Drive Train Torque

[Michael F. Levanduski]

Reference previous post of 4/26/2018. Kia Consumer Affairs finally contacted me with regards to my question about maximum torque allowance on my GT2. I got the basic manufacture response; maximum torgue of 376 LB FT ( advertised specification ). She stated that the vehicle had not be tested above that torque, nor were there any plans to do so. She further advised that it is not recommended to do modifications that would result in surpassing the manufactures specifications. Now the next obvious question - what impact on drive train warranty? For additional information - contact Karen @ Kia Consumer Affairs, 1-855-542-7733 & reference case# 12691535. Now that being said, I did order the Premium Race Chip (on sale @ $449). Now check trying to find out the best spark plugs and gap.

 

[Helo58]

Seems like a question much better received and answered by the forum members. I don't have the stones to call KIA corporate and open a case regarding maximum torque specs. Please tell me you told them your name was Cranjus McBasketball and your phone number is 867-5309.

If you are worried about warranty, the simple answer is don't mod. A lot of people will tell you otherwise, but they won't be there to help when you are paying to replace major components should something happen. You may fool KIA into paying for it, but it is a roll of the dice on whether or not they try to prove it was you. Anything I mod, I am prepared to eat the cost of a blown component or system. Caveat emptor!

 

[DaJackson]

Cranjus McBasketball

Nice reference.

 

[NYLAWBIZ]

I like K&N's position on their after-market parts and manufacturer's warranties:

K&N Consumer Protection Pledge

We want to make sure that when you buy a K&N Lifetime Air Filter or Air Intake System, you can be confident your vehicle's warranty will not be impacted. We also want you to feel confident that even if you experience a difficult dealership, we will step-in and resolve the issue, so you won't have to. Therefore, we make the following Pledge:


K&N pledges to our customers that they will not be taken advantage of and charged for a repair due to a dealership warranty denial blamed on the presence of a K&N product.


- Tom McGann, CEO


Consumers buy aftermarket products for many reasons; higher quality, added performance, visual appeal, work requirements or just as a way to be different. The Car Companies do not like aftermarket products and never have. They believe consumers should only buy their parts. There is a battle going on for your freedom of choice and that freedom is being threatened by a number of wolves dressed in sheep's clothing. Be it in the name of emissions standards, public safety, warranty requirements, or dependence on foreign oil, all these worthy causes may be used as a reason to reduce your right to choose and force you to buy only O/E Parts. That's why on virtually every aftermarket company's web site; you will see a reference to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a law needed to protect your right to buy non-O/E parts. There has even been a bill introduced recently in Congress called the "Right to Repair Act," a bill designed to protect your right to have your vehicle serviced by an independent repair facility.


A frustrating problem we occasionally face is service technicians making false or unsubstantiated claims about aftermarket products, even something as standard as a K&N air filter going in the factory air box. These false allegations may then be used as a reason to deny a legitimate warranty claim and force a consumer to pay money when they should not. We are horrified that the presence of aftermarket products could in rare instances be used as an excuse for taking advantage of a consumer. In all instances we have experienced so far, the dealership's position is mere speculation unsupported by any evidence. However, the dealership is in the "power position" and more often than not, they will win this unfair fight with a consumer, who needs their vehicle back. We are going to balance the scales a bit. We will use our resources to make the consumer whole and challenge the dealership. See warranty page for details.

I have no warranty concerns with the K&N CAI's (not to mention that KIA showed a GT@ with K&N's CAIs installed)..

 

[Kazz]

I'm not the least bit surprised by the answer. What did you expect from someone who warranties the parts in question for 10 years? They want you to leave it alone! LOL

The aftermarket will sniff this out, as they have for every other vehicle that has any kind of decent aftermarket support. Just be patient.

In the meantime, I think what the community should focus on (selfishly) is what mods can be done that create the smallest amount of scrutiny should a warranty claim be made. Intake, exhaust (with secondary cats), and I think we'll soon see intercooler added to that list.

Early adopters either are willing to risk rejected warranty claims or let everyone else do their R&D for them while they enjoy what they bought.

Just my $.02.