The Car Thread ... !

[D.T.]

Careful boys, you wouldn't want to piss off the Tesla fanboys.

I kinda do

So I'm starting the aftermarket modification process for my new Ford Taurus SHO. My question is, the first set up I'm doing is a cold air intake from K&N. Do you know if this would void any warranty work for the intake by itself? Just wanted to get your feedback, because I know you said you had one for your Mustang.

Stage 1 Tune commences in a week, also having the blow off valve modification. Followed by a full exhaust set up as well. I do know that a tune can void the warranty or Ford can deny work based on tunes. But just wanted to know regarding the Air intake first.

I'll add a little but @Beerstalker outlined things pretty well (see post #6905 above).

Pretty much a warranty can't be "voided" but specific warranty work can be refused if they can connect the dots between the part and the failure. A tune? Engine, drivetrain, there's a lot of parts that could claim failed due to the tune (including parts that were stressed beyond their design tolerance due to more HP/TQ).

I'd say most dealers follow a "reasonable likely to cause harm" sort of logic. So an intake, with its minimum change to performance, and if it's one that doesn't require a tune, that would be a tough sell to claim engine failure. Maybe some potentially related "subsystem" like the MAF if it's an oiled filter (I only run dry setups). If you installed a tune, and then went in for warranty on your AC evaporator, they'd have a _hell_ of a time refusing warranty

My local dealer is pretty mod friendly, the service writers are all into performance cars (every time I come in they harass me about a supercharger), they know my tuner really well, support the local Ford clubs and whatnot.

 

[quagmire]

People confuse the intent/language of the magnuson moss warranty act with my understanding of it at least. It doesn't give you free rein of modding a car. It's meant to protect the DYI maintenance people who may use non-OEM replacement parts( oil filter, spark plugs, etc). A tune is not covered under the act. Now it does depend on the dealer if they will use the tune against you and sometimes they have no choice if the manufacture wants to get involved in your case.

For instance, GM has voided the powertrain warranty for people who install catch cans. GM wanted a picture of a persons engine bay after coming in with engine problem and the catch can was in plain sight. RIP warranty.

 

[0388631]

Tires ordered, thanks DT. We're expecting really hot weather soon. Hopefully, I can get around to washing our vehicles, doing some light detailing if need be, and then prepping them for "winter."

 

[44267547]

I kinda do



I'll add a little but @Beerstalker outlined things pretty well (see post #6905 above).

Pretty much a warranty can't be "voided" but specific warranty work can be refused if they can connect the dots between the part and the failure. A tune? Engine, drivetrain, there's a lot of parts that could claim failed due to the tune (including parts that were stressed beyond their design tolerance due to more HP/TQ).

I'd say most dealers follow a "reasonable likely to cause harm" sort of logic. So an intake, with its minimum change to performance, and if it's one that doesn't require a tune, that would be a tough sell to claim engine failure. Maybe some potentially related "subsystem" like the MAF if it's an oiled filter (I only run dry setups). If you installed a tune, and then went in for warranty on your AC evaporator, they'd have a _hell_ of a time refusing warranty

My local dealer is pretty mod friendly, the service writers are all into performance cars (every time I come in they harass me about a supercharger), they know my tuner really well, support the local Ford clubs and whatnot.

Thank you for the feedback. As well as Beerstalkers feedback as well. The Reason I ask, was I had a minor recall inspection on my SHO yesterday. And I ordered my K&N intake, and the service writer commented on how he liked my SHO. Then he proceeded by asking me if I planned on doing anything else to it. Which I thought was kind of obscure for him to ask me that, because I had not known him before or discussed anything about Modifying my car with him. It was almost as if he knew my plans!

Anyways, that discussion got me thinking and I thought I would ask first. Being I do have an extended warranty on the vehicle. I only plan on using name brand parts for the mods and the team working on my car is a group of guys who are some of the best of what they do in my area. (Same group who modified my SS.)

The main things I plan on modifying in the next two weeks are the intake, a full exhaust, turbo blow off valve, performance spark plugs, upgraded thermostat, tweaks to the suspension/front Springs, also changing the anti-roll bar out as well. I already have the performance package, so that takes care of some of the work I planned on tweaking. Lots of plans in a short amount of time.

 

[D.T.]

Tires ordered, thanks DT. We're expecting really hot weather soon. Hopefully, I can get around to washing our vehicles, doing some light detailing if need be, and then prepping them for "winter."

Cool, did you use Tire Rack? So funny, we were at an HIIT class this week and one of my "car buddies" said he was [also] shopping tires, ordered from Tire Rack, asked me I had ever used them

Thank you for the feedback. As well as Beerstalkers feedback as well. The Reason I ask, was I had a minor recall inspection on my SHO yesterday. And I ordered my K&N intake, and the service writer commented on how he liked my SHO. Then he proceeded by asking me if I planned on doing anything else to it. Which I thought was kind of obscure for him to ask me that, because I had not known him before or discussed anything about Modifying my car with him. It was almost as if he knew my plans!

Anyways, that discussion got me thinking and I thought I would ask first. Being I do have an extended warranty on the vehicle. I only plan on using name brand parts for the mods and the team working on my car is a group of guys who are some of the best of what they do in my area. (Same group who modified my SS.)

The main things I plan on modifying in the next two weeks are the intake, a full exhaust, turbo blow off valve, performance spark plugs, upgraded thermostat, tweaks to the suspension/front Springs, also changing the anti-roll bar out as well. I already have the performance package, so that takes care of some of the work I planned on tweaking. Lots of plans in a short amount of time.

