I spoke with my local Toyota dealer about purchasing a new exhaust system for my TC2. He told me that he could get a TRD system for my vehicle that would not void my warranty. I told him that I was not interested in the TRD exhaust but was interested in the Descendant Racing exhaust or the new HKS axelback.

He informed me that if I install an aftermarket exhaust system that it would cause my car to run rich, burn piston rings, etc, blah blah blah. Told me everything except that my car would explode if I put any aftermarket parts on my car.

I know that under the Magnuson warranty act they cannot deny my warranty claim unless they can prove the part that I installed caused the malfunction.

Does anyone know if aftermarket exhaust systems(particullary Descendant racings) can cause any malfunctions, like running rich, check engine lights, etc.

Sorry for rambling, Im not use to having a dealer be so particular. I use to own a WRX and prety much the only thing the dealer wouldnt cover would be clutches and transmissions,.

 

No problems unless the exhaust eliminates a catalytic converter

 

TRD Sparks Toyota even sells the Desendant exhaust....
http://www.trdsparks.com/displaypart...&parts_id=4014
I hate the Toyota/Scion Dealer policy - they have been lying to me too...

 

A reputable name like Descendant isn't going to release a product that causes problems with your car.

And even if something crazy did go down, just slap the OEM exhaust back on there before taking it to the dealer.

 

What a major PITA...bolts rust on the exhaust system too...you should not have to go through all that. Swapping out exhaust systems should not be required...unless you live in California and need to go through smog check every other year. Then this becomes a biannual ritual for you guys.

 

Nothing should happen to the engine if you install nothing more than a catback exhaust.

 

There are many things to say about the info your dealer provided but since I'm typing on my phone I'll sum it up in 2 words and 5 letters.

It's B.S.

 

If you don't touch the cat I'm not sure how it would affect emmissions. Sound ordinances might be another issue, along with driveability if it drones at highway speed. BTW, it's pretty much impossible to run richer w/ a higher flow exhaust, and running richer would reduce engine temperature, making it harder to burn piston rings. They just wanted you to buy the TRD system from them with a nice mark-up, plus a fat labor bill.

Axle-back are a waste of money IMO for performance gains, but if you want to change the exhaust note or have a different look on the tail then go for it. Cat-back will give you some gains but still mild (8-10 HP), not enough to throw off the factory tune.

Headers a dealer could possibly have a valid issue with if the stock O2 sensor is mounted on it. Going aftermarket may skew the reading, which is fed back to the ECU as the air fuel ratio. A lot of people on the 1gen tC needed a spacer to stop throwing codes, but may compromise the factory ECU reading in the process. I haven't heard of a header breaking anyone's motor either though.

 

Why does TRDSparks only sell the "cat back" version, instead of the full exhaust that Descendant offers? http://www.world-motorsports.com/wms...products_id=65

 

World-motorsports' one is for a turbo car and the one sold at TRD Sparks is for a NA car.