You keep posting that an OEM replacement won't be flagged for a warranty claim. This is ******** conjecture. If you have an issue, like a blown motor, it won't matter if the IC is FMIC or OEM replacement, if they want to deny the claim because of the intercooler they will, period. You think, "oh well they can't see it" is just fantasy. When they dig to find shit, they will find it.
It really isn't ******** - or shouldn't be. If you're replacing a part w/ an aftermarket part that is designed to fit/function in the same fashion as stock but w/ better fit/finish/flow it shouldn't void warranty. More to my point - w/ the larger FMIC's - not only are you swapping out a stock part for an aftermarket one, you're completely re-designing it. Removing factory one & changing location, putting in a spot where it inarguably effects the cooling efficiency of the engine rad, require cutting the truck up & removing the active grill shutters all of which amounts to a much higher liklihood of a) the FMIC causing an issue, b) the dealer noticing & therefore blaming the FMIC for a problem that may otherwise be covered under warranty - and they'd have every right to do so in that case.
If however I had a bearing go & replace the stock unit w/ a timken one, & then my 1/2 shaft goes bad/tears a boot or have an IWE issue - would you expect the dealer to blame the Timken bearing b/c its not a FOMOCO part? Not likely. Just like they wouldn't void a warranty on a catback exhaust since it bolts up in stock location & although completely different, still performs the stock function.
If you had a freak issue w/ brake booster/master cylinder & the part failed under 3/36k warranty - would you expect Ford to void your warranty claim if you had aftermarket rotors/pads? I aint talking an Alcon kit, I'm saying DBA slotted rotors & EBC pads for instance.....nah, of course they wouldn't.
And that is completely analogous to swapping out the stock ****** IC for a factory fitment Whipple/CVF/Mishimoto/Wagner - its common sense, not ******** conjecture. You're gonna sit there & tell me, all else being equal, that you'd be equally confident (or unconfident I suppose) bringing in a Raptor for engine related warranty issue w/a big ass COBB IN YO FACE FMIC peaking through the grill sans shutters as you would w/ a Whipple in the tucked neatly & correctly in the stock location?
Mmmmmkkkkayyyy.....
