Differences Between Straight Pipe and Performance Exhaust Systems

Posted by American Muffler on August 12, 2016
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At American Muffler, we pride ourselves on being able to provide state of the art performance exhaust systems to all of our clients.  Whether you’re in search of an exhaust system that will decrease emissions, quiet your engine, or just get the job done, we’ve got you covered.  In order for you to understand the value of performance exhaust systems, however, you must also understand the differences between those exhaust systems and straight pipe exhaust systems, which we aim to outline below:

Noise Level

If you want an exhaust system that’s going to keep your engine loud, then a straight pipe exhaust system is the system for you.  Performance exhaust systems are much better at quieting the sound of your engine, and given the noise laws that you can find in some parts of the country, they could be a good investment.  The amount of money you may have to pay in tickets and fines with a noisy straight pipe exhaust system could have been used to initially purchase a performance exhaust system that would not have produced such problems.

Emissions

With the worsening state of our environment, laws on emissions outputs have been popping up everywhere.  Straight pipe exhaust systems, unfortunately, are not equipped with the same filtration systems and blocks as performance exhaust systems, allowing harmful emissions to escape into the atmosphere.  Much in the same way that one can be fined for not complying with noise laws, the same is true for emissions laws, and once again that money could have been spent on preventative measures such as a performance exhaust system.

Appearance

Exhaust systems are one of the few vital parts of your car that exist outside of the engine or under the hood.  The fact that exhaust systems are external means that they affect the overall look of your car, and depending on what make or model you’re driving, the exhaust system you choose can enhance–or detract–from the aesthetics of your vehicle.  Straight pipes can often be hidden under your vehicle, but why not take the opportunity to further customize your vehicle with an outfitted performance exhaust system?  Multiple pipes, chrome plating, and varying ends can all be used to dress up your vehicle.

The main reason why we advocate for performance exhaust systems is that all you’re really sacrificing in getting one is the sound of a straight pipe exhaust system.  However, what a lot of people forget is that certain performance exhaust systems can actually mimic the sound of a straight pipe exhaust system.  Thus, you get all of the benefits of both types of exhaust systems with a performance exhaust system.  To find out what type of exhaust system is right for you, contact American Muffler today!

What Are Aftermarket Exhaust Parts?

Posted by American Muffler on July 12, 2016
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In general, car manufacturers know what they’re doing.  Businesses like that of auto manufacturing have high barriers to entry, meaning that the products they make have generally proven themselves better than similar products and thus deserving of market share.  However, not every car is built to be the best it can, and you can easily change that with aftermarket parts.  Aftermarket parts are parts that you can add to your car’s exhaust system to make it work better than it did when it was brand new.

What differentiates aftermarket exhaust parts from any type of car repair?

Aftermarket exhaust parts are meant to improve the performance of a vehicle regardless of any wear and tear that it’s had to endure.  In employing the use of aftermarket exhaust parts, you aren’t fixing something that’s broken, but rather improving something that already works.

Do aftermarket parts just improve performance?

No!  Aftermarket parts can be purchased to improve performance, aesthetics, or more specifically in the case of mufflers: the sounds of your vehicle.  You can alter your exhaust system to sound how you want it to (see our previous post on making your car sound like a Ferrari) or look how you’d like as well with exhaust tips.  Aftermarket parts are all about customizing your vehicle to be exactly what you want it to be.

Can aftermarket exhaust parts be used as replacement parts?

Yes!  In fact, aftermarket exhaust parts tend to be cheaper than factory or OEM replacements, making them a great option for those looking to both customize their vehicle and get a good deal on maintenance.  Replacement parts can be so expensive that you simply can’t afford them, which is stressful and dangerous.  Explore aftermarket exhaust parts and see if their prices could be more suitable for your needs and your wallet.

Virtually every part of your exhaust system can be purchased as an aftermarket exhaust part, whether it be headers, catalytic converters, mid-pipes, thermal insulation, or resonators,  you can get all of these parts and more for a better cost with American Muffler. While we are on the subject of aftermarket parts, we’d love to give a quick shout to our friends over at PSG we just ordered a paint sprayer for a new project and its been a pleasure to use thus far! 

Making Your Old Sedan Roar Like a Ferrari

Posted by American Muffler on June 12, 2016
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Mufflers and exhaust systems are absolutely essential parts of your car, but does their status as necessities prevent them from also being luxuries?  Because we need mufflers, we don’t necessarily think of them as a fun and customizable car part.  Custom exhaust systems are a valuable investment for countless reasons (boost in horse power, better mileage, more damage-resistant, the list goes on), but who knew that completely changing the sound of your car would be one of them?  If you’re in the market for a muffler, you best know that its job is to muffle the sound of your car.  But what if you didn’t want to muffle it?  In fact, what if you wanted to change it…and amplify it?  Thanks to really cool new innovations in the auto-industry, you can make your car, no matter the make or model, sound like a luxury sports vehicle.

