Help a noob out, 2012 sciont tc gen2.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 8
Help a noob out, 2012 sciont tc gen2.
I just purchased my manual tc, and i got the trd cai with the trd exhaust. I am wondering what i should do with it, i am going to wait until my warranty expires before i start putting performance parts in it, unless there are parts i can install that will not void the warranty.
Here are some of my questions:
1.how often should i clean my cai (so far, i've come up with every summer.)
2.Should i get an engine cover
3.what are some small performance items i could add
4.what performance items are a necessity
Also, if anyone has any tips or advice for me i would greatly appreciate it.
Here are some of my questions:
1.how often should i clean my cai (so far, i've come up with every summer.)
2.Should i get an engine cover
3.what are some small performance items i could add
4.what performance items are a necessity
Also, if anyone has any tips or advice for me i would greatly appreciate it.
I'll try to help you out but I'm kind of a noob myself so here goes nothing. Feel free to correct me people!
1.) From what I understand about the TRD CAI, it just looks like a fancier airbox intake that is reminiscent to that of the stock one. It should allow the car to take in more air... but you'll hardly notice a difference as far as performance goes. And since it uses air filters (like the stock one), they usually swap 'em out at the dealership and replace them with new ones during regular service intervals. The only time you have to worry about cleaning your air intake filter is when they are the "cone" shape that is seen on the short rams and real CAIs, cuz the dealers DO NOT clean these for you!
2.) The engine covers have little use/effect on an engine, especially a stock one. The main purpose of the engine covers is that they usually make the engine bay look nicer and add to the overall aesthetics. They are mostly cosmetic, however some carbon fiber engine covers are designed to absorb some of the heat that comes off of the engine block, thus adding for a little functionality. However, due to the fact that these CF engine covers are like around $400 bucks (with S&H plus install), I would say they are not worth it, unless you continually have issues getting the temp inside your engine bay down, but I imagine this would mostly happen on boosted engines.
3.) By far the best bang for buck mod that you can do (and that you will actually feel a difference in) is to get a NST Lite Crank Pulley. It believe the price was around $160-180 territory and it makes a HUGE difference! When I put it on my car, I felt it take off better than when I put on my CAI, catback exhaust, or even headers. Scary but true
Read up on it on their thread:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=211616
Read carefully and decide if it is for you. Idk if it technically voids your warranty, but even if you were to put one on, they would not be able to see it and hence, call you out on it (the pulley is not visible unless u get underneath the car).
4.)A "necessity"? Geez, this seems largely subjective and diff people will tell you diff things depending on their biases. I'm all about shedding unecessary weight on the car, so I would recommend a bunch of stuff like losing the back seats, ac, carpets, etc. etc. The best advice I can give you tho is to read up on all of the threads here, decide on your spending budget, and really plan out and think about the overall end product that you want your car to be. Other than that, good luck and Godspeed. Let us know if we can answer any questions, the entire community is here for you.
1.) From what I understand about the TRD CAI, it just looks like a fancier airbox intake that is reminiscent to that of the stock one. It should allow the car to take in more air... but you'll hardly notice a difference as far as performance goes. And since it uses air filters (like the stock one), they usually swap 'em out at the dealership and replace them with new ones during regular service intervals. The only time you have to worry about cleaning your air intake filter is when they are the "cone" shape that is seen on the short rams and real CAIs, cuz the dealers DO NOT clean these for you!
2.) The engine covers have little use/effect on an engine, especially a stock one. The main purpose of the engine covers is that they usually make the engine bay look nicer and add to the overall aesthetics. They are mostly cosmetic, however some carbon fiber engine covers are designed to absorb some of the heat that comes off of the engine block, thus adding for a little functionality. However, due to the fact that these CF engine covers are like around $400 bucks (with S&H plus install), I would say they are not worth it, unless you continually have issues getting the temp inside your engine bay down, but I imagine this would mostly happen on boosted engines.
