I have seen many posts regarding mechanical problems with the EVO which in-turn may become issues with the dealer and/or manufacturer. So I wanted to maybe help clear up some things for everybody. I am currently a General Sales Manager for a dealer and have been in the business for several years, so take it for what it is worth.

First of all I want you to know that the dealer and are two separate entities. Any problem that you might incur is the responsibilty of the dealership to identify and fix as long as it is covered under the warranty. You as the customer are required to give the dealer the opportunity to do this. In the event that the dealer cannot IDENTIFY and FIX the problem in a reasonable amount of time or if the problem is that severe, then and only then will step in and get involved.

WARRANTY: I hope all of you realize that the majority of these modifications we make on our cars WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. And if you take your car into a dealer with these mods on it, they can report your VIN into the system back to and your car will be flagged indefintely.

For those of you who do have major problems with your car and/or the dealer, does have a process (like all manufacturers) put in place to handle your problem. However, I have found in certain circles within the business that mitsu ain't exactly the best at getting problems resolved and taking care of the customer. Also be advised that if the manufacturer does have to get involved it can be a very lengthy process. So be prepared.

Just trying to help. If anyone has any questions or have any problems with the dealer, let me know and I would be glad to help.

 

That is why I tell my friends to keep all the stock parts so that if anything happens, put everything back to the way it was so you don't have to deal with the BS from the dealership/manufacturer. It is true, anything that is not factory will void the warranty. People get the misconception about C.A.R.B exempt product as (it will not void the warranty) thinking. It just means that it is okay to put it in your car and be smog legal...that's it. So...keep all those stock parts on hand in case some goes wrong so you can put them back.

 

there are laws out there that say you can't just generally void the warranty for an aftermarket part. If i have coilovers only and the turbo takes a dump, that still has to be warrantied

 

True. It depends on what the modification is. For instance, if you put a lift kit on a truck. The suspension would not be covered under warranty anymore, in addition, any subsequent damage sustained to the truck as a result of the lift kit being installed would not be covered either. It can become very complicated.

 

so how would a intake and exhaust void a warranty, honestly?
on the evo i dont see how just an intake or exhaust can blow an engine. the persons driving habits maybe.

 

I have a question will a short shifter avoid my transmission warranty?? --and if i have like and exhaust and dp and i wanna get my OIL change would they flag my carr??-- i know its dumb questions but i just wanna know before i go to the dealership to change my oil
thanks for the help

 

An aftermarket intake can affect your vacuum system and any damage to anything tied into your vacuum system could be traced back to the intake. Or if you were to burn a valve or top of the cylinder as an example. You can even get carbon build up as a result of an intake.

An aftermarket exhaust that is wider in diameter or changed by design is going to let more cooler air hit your valves in which case could cause warping of the valve stem. So any subsequent damage as a result may not be covered under warranty.

 

I wouldn't worry about a short shifter (unless you're changing the linkage somehow).

As far as the DP and exhaust. Technically they could if they wanted to be a dick. However, 9 times out of 10 your oil change is being done by "skippy the punk" not a certified mechanic and he thinks that **** is cool anyway. I wouldn't worry about it anyway.

As a matter of fact I had some stuff done to my EVO at the dealer and the service manager gave me a warning about my EBC. Then he found out I was in the business, so now he cuts me some slack.

 

Also understand that the dealer can use their own discretion when it comes to these things. If you build a good report with a service writer or service manager then they might overlook certain things if you know what I mean.

It may sound crazy, but bring them some doughnuts or lunch sometime when you bring your car in for service or whatever. It won't hurt to "grease the wheels" every now and then. As a matter of fact, I never pay for my oil changes, and we all know they ain't exactly cheap with synthetic oil.

 

From experience talking to people, if the dealership believed that an intake can cause the warping of rotors, they will flatout say such lie to a naive customer.

I have an Network engineer friend who has a late 90's ranger. Since he doesn't have much spare time, all the general work is done by the dealership. One day his car misfired and died within 3 yrs. Somehow, the dealership convinced him that the hole in his piston was caused by him and made him pay out of his pocket, not warranty for the rebuild. Hell, I told him "you're not even a performance mod type of guy. Why did you let the dealership hoodwink you believing that a blown piston was his fault."

I have countless others such stories of lying to naive customers by the dealership and car mechanic shops.

Also, why is everyone putting mods on their car before the engine warranty has expired? Too much effort swapping stuff out. Sooner or later, you will slip up on the process. It's human nature.

 

It goes without saying that some dealers are less than honest in their practice. You should definitely use caution when the time comes to take your car in. Your best bet is to find a dealer where you feel comfortable and try to find out who is working on your car too. If you find a good mechanic, stick with him. It's like going to your favorite restaurant and being seated by your favorite waiter.

MODS: As far as myself, I just don't worry about it. I accept the risk that comes with adding the mods and drive on.

 

What do you mean by "flagged indefinitely"? Could you please elaborate on the type of information that can be stored in the computer? I assume that a car's warranty can't be voided in full no matter what modifications have been done to it. Thanks for any insights.

 

Meaning no matter where or when, for as long as you own your vehicle, whenever you take it to any dealership there will be an ALERT notice from stating that your warranty is VOID or RESTRICTED.

 

Can I ask what dealer?
If you don't want to post it, will you PM me or e-mail me?

Thanks

 

What do you mean by "vacuum system?"
You are correct in part, but I'm not sure your statements are clear to me.
The only thing a CAI will do is suck in hot engine bay (bad placement) air. Other problems of the CAI or drop-ins (if reusable) can be the coating of MAF sensor from the oil used to collect the dirt. The latter can cause major problems if the MAF stops reading correctly and the motor starts running lean. Either way, they seem to be worthless on the EVO VIII or my car.

Why would there be a carbon build up on the valves because of an intake? Maybe I'm misunderstanding you?

I mean no disrespect, but his is really not correct. An exhaust change of any kind, even if the turbo back exhaust is replaced with a “race pipe”, should not cause a change in charge air intake temps. Even if there where a lowering of the charge air intake temps, it would not warp the valves. You’re more likely to burn a valve or put a hole in your piston by predetonation. Running hot from a lean fuel mixture could warp a valve.
One example of a problem with exhaust could be (not necessarily a problem the EVO would run into, but more so the 1.8t from Audi/VW):
A DP's collector being to large allowing for too much free flow (I know, I know supposedly not a problem on turbo cars) and the waste gate can't react fast enough to the change in exhaust flow/density. This causes an over rev of the turbine/compressor before the waste gate can open.

Comments welcome…