Ehh, this is not a clear cut case. And future events may not be in a grey area. And, the large print giveth and the fine print taketh away. "We reserve the right to deny any warranty claim at any time for any reason without prior notice".
Ive been in retail over 20 years with over 5 companies, you take care of the customer. The loss now is NOT as great as the loss later from bad PR. Goodwill goes a LONG way. Separate the cheaters and scumbag ripoffers from the honest customers such as this.
I don't think it's been proven that anyone is wrong, or right so far.
There are 4 parties involved;
the car owner. He did nothing wrong. Except MAYBE absolve his tuner of any wrongdoing.
the tuner, maybe he did, maybe he didn't
the block builder, again, no clear cut evidence they were wrong or right
the piston manufacturer, same scenario as the block builder.
IF, the car owner throws in with the tuner, and absolves him of responsibility he's putting the burden on Livornois and Mahle. As now the tuner has no fault according to the car owner.
The best scenario possible, and seeing as how all 4 involved
may hold at least some responsibility, I would think that each participant could throw in 25% of the rebuild cost and everyone could walk away satisfied.
It's like pleading no contest in court. You don't admit to guilt. This way all 4 involved can retain their good reputations and still get the car repaired.