I had my service writer ask me the exact same thing, on my first oil change, when I was 99.8% stock (I had already pulled the clutch spring on day 2!) I think it's just general enthusiasm about a car they know is purchased by enthusiasts. The tune will really wake up the Ecoboost motors (like many factory FI cars, it's substantial gains).

Aftermarket swaybars can really tighten things up, but can add some NVH depending on diameter, stiffness, bushings, end links, etc. I find dialing in a suspension on a street car is more complex vs. engine performance, I've had some cars that would run down anything in production on track, but would shake your fillings out

Sounds like a good upgrade foundation without getting into a tune just yet.
[doublepost=1503661833][/doublepost]Rotors OFD! The swearing you hear from the Southeast this weekend will be me installing these ...

 

[D.T.]

AEM filter delivered (from Germany ). Nothing major, just a complementing upgrade to the tune, intake tube, exhaust work (plus the convenience/savings of a washable, "lifetime" filter).

 

[0388631]

Cool, did you use Tire Rack? So funny, we were at an HIIT class this week and one of my "car buddies" said he was [also] shopping tires, ordered from Tire Rack, asked me I had ever used them

Yep. I explored my options, TR is 'cheaper' and offers more. HIIT as in exercise? What class?

 

[D.T.]

Yep. I explored my options, TR is 'cheaper' and offers more. HIIT as in exercise? What class?

Excellent. I used to order tires to my company offices from Tire Rack, nothing beats sitting an office, the quiet hum of a few servers, the smell of rubber ...

Pretty straight forward HIIT, the specific class has some jazzy name like RIPPED Good stuff.
[doublepost=1503701271][/doublepost]Rotors are in, hahaha, I got some spares too Front ... 15"

 

[0388631]

Excellent. I used to order tires to my company offices from Tire Rack, nothing beats sitting an office, the quiet hum of a few servers, the smell of rubber ...

Strange enough, I like the smell of new tires, too. I also enjoy the smell of hot tar being applied to asphalt.

Pretty straight forward HIIT, the specific class has some jazzy name like RIPPED Good stuff.

Ah. Cycling then.

Rotors are in, hahaha, I got some spares too Front ... 15"

Looks amazing. I'd hammer that into one of the walls in the garage and claim it to be art.

 

[D.T.]

Ah. Cycling then.

All floor, lateral sprints, burpees, pushups (tri variants, traveling), weight mixins, some boxing work, etc. Super fun, pretty intense, I know folks who think they do a hard workout, come to this ... die.

 

[0388631]

All floor, lateral sprints, burpees, pushups (tri variants, traveling), weight mixins, some boxing work, etc. Super fun, pretty intense, I know folks who think they do a hard workout, come to this ... die.

Yeah, I think I'll pass, bud. One of my employees does those mud runs several times a year. Being curious then, I looked it up to see if it was exaggerated. No thanks. I'll stick to my weights and running. Though I am interested in buying one of those stationary bikes. Several of our employees go to those classes or have one at home. Though I'm not sure why they'd want to go to classes when they can buy a pro model for a few grand. I know they can afford it. Group mentality, I guess. Easier to do it when there's other people suffering along with you.

 

[D.T.]

Hahaha, yes, group suffering is very motivating. Sometimes I run over and punch someone in the face. You know, no pain ...

 

[0388631]

Note to self, never visit south Florida again.

 

[0388631]

Lexus is apparently testing a 3 row RX mule in SoCal.

 

[jeyf]

problem:
We own one of the few 2 car garages on the block but still i have to take my shoes off and climb into the honda s2000 from the top. Moved back into the city down sizing is harsh.

 

[D.T.]

Goodbye Perf Package wheels, I hardly knew you ...



(sold them, just picked up, tires/wheels/tpms and spacers)

problem:
We own one of the few 2 car garages on the block but still i have to take my shoes off and climb into the honda s2000 from the top. Moved back into the city down sizing is harsh.

I excommunicated the T4R from the garage several months ago, it's all mine, mwahahaha! I can open BOTH doors wide open! I can ride my bike around the car, so much room!

 

[0388631]

Doesn't your wife love the T4R? Wait until she moves it back into the garage when you're asleep.

 

[D.T.]

Doesn't your wife love the T4R? Wait until she moves it back into the garage when you're asleep.

4Runner in the garage ... Mustang in the river.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Picked up my new wheels for the Camaro. Not sure what I will do with the tires, but this will be for my winter setup.

I think I like these wheels more than your original wheels.

Btw, are you wearing a top hat or fedora?

 

[0388631]

Looks like a bowler hat to me, Ari. Unless Quag's got ears that defeat the laws of aerodynamics. Might explain him being a pilot. No car yet, Ari?

 

[D.T.]

I think I like these wheels more than your original wheels.

Btw, are you wearing a top hat or fedora?

Chico Marx?

 

[A.Goldberg]

Chico Marx?

I always imagined him of more of Charlie Chaplan. I did some complex measurements on the shadow of the hat. It appears to match this:

 

[0388631]

Tasting the new pills again?

Chico Marx?

Odd. I was watching an old I Love Lucy episode today. The one where his brother, Harpo, makes an appearance.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Spent the morning polishing the car. Not even half done but it got too sunny.
Will do a bit more this evening.

 

[quagmire]

I think I like these wheels more than your original wheels.

Btw, are you wearing a top hat or fedora?

Really? These are the stock 18" rims that come with the non-RS LT Camaro's.

No hat or anything. Just a weird shadow....