.... To me, a dealer-installed option IS factory, whether it be a heater, radio, or a Hemi. The 300 Hurst ragtop with the Hemi is a dealer-modified Chrysler 300 Hurst ragtop. For that matter, is ANY sunroof-equipped car "factory"??? They were all done by ASC, and off the Chrysler assembly line.
Patrick, the difference is a dealer installed heater or radio would be a Chrysler authorized modification as the dealer is installing a piece of equipment that the factory could have installed but didn't. The dealer is acting in lieu of the factory. The dealer is not installing any equipment that would affect warranty or liability issues.
I doubt that Chrysler would have authorized a dealer installed engine that was not offered by Chrysler.
Sunroof cars and outside modifications (Superbirds, Hursts and other package cars) were done by third party contractors authorized to make the modifications under the oversight of Chrysler. Chrysler had to approve the specs and quality of work to protect their interests.
Possession is 9/10s of the law. Once that car rolls off the transport and the dealer takes possession, then Chrysler relinquishes ownership and control of the car. There is little to nothing Chrysler can do about dealer performed modifications such as an engine swap. Yet, once Chrysler relinquishes control, they release themselves of any liability for warranty work or legal liability. Those are now in the hands of the dealer or car owner.
Factory: as engineered and designed, offered for sale, agreed to produce, constructed by, billed, liability/warranty accepted by company and delivered to third party by Chrysler. After delivery, modifications may be 'factory authorized' such as installations of a heater or radio, but it's hard to call any unauthorized modifications (engine not offered by Chrysler in that make or model) by a third party 'factory'.
