[Super Stock RCL]

As a new owner (of this specific car) I'm considering some of the MANY mods that can be done (probably most will be aesthetic, and shouldn't put the warranty into play). I believe MOST, if not all of the performance mods can be an issue, and I know that some of them fall into a gray area that depends on which dealership you work with. Probably the single biggest question I have is this - If (and it's a BIG "if" at this point) I decide to take this to one of our local drag strips (and maybe some that aren't so local), isn't there wording in the warranty that specifically refers to driving in that fashion that voids any and everything related to it?? I find it difficult to believe that Dodge would build an entire advertising campaign around the idea that the Super Stock has X 0-60mph times and X 1/4 mile times and make it stock with drag radials, then deny you any part of the warranty that comes with drag racing it! However, I do believe that's the case. Here is where I am at the moment - Do I turn it into a "looker" that stays within the boundaries of the warranty or do I lean toward performance stuff that will help at the track and enjoy it THAT way, knowing I'm almost certainly voiding the warranty by doing so? Just looking for thoughts and opinions on this.

 

[baabootoo]

So you were denied a warranty issue from running it at the drag strip? What exactly. If you read that Magnuson-Moss warranty act?, it will tell you more.

 

[muncie m22]

My same thoughts, I never got to the track yet, but your question always makes me nervous. I already have the "skinnies" mounted, and a new helmet ready. I'll be ready next year (took 9 weeks to get the wheels, tires, and helmet), but would also feel better if I knew what RCL asked..............

 

[Super Stock RCL]

So you were denied a warranty issue from running it at the drag strip? What exactly. If you read that Magnuson-Moss warranty act?, it will tell you more.

No warranty claims made or denied at this point. Asking preemptively as the answer will likely alter which direction I head with this car.

 

[Slidd]

Keeping your car 100% stock is always your best bet for warranty even if you go to the track. Everything they show in print and commercials is the cars doing burnouts and hauling ass and they're now gonna kill your warranty for doing the same thing? Seems disingenuous.



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[Squidvicious]

I will one up you @Slidd...the super stock even comes with a 1 year drag racing membership....but don't take it to the track

 

[Mattm400]

^^^^^^

 

[MJS73]

The warranty paper that came with your car will tell you what you can do (nothing) without creating a reason for them to deny a warrnty claim.

 

[6togo]

Yes they like the word "ABUSE" which gives them the backdoor right out of the warranty! Yet they make a car purpose build to abuse and give you all the tools to do so!

 

[LVSRT10]

If you are going to race it, at some point you are going to break something. I would 1) make sure I had deep enough pockets to fix anything I broke, and 2) go make friends with a service writer. Take him and his boss lunch, and establish a relationship that will get them leaning toward looking the other way to what you are doing. If they don't like the idea, move on to another store.

In re Magnuson-Moss, it really isn't worth the paper it is printed on in most cases. I used to drive a lot of lifted 4x4 trucks. If you lift one, and a suspension component breaks, MM will not save you. If the power window motor fails, you are fine. That's the basic language of MM, that they cannot deny you warranty coverage on a part not related to the mods and or racing activity.

Bottom line is, there are ways for them to see how hard you are running the car, and deny claims if they want.

Just my .02

--Jeff

 

[Chancey]

If you are going to race it, at some point you are going to break something. I would 1) make sure I had deep enough pockets to fix anything I broke, and 2) go make friends with a service writer. Take him and his boss lunch, and establish a relationship that will get them leaning toward looking the other way to what you are doing. If they don't like the idea, move on to another store.

In re Magnuson-Moss, it really isn't worth the paper it is printed on in most cases. I used to drive a lot of lifted 4x4 trucks. If you lift one, and a suspension component breaks, MM will not save you. If the power window motor fails, you are fine. That's the basic language of MM, that they cannot deny you warranty coverage on a part not related to the mods and or racing activity.

Bottom line is, there are ways for them to see how hard you are running the car, and deny claims if they want.

Just my .02

--Jeff

Very unfair and sad...but true.

 

[FreddyG]

The Magnuson-Moss warranty act says that they can legally void the part of the car that was directly effected by the modification.

Example: If you add a tune to your Super Stock and then blow up the motor, then they can void the motor under warranty. Now, if you tune the car and then burn up a window motor, that's still covered because there is no way that the tune could've caused the window motor to stop working.

 

[MJS73]

The Magnuson-Moss warranty act says that they can legally void the part of the car that was directly effected by the modification.

Example: If you add a tune to your Super Stock and then blow up the motor, then they can void the motor under warranty. Now, if you tune the car and then burn up a window motor, that's still covered because there is no way that the tune could've caused the window motor to stop working.

You're right and wrong. Yes, tuning a car will not void the entire warranty but the warranty paperwork is very clear that modifying the PCM (which is part of the emission control system) will allow them to deny a warranty claim for an engine repair.

 

[6togo]

I thought when I looked at the MM act long ago it stated they could not deny a warranty claim on a part unless they can prove the modification contributed to the cause or caused the issue.

 

[LVSRT10]

I thought when I looked at the MM act long ago it stated they could not deny a warranty claim on a part unless they can prove the modification contributed to the cause or caused the issue.

It won't be much of a stretch to say racing, or a flashed PCM, for example, cause an engine failure of some kind. Different thing all together to deny non powertrain related claims for that. Like the power window motor mentioned. MM is designed to stop manufacturers from blanket voiding of warranties when part X has nothing to do with part Y.

--Jeff

 

[Slidd]

I thought when I looked at the MM act long ago it stated they could not deny a warranty claim on a part unless they can prove the modification contributed to the cause or caused the issue.

And don't think they have to prove anything to you on the spot, they could just say we are denying coverage for this repair so either you agree to pay for the job or please come pick up your car. So now what would you do?

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[6togo]

The only things you can do pay for the repairs or pay a lawyer but your still paying either way! It's crazy they build purpose built race cars but you can't race them and retain a powertrain warranty. This takes back to the Direct Connection parts can't wait to see how that works. They void warranties on stock cars for racing what are they going to do with factory modded cars when raced???

 

[Slidd]

The only things you can do pay for the repairs or pay a lawyer but your still paying either way! It's crazy they build purpose built race cars but you can't race them and retain a powertrain warranty. This takes back to the Direct Connection parts can't wait to see how that works. They void warranties on stock cars for racing what are they going to do with factory modded cars when raced???

Racing, I don't think necessarily means taking it occasionally to the track. Even if it happens to break at a track, if you have kept your car 100% stock and have not abused it, they should cover it. Many on here have gotten rear ends, driveshafts and all kinds of other things covered (without having a Demon) after they broke on the track and the dealer was fully aware of that fact.


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[MJS73]

And don't think they have to prove anything to you on the spot, they could just say we are denying coverage for this repair so either you agree to pay for the job or please come pick up your car. So now what would you do?

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This guy gets it. I like when people say "they have to prove...". Prove to whom? Prove to your satisfaction?

 

[Slowpoke387]

I love all the Magnuson act posts. You can try and hide behind that all you want but when your VIN is flagged because they deemed your car to have been used in “competition” you will have an impossible uphill battle. This isnt their first rodeo. If I remember correctly @DGatzby has posted about how that’s the main word - “competition”. Something about test and tune would be ok but no actual racing. Maybe he can clarify but I certainly wouldnt bank on the Magnuson Act to protect me or use it as a decision maker about racing. You would have to lawyer up and is it really worth all that anyway?