Modding with warranty

[menikmati]

I wonder if it’s worth it to buy and clone a stock ECU as a bit of insurance if you’re “incredibly unlucky”

That's what I've been wondering. Buy an ecu, clone it, then jailbreak it and have it tuned. Keep the stock ecu untouched so you can swap it back in case something happens.

Seems like overkill on a process that has a proven track record with multiple points-of-contact for support.

Sponsored

 

[Brittania]

Seems like overkill on a process that has a proven track record with multiple points-of-contact for support.

Seems like overkill on a process that has a proven track record with multiple points-of-contact for support.

Looks like it would be a 600$ insurance plan to help with any warranty claims. I've seen two unmodded K20C's need serious warranty work, and heard of a few others so it's not even all about not trusting the tune.

 

[Clark_Kent]

This is a possible avenue that you guys could visit. I know IMW is doing ecu cloning for these vehicles.

But so far 0 issues with all of my customers cars and they are enjoying them daily and 0 problems. The Type R is very reliable, the chances of something going wrong are very low.

I already spoke with the guys at Hondata about possibly offering unlocks locally. But it is a considerable investment for something that has a finite life span. There are some things in the works.

I saw Derek added this service a little while back.

https://www.imwtuned.com/store/p32/boschclone.html#

It's a relatively cheap hedge (<$300) if you're really concerned about the potential for an issue. A couple of thoughts: if you're that concerned, should you be tuning the car in the first place? Maybe this isn't for you. Cloning an ECU and then switching back to the original ECU to have warranty work performed when it likely would've been denied otherwise delves into the realm of fraud and misrepresentation. Or selling the vehicle to another person claiming the vehicle has never been tuned. Not sure of the legal risk exposure you're opening yourself to going down this route. Anyhow, just a few bits to consider.

 

[menikmati]

If you have the the money to burn and you feel that concerned about something going awry, then more power to you.

 

[menikmati]

I've seen two unmodded K20C's need serious warranty work, and heard of a few others so it's not even all about not trusting the tune.

Although that news is not very comforting, it does not affect the statistical probability that you'll most likely be fine.

 

[BuntaTypeR]

I can only share what has worked for me.

The dealership refused to service my car as soon as they noticed my PWR track radiator, PRL intercooler, oil cooler, and aftermarket hoses, which I consider to be very minor modifications.

A friend introduced me to someone at another dealership, and they were able to help me out. I've been told that the response to modifications varies by dealership, as many are instructed not to service modded cars. However, Honda has always been reliable with mods. I've owned an S2000 and an RSX-S, both of which were modified. I haven't heard of anyone on this forum who has damaged their Type R due to mods. Usually, the Type R is involved in accidents on the street or at the track.

Avoid modifying it unless you have the extra funds for repairs or the knowledge to fix it yourself.

 

[MooMoo]

I think above is spot on, depends on the dealer really but I hedge that there are more honda dealers that will not touch the car vs ones that are enthusiast friendly. I think there are brands that are way friendlier to mods than honda.

I can tell my local honda is a no, they would not even do a brake fluid change for me with srf. I bet if my car even has anything other than wheels and tires they would not touch it unless I remove the mods. So I am staying stock for now (well diff brake fluid and pads but thats fine), maybe ill do an exhaust eventually and deal with them if needed, hopefully i will never have to go there

 

[NoelPR]

If you have the the money to burn and you feel that concerned about something going awry, then more power to you.

Everyone is gangsta until they need warranty work

I saw Derek added this service a little while back.

https://www.imwtuned.com/store/p32/boschclone.html#

It's a relatively cheap hedge (<$300) if you're really concerned about the potential for an issue. A couple of thoughts: if you're that concerned, should you be tuning the car in the first place? Maybe this isn't for you. Cloning an ECU and then switching back to the original ECU to have warranty work performed when it likely would've been denied otherwise delves into the realm of fraud and misrepresentation. Or selling the vehicle to another person claiming the vehicle has never been tuned. Not sure of the legal risk exposure you're opening yourself to going down this route. Anyhow, just a few bits to consider.

