thing that I’ll do (non-performance).
Sound system, alarm system, and turbo timer.

Best performance mod that won't affect your warranty:

Driving school! :D

-tim

Mods don`t necessarily void your warranty. It mainly affects the replaced part, with some exceptions.

If you replace your exhaust with an aftermarket model, you can`t later claim your exhaust is defective and expect Subaru to replace it.

But if you add a boost controller or ECU and hose your motor, more then likely you`re bumming.

Bill

With some dealers it seems like the only mod that you can do is the colored grill badge mod! And even then....

I'm with ChosenWon....

i though that the dealer has to prove that your aftermarket part caused the problem before they void your warranty. it also varies from dealer to dealer.

haha my dealer kicks a$$ Bianchi Subaru

here's their profile:
We are a performance oriented Subaru dealer and an agent for MRT rally in AU.

Even bringing Brett Middleton up here on the 18th


Brian

only SOA can void your warantee. the dealer can just refuse to replace a part under warantee... for the most parts its at the descression of the mechanics and managers at the dealers. If things get hairy tell them to call SOA and ask for approval. If they give you problems call SEMA, I don't have their number but I'm sure you can look it up.

Just don't expect a full turbo back to cover anything that is triggered by an O2 sensor.. get the drift?

Brad

What's SOA and SEMA?

SOA: Subaru Of America

SEMA: Short for......:D

SEMA is a organization that "over-sees" a lot of vehicle modifications for all cars. It is kind of hard to describe. But they basically help with situations where a manufacturer is being diffacult about warrantys/mods.

after all, what warantee will it void if I install a boost controller?

Specialty Equipment Manufacters Association

hey b_tapper where is that dealer located, i am intrested.

My article on AudiWorld (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc15.shtml)

Even the Driver Mod (driving school) could void the warranty due to operation outside the normal limits of the vehicle. I have heard the the ECU keeps track of the amount of time you spend at redline, WOT, etc. From that they can determine if you abusing your car or not. :mad:

Anybody know for sure about the datalogging capabilities of the ECU?

The Magnuson-Moss act was for the REPLACEMENT of defective OEM parts w/ non-OEM parts built to OEM spec or close to OEM spec. This does not mean that you could upgrade to non oem spec parts or modify OEM parts and still be within warranty.

Do me a favor, call SOA (or any other automotive manufacturer) and ask them if a new ECU or a MBC or an Intake system will void certain aspects of your warranty, I bet it will.

The only way that a modification can void your warranty is if that modification causes the malfunction. See here: http://www.sema.org/warranty/ It has all the information you could want.

3rd time I have posted that link people. Isn't there a search function here?:rolleyes:

if your a rebble you can throw your warrenty out the window and install some fuzzy dice baby.:lol: