What performance modifications can I make and still maintain the factory warranty?

 

Ones you can remove if something relating to that mod goes wrong. Just depends on how much you're willing to do.

 

you can mod as much as you want..........as long as the item that you're trying to get fixed doesn't break because of your mods.

 

Suspension stuff is a pretty good place to start. And "look-fast" mods are good, too. Other than that, a dealer might hassle you if you try to make warranty claims on a car that has any sort of performance mod. I'm sure you could get away with a header and exhaust, though (unless they argue that a lean condition causes your problem).
If you don't mind sacrificing your tranny/diff warranty, you could get gears.
Basically, anything "downstream" from your upgraded part is probably going to have it's warranty voided (or at least suspect). If you get a cold air intake, your engine warranty would be at risk in the case of hydrolock. If you add a header & exhaust, you'd have a good chance of keeping your engine warranty, since the H/E is downstream from the engine. If you add a turbo or something, obviously your engine warranty would be scrapped, but also claims for your transmission and diff would be denied.

Sometimes, it's just a case-by-case basis. Legally, I believe the dealer has to prove that your modifications caused the failure, but it's a PITA to argue w/ the dealer when your car is out of commission and you just want it fixed.

 

Be careful - -since lowering the car changes the angle of the half-shafts, those plus suspension and hub items like ball joints and wheel bearings become suspect by some dealers.

Also, from my reading of reports from S2Ki board members, there is a wide disparity of reactions to modifications among dealerships. Some are "mod-friendly" and others are not very rational about associating mods with failures.

 

Thanks for the detailed responses.

 

just keep all your stock parts that you change out just in case... it doesn't hurt to have them in the garage ready to put back in to take it to honda so they fix the problem.. just a little trick.... and when it comes to the gears. if you change the final gear ratio the dealer would more then likely not notice it unless they actually measured it, which they probably won't take the time to do...