Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page!
This is where we'll try to answer any questions you might have about exhaust systems.
How long will my exhaust repair take?
This is probably the most commonly asked question, unfortunately, it doesn't have a simple answer. We endeavor to stock universal mufflers that will fit almost all vehicles on the road today. Even if we don't have the parts immediately available, we've partnered with multiple distributors to ensure that we can get those parts in as little as 1 day. If we do have the parts on-hand, most exhaust repairs take an hour or less.
What will my exhaust repair cost?
This is the other most commonly asked question. Unfortunately, we are not able to properly diagnose or estimate the cost of most exhaust system repairs without first making a thorough inspection of your vehicle's exhaust system. In the event that we do give an estimate without inspecting the vehicle's exhaust system, that estimate is given with no guarantee of its accuracy since we have not yet completed a visual inspection of the vehicle's exhaust system.
What methods of payment do you take?
We accept Cash, Personal and Business Checks*, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
We do not accept American Express, Money Orders, Temporary Checks (personal and business), or Traveler's Cheques.
*Check transactions are subject to approval by a check guaranteeing service like Telecheck, VeriSign etc.
What other services do you provide?
We also do performance diesel exhaust, performance tuning via several different products like Bully Dog, SCT, etc., as well as air intakes and some light mechanical work.
What is a catalytic converter and why do I need one on my vehicle?
This is a bit tricky to try and explain on the internet, but here we go:
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device located in the exhaust system of every vehicle purchased in the US after 1979 with catalyst monitoring beginning in 1995.
Catalytic converters are made with several precious metals including platinum and rhodium. This is one reason why they are so expensive.
Starting in 1995, catalytic converters began being monitored as part of the On-Board Diagnostics, generation II (OBDII). With this monitoring, your vehicle's computer will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and turn on your malfunction indicator lamp (MIL/"Check Engine" light), pointing to which catalytic converter - if equipped with more than one - is not performing efficiently. This monitoring of the catalytic converter system also plays a role in the fuel management (sometimes referred to as fuel trim or fuel-air mixture) so it's extremely important that your vehicle has not only the correct catalytic converter but that it is properly installed as well.
Then there is the question, "Why can't I just eliminate the catalytic converter from the exhaust system?" Well, beyond what we've already said about the fuel management aspect of catalytic converters, there is the fact that it is against federal and state law to tamper with or remove any emissions control device from a vehicle. There are a few exceptions to those laws, but it's far too complex to discuss here.
I just got a new Catalytic Converter installed so I'm good now, right?
Actually, no, you're not. Catalytic converter failure is a symptom of another problem. That being the case, we always recommend that you take your vehicle to your mechanic to ensure that all other issues are resolved. Even if your mechanic has already seen and repaired any other issues, it's worth the hassle to ensure that your new catalytic converter doesn't fail as the warranty doesn't cover failure due to engine/component malfunction. We have a disclaimer printed on all of our invoices because this is an issue we wish to help you avoid.
What can you do to increase the performance of my diesel truck?
There are many things we can do to increase the performance of your diesel truck, depending on what kind of performance you're talking about. If you're looking solely for an increase in fuel mileage, we can install a less-restrictive exhaust system as well as a less restrictive air intake system and a performance programmer, set to a tuning preset that increases fuel mileage.
If you're looking strictly for increasing available horsepower, we've got several options to explore for that as well, some being a pretty drastic increase in performance.
What brands do you offer?
We carry a full line of Flowmaster, Magnaflow, AP Exhaust, and IMCO brand mufflers. We also carry many different brands of diesel exhaust kits.
As far as performance programmers, we carry BullyDog, SCT, RaceME, H&S, Hypertech, Diablo, and a few other programmer brands. Some even offer custom tuning that allow you to purchase extended performance tunes that can dramatically increase overall performance above and beyond what the tuner initially offers.
When can I come to your shop? Do I need to make an appointment?
Both of our locations are open from Monday thru Friday, 7 A.M. until 6 P.M. Our N.W. 23rd & MacArthur location is also open on Saturdays from 9 A.M. until 2 P.M.
We take customers on a first-come, first-served basis so there is no need to make an appointment, just stop by anytime that we are open and we'll get to you as quickly as we possibly can.
If you have a question that isn't answered here, feel free to call or stop by either one of our locations today!
Check back often for additional questions and answers!