You are watching too much tv.
Let me guess “Suits” is one of your favorites shows

Hello all, I am wondering how generous Honda is with their warranty guidelines? What modifications am I able to do without voiding the warranty?

#FAFO

Are you willing to take the risk of paying out of pocket a problem?
The answer to that will determine if you should do it.

 

[EJHonda]

Great thread and input. Very timely as I'm considering diving into a mild track build. The parts are in my basement - just waiting on the TSP DP to get started on an exhaust / IC / intake / oil cooler / radiator / tune project.

One issue I've run into previously was having an ECU tune on my old Evo 8 track car and then having it flagged when the car went for it's annual state inspection (NY). The car had been tuned by a NY shop (STM) with no issues, and then a shop in CT after getting new cams, and that's when it failed the ECU scan test. Once it failed, I called my reliable Evo shop in NY (STM Tuned), who said they knew what was needed. They returned it and it passed the computerized inspection test. My best guess is the NY testing can tell if an ECU has had settings turned off to prevent CELs, but everybody was pretty mum on what was flagged and what the workaround was.

Anyone have experience with tunes and state inspections in strict states like NY, CA, or MA?

 

[Jester04]

Great thread and input. Very timely as I'm considering diving into a mild track build. The parts are in my basement - just waiting on the TSP DP to get started on an exhaust / IC / intake / oil cooler / radiator / tune project.

One issue I've run into previously was having an ECU tune on my old Evo 8 track car and then having it flagged when the car went for it's annual state inspection (NY). The car had been tuned by a NY shop (STM) with no issues, and then a shop in CT after getting new cams, and that's when it failed the ECU scan test. Once it failed, I called my reliable Evo shop in NY (STM Tuned), who said they knew what was needed. They returned it and it passed the computerized inspection test. My best guess is the NY testing can tell if an ECU has had settings turned off to prevent CELs, but everybody was pretty mum on what was flagged and what the workaround was.

Anyone have experience with tunes and state inspections in strict states like NY, CA, or MA?

Best way to avoid any issues is to just tune the car and leave all DTC’s enabled so the ECU can show all ready on the monitors.

 

[Tougefl5]

I can only share what has worked for me.

The dealership refused to service my car as soon as they noticed my PWR track radiator, PRL intercooler, oil cooler, and aftermarket hoses, which I consider to be very minor modifications.

A friend introduced me to someone at another dealership, and they were able to help me out. I've been told that the response to modifications varies by dealership, as many are instructed not to service modded cars. However, Honda has always been reliable with mods. I've owned an S2000 and an RSX-S, both of which were modified. I haven't heard of anyone on this forum who has damaged their Type R due to mods. Usually, the Type R is involved in accidents on the street or at the track.

Avoid modifying it unless you have the extra funds for repairs or the knowledge to fix it yourself.

Very sound advice. Financial responsibility needs to be the biggest factor.
Doing hood rat things with the bros is Hella fun. Not having the money to fix things when they go boom is not so fun.

 

[EJHonda]

Best way to avoid any issues is to just tune the car and leave all DTC’s enabled so the ECU can show all ready on the monitors.

I'm glad my future tuner has a plan.

 

[Jester04]

I'm glad my future tuner has a plan.

Always! I’m here for you guys to try to make it work within the constraints of your legal regulations.

 

[jcfishel]

Thank you to TSP and IMW for posting this ECU cloning information a few months back.

I'm amazed at the price difference between the DE5 ECU vs. the FL5 ECU (which are apparently interchangeable)

the DE5 Integra Type S ECU (37820-6PV-A03 = ~$300
the FL5 Civic Type R ECU (37820-66V-A03) = ~$700

I am fascinated by the notion of ECU cloning. Can anyone share more information about exactly what ECU values get "cloned"? Surely the odometer is stored somewhere else and not in the ECU right?

Sponsored