A French auto maker called Faurecia SA can change the sound of your vehicle from that of a dying Oldsmobile to a brand new Ferrari.  The system works by way of mini-speakers that are able to amp up the muffled sound of your car.  In this case, the muffler still serves its purpose as you aren’t actually amplifying the natural sound of your car, but the muffled version of it.  Amplifying the muffled version of your car’s sound will make it sound like it has the roar of a much more expensive vehicle.

Because of recent efforts to save the environment, governments around the world have started to try to crack down on car emissions.  This is good news for people with customizable exhaust systems, as they can customize their exhaust system to be as environmentally friendly as possible.  However, as car’s get better for the Earth, they also get a lot quieter.  Engines are getting smaller to help cut down on emissions, further shushing your vehicle.  If you miss having a car that really lets out a purr, then an amplifier may be for you!  There are a ton of options for changing the sound of your vehicle by altering your exhaust system or muffler, so don’t just settle for your same old sound: customize every part of your vehicle to get the noise you want!

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Exhaust System

Posted by American Muffler on May 12, 2016
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With the environment in the state that it is, choosing an eco-friendly exhaust system for your car is more important than ever.  Now, thanks to a neat new gadget, being green doesn’t have to break the bank.  For less than $100, you can own Blade.  Blade is a small device that can attach to the tailpipe of essentially any modern car.  It works by increasing the efficiency of your catalytic converter, which results in lower emissions.  These lower emissions are then filtered by Blade to eliminate particulate matter and other solid inorganic emissions that can get released into the air and trapped in your lungs.  Blade makes your car better for the planet and healthier for you.  According to Sabertec, the company responsible for Blade, if every vehicle on the road today used their device, vehicle air pollution could be reduced by up to 57%.  This is the environmental equivalent of removing around 50 million cars from the road. 

Even if the environment isn’t your primary concern, Blade is still a product worth investing in.  Blade not only increases the efficiency of your catalytic converter, but the volumetric efficiency of the engine as well.  This allows your engine to burn more efficiently, reducing CO2 and perhaps more noticeably, increasing your fuel economy.  Sabertec is quoted as saying that American drivers would save $42 billion collectively, annually, just by using Blade.

If Blade isn’t really your style and you’re looking for something a little less advertised, there are a number of quick and simple ways to make your exhaust system more eco-friendly, efficient, and affordable.  Among these many options is an air intake kit.  If your main consideration in designing an exhaust system is fuel economy, then consider purchasing one of these.  An air intake kit does exactly what it sounds like it does: it ensures that your engine is getting the fresh air it needs to run smoothly.  For (typically) less than $200, a simple kit will produce gains in horsepower, torque, and fuel economy.  By saving fuel, you not only save money, but the environment as well.

The Benefits of a Custom Exhaust System

Posted by American Muffler on April 12, 2016
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Not all exhaust systems are created equally. Manufacturer supplied or factory exhaust systems are designed to meet government standards but beyond that there is no guarantee as to how well they are working. Here are some of the benefits of a custom exhaust system you should consider.

  1. Boost In Horsepower

A better exhaust system will increase the horsepower of your automobile by reducing the amount of dirty air in your engine. Cleaner combustion means that your engine can take in more air and increase torque and horsepower. The increase in horsepower you can expect will depend on the exact system you have installed and the current specs of your vehicle.

  1. Better Gas Mileage

When your engine is more easily able to expel the byproducts of combustion, it doesn’t have to work as hard to get you down the road. Upgrading your exhaust system can increase your gas mileage by 1-2%. While this may not seem like a lot, it can really add up over the lifespan of your vehicle, especially if you spend a lot of time on the road.

  1. That Rumble

A custom exhaust system sounds better. The higher quality metals and other materials used usually produce a deep sound that a lot of drivers prefer over the standard sounds that come from stock exhaust systems.

  1. Improved Overall Appearance And Style

A set of dual exhaust chrome tail pipes is going to look a lot more stylish and high end than a basic tailpipe. A custom exhaust system is a must for those that want their vehicle to look and sound like a high-performance machine.

  1. More Resistant To Decay and Damage

A custom exhaust system is often made of high-quality parts such as stainless steel for improved durability. When you get a custom exhaust system, you can trust that it is going to last a long time if treated properly. With a custom exhaust system, you can say goodbye to rust spots on your tailpipes.

American Muffler carries all the top brands of custom exhaust headers, diesel exhaust parts, and stock auto exhaust parts. We can service all parts of an exhaust system and save you time and money because we offer high-quality discount exhaust parts and service. Contact us today with any questions or to get a quote on a custom exhaust system for your favorite automobile.

