[truebill]

I'm fascinated by all the tweaks and improvements one can make to the 124, but wouldn't most of them void the warranty? In particular, wouldn't replacing the factory diverter valve with the DV+ void the warranty? Given the notorious reputation of Fiat for reliability, I would be worried about voiding the warranty, which is impressive, given Mazda's 3-year warranty.

 

[Greg]

First of all, these cars are going to be reliable. Trips to the dealer for service should be pretty rare.

Regarding the warranty, most of the mods currently offered will not void the warranty. However it's a little more complex than that. For details look up the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The short version is that the dealer has to show that the modification caused the failure before they can deny a claim. So as an extreme example, they can't refuse to fix a wheel bearing because you have an upgraded Diverter valve. However if you have a bigger turbo and blow a hole in a piston, it would be reasonable for the dealer to blame that on the mod so they could deny that single claim, although they still couldn't "void" the entire warranty.

Now the tricky parts comes in when you have a dishonest dealer. They can try and bully you and say that a mod caused the problem when they know darn well it didn't. To avoid that whole debate with them, in the event of a bigger claim you can return the car to stock.

Here are specifics for Eurocompulsion products.

1. Intakes. No claim has ever been denied due to one of our intakes. In fact at least two Fiat dealers install our intakes and carry them in their parts department. There isn't anything to worry about here, but if you are worried, the stock intake can be reinstalled easily and quickly.

2. Euro+Drive Lite. It's not going to cause any engine problems,and can be removed. Once removed it's IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to tell it was ever installed on the car. Even when installed it can be very discrete and difficult to detect, especially if you use the bypass plug because it's very small.

3. GFB valve. I have heard of a couple dealers making an issue, but in both cases they changed their minds. That valve really doesn't change anything, it operates exactly as the stock valve does, it's just a higher quality longer lasting part. So there is no case where it should cause a warranty issue provided the dealer understands what it does.

4. Big turbo. They are going to notice this and deny any claims for a damaged engine.

5. Performance Camshaft. They won't be able to detect it without a great deal of effort. If they do detect it I suspect they would deny a claim for any valve related issues.

Greg

 

[Stewie]

Perfectly put ^^

Great breakdown though !

 

[PureAdrenaline]

This question/argument has went on for years. I have seen very lengthy threads on the various forums I belong to about this subject. I have done everything from simple air intakes to superchargers/cams to vehicles with intact warranties. I accepted the fact that there may be a time when I would have to put up a fight for a claim or that a claim would legitimately be denied due to a modification that I made. Greg did a great job of explaining any concerns about the products that are available out there right now and I agree with him 100%. So much so that I have ordered a V4 intake and the Euro-Drive Lite. Most likely you will never have to deal with this issue. Although...as we used to say when I was drag racing "If you can't pay then don't play".

 

[spilner]

"If you can't pay then don't play".

Fortunately in this space with Miata's and the 124, it doesn't get much cheaper than this and that's when dealing with cars that are actually fun. Looking back at previous generation Miata's are a good example,

 

[124GASM]

I got a Fully Loaded Lusso Stick, because I do not care for the looks of the Abarth front, and rear end...


Im adding the DV+ Diverter Valve, and the Quad Tip Exhaust - Complete 304 Stainless Cat-Back Exhaust System.. CROSSPIPE, MIDPIPE, MUFFLER from Good-Win Racing....


Makes the turbo spool up 500 rpms sooner, stronger pull, ups torque to 200, great Burble !!
and even makes the car Faster than the factory Abarth !!!!


Later will lower it, and get bigger Anthracite wheels... Then GOOD to go....

 

[Sonny Burnett]

This question/argument has went on for years. I have seen very lengthy threads on the various forums I belong to about this subject. I have done everything from simple air intakes to superchargers/cams to vehicles with intact warranties. I accepted the fact that there may be a time when I would have to put up a fight for a claim or that a claim would legitimately be denied due to a modification that I made. Greg did a great job of explaining any concerns about the products that are available out there right now and I agree with him 100%. So much so that I have ordered a V4 intake and the Euro-Drive Lite. Most likely you will never have to deal with this issue. Although...as we used to say when I was drag racing "If you can't pay then don't play".

I wish my Jeep dealer sold Fiat's, I would be set. As you said, if you can't pay to play, then don't. If a car dealer is trying to tell you your exhausts caused your radio to blow up, then yes, kick them in the nuts....