Well, please go easy on me as this is a newb question, but I'm new to the Evo world. I was wondering if it's possible to go between a flash tune and stock tune between visits to the dealership without getting my warranty voided.

And what's the best thing to do when the stock clutch goes out? Will Mitsu be willing to allow an aftermarket clutch, or is that simply out of the question?

Thanks much!
-Nate

 

my dealer was willing to put one in..it all depends on dealer and regional manager.

 

Most dealers will not warranty engine/drivetrain parts where they can see that the car has been modified. They will also void the drivetrain (most of the times) warranty if you want an aftermarket clutch installed.

The flash tune is easy to hide, but if the car has ANY other parts on it, they can void it instantly (and nationwide).

When my waterpump went out, I took it to Glendale Mitsubishi and when they saw the headers and exhaust they refused to fix it under warranty. The problem was that so many people brought their cars in for malfunctions that it wasn't up to the local dealer to warranty a part any longer. It was up to Regional Headquarters. And they usually sent an inspector down to inspect the car, take pictures, and evaluate whether to warranty it. Needless to say, the dealer told me they wouldn't fix my waterpump unless I put the stock exhaust back on.. I ended up just getting the waterpump fixed on my dime.

I can imagine this scenario in full force with the Evo X.

 

I was just curious as to whether or not the ecu captured how many times it's been flashed. I've never heard of an ECU doing this, but I figured I'd ask. I'm not looking into mods until my warranty is up, then it'll see its share.

Main focus is the flash tune for a stock vehicle. I bought this car and am losing an alleged .3 seconds off my quarter mile (GTO 06). Had just gotten some DR's and then I hit black ice and totaled the car. And I do know that the GTO is good to 12.9 on the stock set up, and 12.6 with some DRs.

I'm just tryin to find a few extra ponies! Thank you much for the replies.
-Nate

 

Before getting rid of my 06 GG MR, my service manager told me that he couldn't "read" my ecu... When I asked for clarification, he said he couldn't even tell if I had flashed my ECU or what my rpms had been or anything. He did tell me that he had to take pictures of any evo that came into his shop and that Mitsu decided, based on the pictures and what his mechanics told Mitsu, what would be covered under warranty. I needed a short block at one point because of an egg-shaped piston, and the only reason he could get one for me under warranty was because his techs' hands were the only hands that had touched my car (oil changes/service done at 1k miles and every 3k miles after that at the dealership).

The point is, ECU tuning should be unknown to the dealership. If they think they have a computer problem, they will re-flash with a factory tune and continue their testing. If you use flashes, then make sure you can flash over what they do, or use a piggy-back that you can take off before visiting the dealer. I plan to use a solution from Vivid when its available and when I get my next evo.

 

Wow, your lucky they even gave you a choice......

 

Indeed. He said that if the inspector showed up, they would void my warranty across the entire country..

 

Would upgrading the factory audio system and wirings void the warranty?

 

For the audio portion, yea. Basically if something in the installation was wrong, you can't take it to the dealer for that problem and expect them to fix an aftermarket installation.

 

I mean, would upgrading the factory audio system and wirings void other/all warranties? How about getting the system installed in Circuit City or Car Toys..?

 

No, it will not void all other warranties.

 

Thanks. About how far mechanically, installed professionally, can you up grade will void your warranty or is it all? How about adding in a boost controller or a reflash?