I have a general question to those who have a Rotofab cold air intake system. I have called a number of Chevrolet dealers about installing an aftermarket cold air intake.

I usually get a number of responses all the way from "It could void your warranty if we see it on the car" all the way down to "you should put your factory air box on before bringing it in" This seems like it would be a lot of work to do each time you take it in.

So my question to those who have them installed is how do you handle warranty issues?

(and before someone mentions it, yes I know all about the magnuson ferguson act and no, I don't want to get into a pissing contest with GM)

Thanks for all suggestions

[Glen e]

Magnuson Moss,… Not Ferguson. At Any good operating dealership A CAI should make no difference in warranty unless something goes bad with the actual airflow sensor itself.

don't expect to get a good answer on the phone or email,you need to go interview with the general service manager and get an OK from him. Then it will trickle down to the advisers.

[nicktechla]

I think it can be hit or miss depending on the dealer. I took my car into the dealer I bought it from for an oil change. Service manager pops the hood. I asked, just curious what are you checking? Never had a service manager pop the hood. He said looking for an air intake or any other mods.. I asked, just curious, what if i had them? He said these engines are so sensitive, that an air intake can cause air/fuel ratio problems, they can tell from the computer, and my warranty would be void.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by nicktechla

I think it can be hit or miss depending on the dealer. I took my car into the dealer I bought it from for an oil change. Service manager pops the hood. I asked, just curious what are you checking? Never had a service manager pop the hood. He said looking for an air intake or any other mods.. I asked, just curious, what if i had them? He said these engines are so sensitive, that an air intake can cause air/fuel ratio problems, they can tell from the computer, and my warranty would be void.

Time for a different dealer. You went there for an oil change, not to get raided by the warranty nazi... If you went in for a MAF error code, for example, I could understand. But you were there for a friggin oil change. Sorry...end of rant...

[nicktechla]

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

Time for a different dealer. You went there for an oil change, not to get raided by the warranty nazi... If you went in for a MAF error code, for example, I could understand. But you were there for a friggin oil change. Sorry...end of rant...

Yup, I never went back

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by nicktechla

Yup, I never went back

Good man!

[Vtor_ZL1]

Burden of proof is on you, not GM that intake caused a failure.


If you are worried about warranty, leave it stock. It's not like your ass can tell those extra 10 hp anyway. Put louder muffler on it and call it done.

[ninetres]

Originally Posted by Vtor_ZL1

Burden of proof is on you, not GM that intake caused a failure.


If you are worried about warranty, leave it stock. It's not like your ass can tell those extra 10 hp anyway. Put louder muffler on it and call it done.

I actually recall the burden of proof being on the dealer being in the actual wording of the act. Too lazy to go copy/paste it this evening though.

But to the OP: swapping intakes takes 10-20 mins tops. Easy as it gets.

[24v]

Originally Posted by ninetres

I actually recall the burden of proof being on the dealer being in the actual wording of the act. Too lazy to go copy/paste it this evening though.

But to the OP: swapping intakes takes 10-20 mins tops. Easy as it gets.

The MM act was meant to allow you to do oil changes with oil that isn't made by Chevrolet, and air filters not made by Ford. The intent was not so you could freely modify your car with go fast parts then have the manufacturer warranty your car.


With that said, you can definitely fight it. How many people want to go through a lengthy negotiation or court battle over an intake? Also, if/when you do, I would imagine GMs lawyers have a bit of practice at it so keep that in mind.


The simplest way is to not mod engine related things. If you do, then plan on dealing with the repercussions when time for warranty work.

[1CEBITN]

Originally Posted by 24v

The MM act was meant to allow you to do oil changes with oil that isn't made by Chevrolet, and air filters not made by Ford. The intent was not so you could freely modify your car with go fast parts then have the manufacturer warranty your car.


With that said, you can definitely fight it. How many people want to go through a lengthy negotiation or court battle over an intake? Also, if/when you do, I would imagine GMs lawyers have a bit of practice at it so keep that in mind.


The simplest way is to not mod engine related things. If you do, then plan on dealing with the repercussions when time for warranty work.

Exactly. Most people mis-interpret the MM act. If the part you are placing on the car is different from OEM specs then MM doesn't apply to you. The dealer doesn't have to prove anything unless you want to pay all the legal fees to take them to court over it. You could try and get your dealer to install it and that might help but, honestly, a CAI gives zero gain without a tune so it is pretty much a waste of money. Once you tune the car kiss the warranty goodbye.

[nicktechla]

Originally Posted by 1CEBITN

Exactly. Most people mis-interpret the MM act. If the part you are placing on the car is different from OEM specs then MM doesn't apply to you. The dealer doesn't have to prove anything unless you want to pay all the legal fees to take them to court over it. You could try and get your dealer to install it and that might help but, honestly, a CAI gives zero gain without a tune so it is pretty much a waste of money. Once you tune the car kiss the warranty goodbye.

for sure. and if you play, you gotta pay. Anytime you are mod'ing, you are running the risk of no warranty.

When I supercharged my Mustang, one dealer wouldn't even look at it.

Originally Posted by ninetres

But to the OP: swapping intakes takes 10-20 mins tops. Easy as it gets.

Thanks for that, so I could simply swap it out and I should not have any issues with codes from the change, correct? (Or should I buy a MAF for each unit so I don't have to relocate it?

[ninetres]

Originally Posted by NM-ZR1

Thanks for that, so I could simply swap it out and I should not have any issues with codes from the change, correct? (Or should I buy a MAF for each unit so I don't have to relocate it?

Correct. No maf relocation required for an intake swap. Rotofab and KN do not throw codes at all. Can’t speak for other intakes because I just don’t know, and some other are designed to be retuned for.

Additionally, I encourage all in this discussion to actually read the MM act, as well as any legal explanation of it.....as it’s obvious nobody has. The act SPECIFICALLY places the legal burden of proof on a dealership to prove the aftermarket part contributed to the failure that was denied. This isn’t me speculating, it’s the black and white of the act we are discussing. I understand no body wants to end up in this perdiciment of playing the warranty blame game with a dealership.....but that concern is the EXACT reason the suit was brought forward and the precedent was set: so that dealers can’t deny repairs without proof.

Ninetres, I totally respect what you have said but, It is so easy for GM to say your warranty is voided due to modification or use of aftermarket parts. All it takes is a service writer, advisor or even a technician with a bug up their ass to do so. Especially for a few horsepower (I actually like it more for its looks, lol)

True, the law is on our side but consider what you would have to do to fight it. For me it's just not worth the possible aggravation.

I will keep the original airbox, purchase a second MAF so I don't need to transfer between the air box and the Rotofab.

Since there should be no codes involved I should be able to switch back to the factory unit before taking the car in. I know this really is a cop out and I should stand my ground but honestly I don't have the time (nor money) to get in a pissing contest with GM. Just my 2cents.