3.) By far the best bang for buck mod that you can do (and that you will actually feel a difference in) is to get a NST Lite Crank Pulley. It believe the price was around $160-180 territory and it makes a HUGE difference! When I put it on my car, I felt it take off better than when I put on my CAI, catback exhaust, or even headers. Scary but true
Read up on it on their thread: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=211616
Read carefully and decide if it is for you. Idk if it technically voids your warranty, but even if you were to put one on, they would not be able to see it and hence, call you out on it (the pulley is not visible unless u get underneath the car).
4.)A "necessity"? Geez, this seems largely subjective and diff people will tell you diff things depending on their biases. I'm all about shedding unecessary weight on the car, so I would recommend a bunch of stuff like losing the back seats, ac, carpets, etc. etc. The best advice I can give you tho is to read up on all of the threads here, decide on your spending budget, and really plan out and think about the overall end product that you want your car to be. Other than that, good luck and Godspeed. Let us know if we can answer any questions, the entire community is here for you.
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 732
From: Washington, DC
I just purchased my manual tc, and i got the trd cai with the trd exhaust. I am wondering what i should do with it, i am going to wait until my warranty expires before i start putting performance parts in it, unless there are parts i can install that will not void the warranty.
Here are some of my questions:
1.how often should i clean my cai (so far, i've come up with every summer.)
2.Should i get an engine cover
3.what are some small performance items i could add
4.what performance items are a necessity
Also, if anyone has any tips or advice for me i would greatly appreciate it.
Here are some of my questions:
1.how often should i clean my cai (so far, i've come up with every summer.)
2.Should i get an engine cover
3.what are some small performance items i could add
4.what performance items are a necessity
Also, if anyone has any tips or advice for me i would greatly appreciate it.
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 752
From: Houston, TX
I wish a moderator would sticky this. This question has been asked sooooooo many times.
WILL ADDING AFTER MARKET PRODUCTS
VOID MY WARRANTY?
NO!!
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty – Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975 protects consumers from such fraudulent activity by new car dealers._ Under this Act, aftermarket equipment that improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, unless the warranty clearly states the addition of aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicle’s warranty or if it can be proven that the aftermarket device is the direct cause of the failure._ The easiest way to check this is to look in your owner’s manual under, “what is not covered”._ Under Magnusson-Moss Act a dealer must prove, not just vocalize, that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before they can deny warranty coverage._ If they cannot prove such a claim or offer an explanation, it is your legal right to demand compliance with the warranty._ The Federal Trade Commission (202 326-312
administers the Magnusson-Moss Act and monitors compliance with warranty law._
Consumer Bill of Rights
from SEMA Action Network
Your Rights to Personalize Your Vehicle
ARTICLE ONE: You have the Right to buy high-quality, reliable aftermarket performance and specialty parts, accessories and styling options.
ARTICLE TWO: You have the Right to use high-quality aftermarket parts and know that your new car warranty claims will be honored. In fact, your vehicle dealer may not reject a warranty claim simply because an aftermarket product is present. A warranty denial under such circumstances may be proper only if an aftermarket part caused the failure being claimed.
ARTICLE THREE: You have the Right to install and use emissions-legal aftermarket performance parts without incurring hassles and onerous procedures during state vehicle emissions inspections.
ARTICLE FOUR: You have the Right to actively oppose any proposed (or existing) laws or regulations that will reduce your freedom to use aftermarket automotive parts and service or will curtail your ability to take part in the automotive hobbies of your choice.
ARTICLE FIVE: You have the Right to patronize independent retail stores and shops for vehicle parts and service. The U.S. aftermarket offers the world's finest selection of performance and specialty parts, accessories and styling options. These aftermarket products satisfy the most discriminating customers seeking personalized vehicles for today's lifestyle.
The foregoing message is brought to you by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). If you would like our guidelines on what to do if your new car warranty is denied, check out the Warranty Denied? section of our web site.
New Vehicle Warranties And Your Rights
No aftermarket part or accessory that is properly installed on your vehicle will entirely void your original vehicle manufacturers warranty. According to the provisions in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act. It is the dealership's responsibility to prove that your modification directly caused or affected the failure you are trying to resolve. With that said, some dealerships are more performance-oriented than others and are more willing to work with customers.
