[Razorback]

I recently returned to the Camaro family and bought a used 2016 Camaro 2SS with headers and cam. I need to take it in to get the Android Auto update, reprogram a new key fob and maybe take a look at the NPP exhaust for a possible rattle.

Does anybody have any suggestions any suggestions for how best to determine whether a dealer is “mod friendly” (particularly in the Tulsa, OK area)? Should I just call around and ask for the Service Manager? Or maybe just one of the service techs? My goal is to find a dealer service department that will not freak out when they hear the cam-idle and exhaust and somehow “mark” my car to void the entire bumper to bumper warranty completely. Is that even possible? I realize the drivetrain and exhaust warranty may be at risk, but am hopeful the remaining warranty parts are still in effect (e.g., electronics, paint, interior, etc.).

EDIT: If mentioning a particular recommended Tulsa dealer, please send to me via PM rather than posting here publicly (which could cause headaches for the dealer).

Any thoughts or recommendations for how to approach a dealer for this?

[MrChrisLS3]

Good question.


As far as finding "mod friendly" dealers, this can be different, as very few will outright say so, you know, corporate lawyers and such. A reasonably good way to find them is to search your area for enthusiast clubs and find one that is sponsored by a dealership. These will also be dealers that sell a lot of the performance line up, being Camaro and Corvette. These are the ones that will be more in tune with what enthusiasts are doing to their cars and what they can and can't get away with in terms of warranty repair.

The other side of your question, is that powertrain and bumper to bumper are really separate warranties. So, updating the android system should still be covered, it's your powertrain and driveline that is toast. The NPP might be a little bit of a grey area, however, I think there is a TSB on it. If so, and if your issue is the TSB issue, then that should be covered. The grey area comes in with the engine mods, and if the car has headers, they can say that these changes causing the issue with the NPP.

[2K16SummitSS]

I'd start with the Jim Glover on the River dealership. Give the service manager a call and see what he says.

I've had good luck with their service dept. in general, but have had no mods up to now.

I wouldn't go anywhere before calling though. Once it is flagged, they make it near impossible to change it back.

[Razorback]

Yeah, that makes sense. I am not even sure how I would even ask a Service Manager or Tech: "Hey, are you mod friendly?" Seems straightforward enough, but for legal reasons I can see why their default answer would likely err on the side of "negative".

Good tip regarding the enthusiast clubs. My initial Google search for Tulsa area Camaro clubs is coming up empty (i.e., their online activity is 2-5+ years ago at the earliest). Are there any other Tulsa or Oklahoma members around that have any info on such clubs? Maybe I will post in the South Central section as well.

That is reassuring to hear at least one data point that the driveline and bumper to bumper warranties can be maintained separately. That is what I am really after. Hopefully I can locate a local dealer that feels similarly. Then I can ask about the NPP TSB and hope for the best. If not, I may try the epoxy fix myself, or just start saving for a Borla axle back or cat-back.

Thanks for the help, sir!

[2K16SummitSS]

Search Oklahoma Camaros and Camaros of Tulsa on Facebook (if you have Facebook). I am a member of both groups. Also, Green Country Modern Muscle is a more broad group that we just started. I know there are folks who could chime in that actually work at some of the dealerships around, so you may get more inside information that way.

[Razorback]

Originally Posted by 2K16SummitSS

I'd start with the Jim Glover on the River dealership. Give the service manager a call and see what he says.

I've had good luck with their service dept. in general, but have had no mods up to now.

I wouldn't go anywhere before calling though. Once it is flagged, they make it near impossible to change it back.

Yep, I will certainly keep Jim Glover in mind since they are one of the largest Camaro and Corvette dealers in Tulsa. I agree, I don't want to just show up at a dealer until I have at least some idea of how mod friendly (or hostile) they are. No guarantees, of course, but it helps to at least post here and try to be educated/prepared. Thanks!

[Razorback]

Originally Posted by 2K16SummitSS

Search Oklahoma Camaros and Camaros of Tulsa on Facebook (if you have Facebook). I am a member of both groups. Also, Green Country Modern Muscle is a more broad group that we just started. I know there are folks who could chime in that actually work at some of the dealerships around, so you may get more inside information that way.

Cool, great suggestions! I do not have a Facebook account (resisted on principle at first, now it is an achievement, heh) but I will check out their pages anyway. I will also look into Green Country Modern Muscle. Great advice, thanks again!

[2K16SummitSS]

Originally Posted by Razorback

Cool, great suggestions! I do not have a Facebook account (resisted on principle at first, now it is an achievement, heh) but I will check out their pages anyway. I will also look into Green Country Modern Muscle. Great advice, thanks again!

I sent a PM before I saw this, so ignore my Facebook invite unless you decide to create one

[JCunningham]

people should be replying in PM not giving gm a list

[Razorback]

Originally Posted by JCunningham

people should be replying in PM not giving gm a list

Good point. I hadn't really considered it from the GM dealer angle. If there are any "mod friendly" Chevy dealers, I would not want to get them into any hot water (and possibly ruin the benefit for other local Camaro owners).

So, please feel free to PM me with any local Tulsa area Chevy dealer suggestions. I will be trying to attend some local Camaro club events and ask around, as well as talk to some local speed shops and see if they have any info. I will be happy to share what I learn with other Camaro owners if interested (discreetly via PM if that is best).

Thanks for the suggestion.

[Glen e]

This is a delicate situation for a dealer. This is best handled IN PERSON with the decision maker - the general service manager. Dealers get paid by GM at their retail rate to do warr work, so most will want to do it, unless the mod is extreme/aggressive.

[Oldfart]

You can tell the service manager you have a Camaro & are THINKING about modding your car & were wondering what mods can be done without causing warranty issues. I did this with a GTR & got immediate straight answers. It was 1 out of 5 said they were OK with some mods (no ECU changes though), the others all said you smoke the warranty with most any mod.

[Razorback]

Originally Posted by Glen e

This is a delicate situation for a dealer. This is best handled IN PERSON with the decision maker - the general service manager. Dealers get paid by GM at their retail rate to do warr work, so most will want to do it, unless the mod is extreme/aggressive.

Agreed, I would be happy to visit the service manager in person and discuss. My hope is I can get some idea in advance which dealers MIGHT have service managers that are receptive to such "mod friendly" discussions before I start the conversation. I am probably over-complicating this, heh.

It makes sense that they would want to do work on the parts still covered by warranty (e.g., interior, electronics, etc.). Hopefully I can find a reasonable service manager that is supportive of this position. As far as I know it is only headers and a cam (and presumably a tune), nothing too extreme (although I realize a cam is not a bolt on).

Thank you for your help!

[Razorback]

Originally Posted by Oldfart

You can tell the service manager you have a Camaro & are THINKING about modding your car & were wondering what mods can be done without causing warranty issues. I did this with a GTR & got immediate straight answers. It was 1 out of 5 said they were OK with some mods (no ECU changes though), the others all said you smoke the warranty with most any mod.

This is a good idea. When you said the mods would smoke the warranty, was it just the powertrain/exhaust portion (assuming engine mods or ECU)? Or was it the entire warranty (i.e., including electronics, interior trim, paint, etc.)? That would seem extreme but maybe it is reality (and is what I am concerned about and hoping to avoid).