I searched and searched and came up with no real answer to my question

I own a 2006 Rx-8 with 4500 miles. I am looking for my first big mod, and decided on an exhaust (Greddy Sp2 to be exact). I understand the Mazdaspeed exhaust is under warranty, but I want a deeper and more aggressive sound. The warranty is very important to me, but I want to start adding after market parts also.

When I get my exhaust, and put it on, should I go to my dealer for my normal matienence with the exhaust on? I realize the (new?) warranty law states that they must prove that the problem was directly caused by the after-market part, but I also read stories about cars being targeted and having their warranty's voided. I could call and ask my mazda dealer, but I also don't want them to punish me or mark something on my record that I might have (or had) parts on my car. I know I am being very cautious, but the warranty is a big deal. I could always get the mazdaspeed, but spending that kind of money on a slight upgrade (sound wise) doesn't seem worth it. I have no idea what to do, but I want to make a move on an exhaust this week. I'm sorry if this has been posted many times before, but I tried but never found a straight answer.

Thanks a bunch

 

first, they cant void warrnty cause of catback. they ca try, but you just need to talk with mazda usa, and they will clear it up cause its the law.
second, if you dont want ANY issues I have the mazdaspeed dual canister catback and it is very loud. it is one of the loudest catbacks out there.

you said major mod. you know catbacks give you only like 2-4HP. its just for the sound.

if you want holy **** loud do what i did and get a midpipe. loud like a nascar.
midpipe however is not legal, and mazda can void ur warrnty since you messed with the emmissions system. you have to swipe the stock cat in if you take it in for service. my dealer is real cool bout it, so i can go in for basic stuff, and they wont say anything. they told me if i run into a problem, to swipe the cat back in before i bring it to mazda.



so all in all, a catback should not cause any issues. but if it would make you sleep better at night get the mazda speed. i like it the best out of them all. it look real good, and is loud as ***** with stock cat.

 

Thanks for the quick response!

I know that a cat back exahust (let alone any mod under F/I) will add next to nothing. I am not looking for power gains, just a meaner, deeper sound. I listened to a lot of sound clips, and I am now leaning more toward the mazdaspeed. I don't know a lot about my dealer since it is about an hour away, but I think I will just make things easier and stick with mazda parts.

 

mazdaspeed dualcan catback is real nice, i love it. sounds sick, you wont believe how it is once you start it up for the first time. and to its one of the lightest catbacks made for the 8 thats not made of titanium. you will like it alot. the tips are great size, they fill the exhaust outlets in the bumper real nice.

 

I've been to 2 different dealers with all my mods (including my nitrous kit) and they still honor my warranty.