Warranty-related materials, published by the new vehicle manufacturers, state that the installation of aftermarket parts have no effect on the warranty unless such equipment causes the problem that leads to the warranty claim. Nonetheless, some dealers have improperly denied warranty claims even though the claim had nothing to do with aftermarket parts. I.E., just because you install an exhaust system, your suspension failure warranty claim cannot be denied. If you experience a problem with an uncooperative dealership, point out the provisions of the this "FEDERAL ACT". For more information call your vehicle manufacturer or click on the link above to go directly to the Federal Trade Commission's website to find out more about this law.
Is there even more information available to me?
Yes, SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has extensive information about this issue. Check out their information at Warranty Denied?
SEMA also keeps track of illegal / unethical practices by dealers regarding this area. If you should have to go to court or to arbitration to settle your warranty complaint, contact SEMA with the details.
What else can I do?
In large cities, there are always other dealers you can do business with. It's a good idea to find out about the most cooperative performance-oriented dealer available to you by checking with clubs, local groups, etc.
If you live in smaller communities, make sure that an uncooperative dealer knows that they are giving you plenty of reason to take you business elsewhere.
If you should have to do that, write the "manufacturer" to tell them that their dealer's activities have caused you to buy from another car company!
Do whatever you want man. I would say that although I do like the things Hope has done to her car, the NST pulley will almost certainly stop a dealer from covering anything related under warranty. Let’s say your alternator goes out, or water pump, or power steering. The way the pulley works is (very basic explanation) is it sends less power/force to your accessories i.e.: water pump, alternator ect ect. Thus freeing up more power to send to the other side of the motor = transmission = wheels = road = go fast. Now, what that means is that your accessories are running at less power than they were intended; and the dealer can say "your alternator failed at 8000 miles because that aftermarket pulley was not turning as fast/hard as it should, so it had to work harder to keep the cars voltage up." Under the law I posted above, that would be plenty proof enough for the dealer to not have to honor the warranty.
Now, I realize that the lack of a dampener on the NST pulley has been proven to not be a big deal. As a dealer though, all they would have to say is, "the stock pulley came with a dampener for a reason." And with this simple phase they could deny ANY engine warranty problem they want if you think about it.
I think the NST pulley is awesome, and I will have one. Not a single mile before 60k though; just incase.
Lastly, get a TWM short shifter since you have a manual. IMO, best manual mod there is for driving enjoyment. Use the search function! You can find all kinds of stuff.
WILL ADDING AFTER MARKET PRODUCTS
VOID MY WARRANTY?
NO!!
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty – Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975 protects consumers from such fraudulent activity by new car dealers._ Under this Act, aftermarket equipment that improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, unless the warranty clearly states the addition of aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicle’s warranty or if it can be proven that the aftermarket device is the direct cause of the failure._ The easiest way to check this is to look in your owner’s manual under, “what is not covered”._ Under Magnusson-Moss Act a dealer must prove, not just vocalize, that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before they can deny warranty coverage._ If they cannot prove such a claim or offer an explanation, it is your legal right to demand compliance with the warranty._ The Federal Trade Commission (202 326-312
administers the Magnusson-Moss Act and monitors compliance with warranty law._Consumer Bill of Rights
from SEMA Action Network
Your Rights to Personalize Your Vehicle
ARTICLE ONE: You have the Right to buy high-quality, reliable aftermarket performance and specialty parts, accessories and styling options.
ARTICLE TWO: You have the Right to use high-quality aftermarket parts and know that your new car warranty claims will be honored. In fact, your vehicle dealer may not reject a warranty claim simply because an aftermarket product is present. A warranty denial under such circumstances may be proper only if an aftermarket part caused the failure being claimed.
ARTICLE THREE: You have the Right to install and use emissions-legal aftermarket performance parts without incurring hassles and onerous procedures during state vehicle emissions inspections.
ARTICLE FOUR: You have the Right to actively oppose any proposed (or existing) laws or regulations that will reduce your freedom to use aftermarket automotive parts and service or will curtail your ability to take part in the automotive hobbies of your choice.
