I just wanted to let you guys know, that there may be some relief in the near future concerning dealers and aftermarket parts.

Some of the more well known Lightning owners as well as myself, have been conacted by Ford, in relation to this very issue. What Ford is trying to do, is get a good look at how Lightning (and Cobra, but that doesn't concern us) owners are modifing thier trucks. They want to see these trucks in person, to be able to video tape the modifications, and the trucks racing, and see how they all work.

Now, I KNOW what you are all thinking at this point . You're thinking "BS!! Ford just wants to video us to void our warrenties!" Ok, I was skeptical at first too, but I looked into it, and it's legit.

The whole reason for this, is because Ford wants to make a training program, for SVT dealer techs, to teach them that mods are not bad, and that they don't all cause damage. The result of this if it goes through, is dealers that won't freak out when you pull your chip and filtered Lightning in for service.

Right now, Ford is setting up meetings with modifed Lightning owners, to talk with them, and tape the parts and trucks in action. So far, I have been told the first meeting will be in TX, and I am trying to get them to come to Fords at E town as well. I thinkk this is a great idea, and it's a long time coming.

 

I have also been contacted by FORD

 

Hurry it up guys, I had to take all my mods off for the IC fix, just gave me a reason to install more go fast goodies, and these arn't comin off even if it has to go to the dealer

 

Ford contacted a number of Ford Clubs. They are supposed to be coming to FFW in Ennis in October.

I still wonder what the reason behind it. Too me it is too good to be true. What is the financial incentive for Ford to finance this project ? Travel to Texas etc, etc. It is a lot of money.

It was described as to be used for technicain training. Trouble is I have NEVER heard of a technician denying a warranty claim. It is the service writers. ANY training for Service writers should be helpful, since they appear so clueless.
My $0.02
Doug

 

Clearly some mods are damaging, improperly set up nitrous, etc. Has Ford given any indication whats a no-no or what their intent to determine what will be acceptable is?

 

They're suppose to be in Detroit in Sept. too. This will be interesting to see where it goes.

 

If ford comes to look at my mods, I park in the garage, unhook the nos and just let it flow free he might get stoned senseless and say that nos if really good for the engine and driver

 

I hope you're right Sal, but looks like a huge pot of BS to me. They want to get familiar with ALL the tricks...

 

If its too good to be true....usually it is. I don't like the look of it. I will believe it when I see it. I just can't see anyone running in a dealership with a damned chip and getting warranty work. Now I CAN see Ford getting into the aftermarket chip business....with safe parameters...I KNOW for a fact that some of the tuners here push the envelope...as I HAVE first hand knowledge of "tuliped valves" "SEIZED engines..etc. I won't even go the route of posting names. Just the facts as I know them. I smell a FISH....

 

LOL... I agree with you.
It's also us the consumer that demands so much from these Tuners. And let's be serious. FORD has been watching us for some time, and I know first hand that they have. The person that contacted me, also notified me that they know all about our site and current available MODS. And dont forget how easy we make it for them. Here we are listing build numbers in our Sigs, only making it easier for them to keep track.

Oh yea...FORD has a list allright.....

 

They contacted us "HALO" about taping our mods at Ennis.
Initially we thought it was a trap but we checked it out and its legit. (As long as they don't see my truck)

noelvm

 

I don't want to come off as a damned pessimist...but this damed economy is sucking hind titty right now...anyone TRACK FORD STOCK LATELY?? What economic incentive would Ford have to warranty mod work? This just don't add up guys. My .02.


unless....they do plan of getting in the chip business?

someone could come up with a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT as we type....Down's Ford installs chips and advertises the same...they are a representative of Ford representing Ford...and THEY ARE KNOWINGLY installing chips...get my drift...A NEW TWIST MATIES... So anyone get denied warranty work....go get yourself a lawyer...but the question is.....could you fight it for less than 5695.00??? ya know a KARKRAFT replacement....lol

 

When it comes to the warranty voiding issue on my 33K truck, I get a little skeptical. Maybe Ford wants the techs to be more familiar w/ mods so they can recognize them, and deny the warranty claim.

Several people have said they "checked into it," and it's legit. What exactly does that mean? How did you check into "it," and with whom?

Ford hasn't seemed very cooperative with the Lightning community in the past, so why would they start now? So they can void less warranty's for mods, thus paying more out of pocket to fix them? Hmmmmmmm

 

Big Brother WAS just looking, now they're coming IN YOUR truck

When Ford comes to look at your L, make sure you envite them to dinner too!
I know I from the hills, but we ain't got no turnips in ma truk.
I won't believe this even if I do see it. Flame me for being negative on this post, I absolutely am.
DO NOT TRUST FORD ON THIS, THERE IS ALWAYS A HIDDEN AGENDA. THEY WILL ACT LIKE YOUR FRIEND, THEY ARE NOT OUT FOR YOUR BEST INTEREST, THEY ARE OUT FOR THEIRS.
As stated earlier, has anyone looked at Fords stock lately? I believe I said about 2-3 months ago to get rid of your Ford stock, it is no great secret that companies are interested in cutting costs, i.e. perceived fraudulent warranty claims. I have no figureson what Ford perceives this # to be, but like any big company, I sure it is a substantial amount.
You come on my land, and you'll find yourself on the recieving end of a McMillen .50cal. Which I have recorded hits at more than 1500 meters. No thanks Big Brother.

 

I don't Sal I don't see how this would benefit Ford in any way other than finding out exactly what to look for. I'm wondering what mod's would or wouldn't fly-------
1. Computer Chip (maybe)
2. aftermarket filter/ram air kits (why wouldn't it)
3. Upper and lower aftermarket pulley's (when pigs fly)
4. Nitrous (when hell freezes over)
5. Transmissiong mods (should, but I doubt it)
6. Different spark plugs (why not)

I just can't see Ford's new logo (Ford Mod friendly). Although if you do get through to them please tell them they have other problems to address. I can already see the warranty times slashing again. lol
Here's my solution we should just get all the ford techs together we can call it the "blind tech association" with the moto "out of sight out of mind". Working on vehicles myself in a dealership I could care less if you have a chip, filter, ect. As long as now one walks by and can see a bottle and nitrous lines hanging out oh well I didn't see a thing. Does that make me a bad tech or a decent human? Maybe if there were more techs out there like that Ford wouldn't have such a bad rap and tech wouldn't be considered low life's.

Oh well
Bill (the blind tech)