MAZDASPEED parts in the U.S.
 

I see that Trussville Mazda now sells genuine MAZDASPEED accessories for the RX-8. What I'm wondering is if they are importing these parts from some Japanese distributor and selling them without Mazda's approval. The reason I ask is that I called Mazda about putting a MAZDASPEED flywheel on my 8 and they said the warranty would be void even if my dealer did the install. Since North American Mazda Operations had not yet officially approved the use of MAZDASPEED parts on the RX-8s, any MAZDASPEED accesories would be considered aftermarket and void the warranty. Once Mazda officially approves the parts, and once dealers stock the parts I am told, then the exact same flywheel would NOT void the warranty if installed by my local dealer.

So has anyone heard anything on the politics involved with MAZDASPEED?

Thanks

Trussville and www.FinishlinePerformance.com (aka www.rosenthalmazda.com , another forum sponsor) both sell Mazdaspeed bits. They are being supplied by Mazda USA, not independently imported - many Mazda dealers are now selling these. I believe the Finishline Performance web site lists the warranty status of each part - some are warranty-approved, some are not.

This "warranty is void" nonsense gets taken out of context all the time. There is no single "warranty" that is voided - each component of the car is warranted separately and considered separately. An aftermarket flywheel does not void the warranty on your shock absorbers, rear bumper, lights, stereo, seats, electronics, paint, etc. it may affect some drivetrain components, like transmission and clutch warranty. ANY aftermarket component brings the same considerations. If you put in a different aftermarket flywheel, it will have the same warranty implications. Check out the above web site for the details.

Regards,
Gordon

wow thanks for that link they look like they carry alot more than Trusville

now to compare the prices ;)

Thanks for the tips Gordon!

I took a look at the warranty section you are talking about for the flywheel, it says "MAZDASPEED performance accesories must be specifically approved by Mazda for their particular application." What exactly does this mean? What is the best way to get "approval" from Mazda? Doe anyone know.

I think it will probably come down to pressure from RX-8 owners. I have never dealt with these issues before but my guess would be that we all need to bug the hell out of Mazda USA in order to get them to move on getting parts over here and on getting them approved under the warranty. The more of us who support MazdaSpeed the more likely they will be to move faster. So now does anyone know who to contact and start buggin'?

I've been speaking with Albert at Mazdaspeed USA @ 800-222-5500. He's looking into the details on what exactly the statement "MAZDASPEED performance accesories must be specifically approved by Mazda for their particular application" means and how to make sure I get this under warranty.

Get us an e-mail so we can bug him or his dept. ;) .

I just spoke with Camille from Albert's deparment at NA Mazda Operations. She defined that ambiguous warranty sentence for me:
As long as the aftermarket accessory is purchased and installed by an authorized Mazda dealer (MAZDASPEED dealers preferred), that part will be covered under its own warranty and it will not void the regular 50k mile vehicle warranty. Only if you purchase the "MAZDASPEED" part from a non-mazda dealer, even if your dealer install it, it will void the warranty.

When I asked to get this in writing, she said that the statement "MAZDASPEED performance accesories must be specifically approved by Mazda for their particular application"
implies what she said.

I'm still a little concerned about this and will ask my dealer before they do the install to put something in writing. I can foresee the lightened flywheel causing major engine damage in the future and Mazda taking that ambiguous warranty sentence and massaging it any way they see fit...

I still want that e-mail because I want to bug them about a turbo application from MazdaSpeed.

I want... I want... I want my turbo from MazdaSpeed.
(to the beat of I want my MTV) :)

Just call them dude. I asked if there was some kind of email but she didn't have one..

If Mazda lists the application for the part as fitting an 8 but doesn't list it for a Miata, and you put it in or on a Miata, there is no warranty should the part fail.

FYI.


Tommy