Reverse engineering case law

[Jim Choate <ravage@EINSTEIN.ssz.com>]

Hi,

I've a question for some of you real legal eagles out there....

Is there any case law regarding the reverse engineering of automotive motors?
How about electric motors, physical devices in general?

If so, were clauses in contracts that, for example, prohibit the owner of
a new automobile from working on their engine found valid? Are there any
contracts that were found binding that prohibited general maintenance (say 
changing spark plugs) by the owner (i.e. required that service be done
by a certified mechanic)?

I've heard of warranties being void if automotive work wasn't by a
authorized agent but that clearly isn't reverse engineering. Has there been 
any attempt to extend such prohibitions to the digital realm?

Then again, how about indy race teams who buy cars and then tweek the
engines. Has this ever been found illegal?

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