Dealer upgrades vs Indy specialist upgrades, which is best?

[spudgun08]

Now I have my new 2015-18 mustang gt, id like to start modding sooner rather than later.
I see ford uk have a list of upgrades on offer, and they all keep your warranty, however, what are people's experiences of Ford doing the upgrades?
There are a number of reputable independent mustang specialists with great reviews who work on these cars day in day out, but if I use them I presumably lose the warranty?

What are people's thoughts on this? Are ford to be trusted doing the work and keeping peace of mind warranty? Or laugh off the warranty to use more knowledgeable specialists who could possibly offer a better service?

Thanks for any advice , it's appreciated

[Saleen836]

I guess it all depends what upgrades you are thinking of doing?

[spudgun08]

Eventually, as much as possible, but starting with exhaust, then suspension, then engine.

[David Beer]

I have a 2 year old gt convertible and would like a bit more noise, but of course need to keep the warranty happy, interested to see how you go.

[spudgun08]

Does anyone know how relaxed Ford are with regards to warranty? Most marques I've had were fine e.g. sports exhausts, lowering springs etc , with the exception being ecu/engine mods. So long as any claim wasn't for parts directly affected by the new part.
Porsche were a nightmare though, if I put anything non porsche on the 996 turbo I had, and warranty was straight out the window no exceptions.

[MrHanky]

As far as im aware the warranty isn't invalidated unless the dealer can prove that any issues that there are, were caused due to either the aftermarket part or the way it was fitted.
The dealer I purchased my GT off was trying to get me to buy the Borla ATAK from them for £1800. I wanted to but could not justify the cost at this point. But if I go and buy that same exhaust now (for quite a bit less than Ford retail), I fail to see how this could invalidate the warranty when its the very exhaust they were offering to sell me. Its not even a difficult job to fit, so not like its easy to go wrong and break something during fitting.

Mark

[spudgun08]

One thing I've noticed on the ford uk performance parts catalogue, on some items eg exhaust and engine upgrade parts, it says "not permitted on public roads!"
Which puzzles me as to exactly what this means. Illegal? Invalidates your insurance? How is it not permitted? Why can't I use the upgrade on the road?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, many thanks

[Saleen836]

Along the same lines as putting a Race Can on a road legal motorcycle, stamped on the can it will read 'not for road use', a friendly MOT tester wont care but get pulled by VOSA and they can seize the vehicle

[spudgun08]

Saleen836 said:

Along the same lines as putting a Race Can on a road legal motorcycle, stamped on the can it will read 'not for road use', a friendly MOT tester wont care but get pulled by VOSA and they can seize the vehicle

I understand, but it seems strange to offer an engine upgrade like the performance pack adding 60bhp, then say its not for road use. It doesnt affect other road users in any way.
Many years ago I had a uk impreza that the dealers fitted a warrantied prodrive performance pack to, it never had any caveats attached.

[CaptainSensib1e]

I think it's something to do with them having to go throogh a whole official approval process to offer the power packs for road use. They don't bother, which is why it says that, but it's just arse covering rather than gospel.

[spudgun08]

I spoke to a ford service department the other day. Basically, I don't lose the warranty if certain things are done at Indy specialist.
If Indy fits me an exhaust, all other parts are still covered. Obviously, if an Indy modifies my engine, my warranty will not cover the engine. Fair enough I think.