ARTICLE FIVE: You have the Right to patronize independent retail stores and shops for vehicle parts and service. The U.S. aftermarket offers the world's finest selection of performance and specialty parts, accessories and styling options. These aftermarket products satisfy the most discriminating customers seeking personalized vehicles for today's lifestyle.
The foregoing message is brought to you by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). If you would like our guidelines on what to do if your new car warranty is denied, check out the Warranty Denied? section of our web site.
New Vehicle Warranties And Your Rights
No aftermarket part or accessory that is properly installed on your vehicle will entirely void your original vehicle manufacturers warranty. According to the provisions in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act. It is the dealership's responsibility to prove that your modification directly caused or affected the failure you are trying to resolve. With that said, some dealerships are more performance-oriented than others and are more willing to work with customers.
Warranty-related materials, published by the new vehicle manufacturers, state that the installation of aftermarket parts have no effect on the warranty unless such equipment causes the problem that leads to the warranty claim. Nonetheless, some dealers have improperly denied warranty claims even though the claim had nothing to do with aftermarket parts. I.E., just because you install an exhaust system, your suspension failure warranty claim cannot be denied. If you experience a problem with an uncooperative dealership, point out the provisions of the this "FEDERAL ACT". For more information call your vehicle manufacturer or click on the link above to go directly to the Federal Trade Commission's website to find out more about this law.
Is there even more information available to me?
Yes, SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has extensive information about this issue. Check out their information at Warranty Denied?
SEMA also keeps track of illegal / unethical practices by dealers regarding this area. If you should have to go to court or to arbitration to settle your warranty complaint, contact SEMA with the details.
What else can I do?
In large cities, there are always other dealers you can do business with. It's a good idea to find out about the most cooperative performance-oriented dealer available to you by checking with clubs, local groups, etc.
If you live in smaller communities, make sure that an uncooperative dealer knows that they are giving you plenty of reason to take you business elsewhere.
If you should have to do that, write the "manufacturer" to tell them that their dealer's activities have caused you to buy from another car company!
Do whatever you want man. I would say that although I do like the things Hope has done to her car, the NST pulley will almost certainly stop a dealer from covering anything related under warranty. Let’s say your alternator goes out, or water pump, or power steering. The way the pulley works is (very basic explanation) is it sends less power/force to your accessories i.e.: water pump, alternator ect ect. Thus freeing up more power to send to the other side of the motor = transmission = wheels = road = go fast. Now, what that means is that your accessories are running at less power than they were intended; and the dealer can say "your alternator failed at 8000 miles because that aftermarket pulley was not turning as fast/hard as it should, so it had to work harder to keep the cars voltage up." Under the law I posted above, that would be plenty proof enough for the dealer to not have to honor the warranty.
Now, I realize that the lack of a dampener on the NST pulley has been proven to not be a big deal. As a dealer though, all they would have to say is, "the stock pulley came with a dampener for a reason." And with this simple phase they could deny ANY engine warranty problem they want if you think about it.
I think the NST pulley is awesome, and I will have one. Not a single mile before 60k though; just incase.
Lastly, get a TWM short shifter since you have a manual. IMO, best manual mod there is for driving enjoyment. Use the search function! You can find all kinds of stuff.
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 43
From: Redondo Beach, CA
Druidiron speaks with great wisdom and I agree 100% with his assessment that the TWM short shifter (and cable bushings) is the best modification for the money I have experienced. It turns what was an approximate magic wand into a precise and fun shifter.
hello all i really appreciate that last post about sema and voiding warranties! also, i have a turbo tc2, its A 2012, 6 speed manual in super white which i got in september of 2011, one of the first in the us i love it to death and i enjoy every second of it. im running the descendant kit, and tein ssp coils, greddy exhaust, and SO much more, all clean and done right. dont let the warranty run your life, its YOUR car, do as you please!
i love it to death and i enjoy every second of it. im running the descendant kit, and tein ssp coils, greddy exhaust, and SO much more, all clean and done right. dont let the warranty run your life, its YOUR car, do as you please!
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