Alright

[t3ase]

Well, I found a hella good dealership. Anyone in the Austin area, check out Preimer Mazda. Very cool bunch of guys..

I took my 'speed in for the clutch getting abit squeaky and turns out they had the I/C pipe in stock finally. They were switching it out and saw the MBC and asked about it. Told them what it was and instead of threatening to void my warranty, it sparked a very long conversation on the inner workings of the MSP, what do to and what not to do. One of the mechanics works closely with Flyin' Miata and installs their kits all of the time, and he autocrosses his two cars. The guy that worked on my car knew exactly what he was doing; it took him VERY little time to install the I/C pipe and switch out my driver's side CV axle.

The Flyin' Miata guy even asked to go for a drive since I had up'ed the boost. He compimented me the whole time he was driving. Very cool feeling.

I left with a smile on my face but looked down to see an ABS light on. So, I went back and they threw the car back up in the air, disassembled everything again and found out the parts guy ordered the wrong axle. Apparently there's a 1mm difference in width between the two axles. Took them very little time again to notice that. Amazing guys.

Although I got kicked off of their complimentary use computer in the waiting room due to someone's signature, I think I finally found a dealership I like... Woohoo!

Oh, and I even asked the guy if I could steal two of his screws for the airbox, as I had lost them while switching out the K&N. He put one new screw in but realized I had actually broken the other one off. They offered to order me another MAF unit..

 

[Elderain]

lol sounds like someone knows something about the car and arent being dicks about it hopefully they can help you with your LONG list of problems, or some of them at least. i <3 competant people lol

 

[PochaccoMSP]

That's great. I will definitely take my car to them for my alarm issue and car pulling to left. Do you remember their name by any chance? I doubt the phone person (whatever they are called) will know who "flying mazda" dude is.

 

[jeremyfl]

Just out of curiosity the I/C pipe they have in stock is this an upgraded one or the standard one???

 

[chwood]

That rocks - I suspect Austin, TX is too far to drive from Columbus, Ohio for service though.

Drat.

The guys here are nice enough - they've got my Speed now to replace a cracked windshield, and they gave me a 6 for my loaner. Pretty cool.

 

[INGREXCO]

chwood, where do u go for service?

 

[chwood]

I bought the car from Byer's Mazda/Subaru on Billingsley Rd - they are the only guys local that sell the car (or they were at the time anyway).

So far, I've just gone back to them for whatever I've needed service wise.

Their guys are friendly there (Brian is the guy I usually talk to), but it took nearly 2 weeks for the new windshield to get delivered once they ordered it, so its taken about 3 weeks to get the stupid thing fixed.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

Thats cool you found a good dealer..I think if my dealer saw a MBC, they would throw me in jail...

 

[jroof]

Does anyone have any advice on approaching the Service department about their policy on mods and the warranty. I just get the feeling that coming straight out and saying, "If I adjust my boost, will you throw a fit about the warranty?" won't get the job done. I've not delt with this kind of thing before and would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Fakhelek]

Does anyone have any advice on approaching the Service department about their policy on mods and the warranty. I just get the feeling that coming straight out and saying, "If I adjust my boost, will you throw a fit about the warranty?" won't get the job done. I've not delt with this kind of thing before and would appreciate any suggestions.

I would start out by mentioning getting a CAI or something harmless like that. See what their reaction is. Once you get the conversation started, give them a chance to show their real views.

That's basically what I did. My dealer has a CAI on a Protege ES. I asked about it and got to talking with my tech about the aftermarket. He was very interested when I mentioned Joe P's FPR. He even offered to install one if I bought it. Now I feel confident in getting an MBC. I won't announce it, but when he sees it I am sure he will be more curious than freaked.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

I wouldn't mention an MBC..and I take mine off when I go to the dealer..to me its not worth the risk..but I guess some dealers are cooler than others..

With my dealer..the actuall tech is cool and I talk cars with him..I'm sure he wouldn't flip about mods...but the service manager is a whole other story...

 

[Fakhelek]

You know, you've changed my mind. I focused too much on the tech. You never know when the manager will walk by and say, "What the **** is that?" when he sees the MBC (Assuming he knows the car well enough to recognize a mod). It would be easy to take it off before going to the dealer. No sense in taking an unnecessary risk.

Thanks.

 

[Allen]

Hey there, neighbor! Yeah, a lot of the local autocross club members like to go up to Premier Mazda (that's Round Rock Georgetown area, right?) too. I heard one of the techs there does any kind of alignment configuration you want even with your car lowered. That's where I'll be going if I need anything from Mazda in the future! (thumb)

 

[OrangeMSP]

thanks t3ase maybe they wont freak out on mine,,,,,,,

 

[t3ase]

I told them about yours and they actually wanted to see it. I'd make a trip up there when you're around just to show off.