How to Clean Your Car Muffler

Posted by American Muffler on March 12, 2016
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muffler shop boca raton

For those who don’t know, a car muffler is a component of the exhaust system of a car. The car muffler performs 3 primary jobs: 1) Silencing the noise output from your car’s engine. 2) Reducing exhaust emission. 3) Providing back pressure to increase the efficiency of the engine.

With these factors being named, it it important to clean your car’s muffler to keep it in tip-top shape! Failing to keep your muffler clean may result in a clogged exhaust system. Our experts here at American Muffler designed a 3-step DIY cleaning process to get the best results possible.

Step 1:

First things first, you’re going to want to remove any excess dirt or grime. Make sure you’re equipped with some latex gloves as well as a dry rag. Wipe off all excess soot and dirt from the exterior of the muffler. This is a preliminary step that will ease the rest of the process.

Step 2:

Next, you are going to want to remove all grease and tough stains. You can approach this step one of two ways. First, you can purchase a brand-name degreaser from your local auto part store. Alternatively, you can also create your own degreaser by adding 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap to a bucket of warm water. Once your cleaning mix is picked, soak your muffler with the solution and let it sit to allow the break down the grime and carbon build up. After a few moments, start lightly washing your muffler with any available cleaning brushes. Take care in scrubbing your muffler because scratching it may cause premature corrosion of the piping.

Step 3:

 On to the last step…polishing! The final step is to use either a microfiber towel or pad of steel wool to polish the tip of the muffler. Apply a moderate amount of product to the steel wool and spread evenly around the surface. We recommend polishing a second round using the microfiber cloth.

 

American Muffler is South Florida’s oldest independent muffler shop in the region! We offer our expert advice and services on all car, truck, or SUV car systems that are in need. Give us a call today at 954-739-1734.

Does A Quiet Performance Muffler Exist?

Posted by American Muffler on February 12, 2016
Posted in: custom exhaust systems. Leave a Comment

mufflers for sale

There are a lot of high-grade mufflers out there, but it can be a challenge to find one that is quiet. Online forums indicate that finding a high-performance muffler that isn’t loud is a goal many car and truck enthusiasts have.

Magnaflow Mufflers have a deep and strong sound that many customers enjoy. A lifetime warranty makes Magnaflow an easy choice for many people. The larger Magnaflow’s are popular with those that want a muffler that is quiet until you choose to open it up.

Dynomax Mufflers are affordable and come highly recommended for reducing the loud drone that is common with many performance mufflers out there. The XL model has a valve that will open to control exhaust flow and reduce the level of noise.

Resonators

Some motor enthusiasts that don’t want to upgrade to a different model of muffler have resonators installed to help tone down the level of noise. This is an option best left to professionals or those that have a lot of experience with exhaust systems. It is often easier just to purchase a muffler that is already quiet, especially if your muffler is already not in the best of shape.

Choosing The Right Muffler

American Muffler offers years of experience choosing the best truck exhaust systems in Broward County, FL. We carry mufflers from all the top muffler manufacturers. If you want something we don’t have, we would be happy to source and order it for you.

It is important to seek the advice of a muffler shop if you are seeking a specific type of performance muffler. With so many choices out there it is all too easy to order a muffler that doesn’t fulfill your requirements. Proper installation is critical to getting the best performance.

Diesel Exhaust Parts

American Muffler has everything needed to service a diesel exhaust system. Servicing a diesel is not hard when you come to our expert mechanics. Contact us at any time and let us help you find the best muffler for the lifetime of your automobile.

Parts

We take pride in offering an extensive selection of exhaust system parts that we keep in stock for when you need them the most. A fast turnaround time on your repairs and installation is what makes us one of the top muffler shops in Florida.

Key Parts of the Exhaust System

Posted by American Muffler on January 12, 2016
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The exhaust is one of the most important parts of a vehicle. The exhaust system carries away the toxic fumes and gasses away from the users of the vehicle. The gasses produced by the engine must be carried safely back into the environment, much like a chimney removes smoke from entering a home. There are many parts of an exhaust system that tie it all together and each one is critical to keep the system functioning properly.

exhaust system parts

Parts of the Exhaust System

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What Are Signs You Need An Exhaust System Fixed?

Posted by American Muffler on December 2, 2015
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muffler

There are many parts of an exhaust system that need to be looked at from time to time. The exhaust and muffler are the most obvious, but other exhaust system pieces such as the catalytic converter may also need to be repaired, and may even be showing signs right now that the time has come to head back to the local exhaust shop or muffler shop in order to get back into tip-top shape!

5 Signs Your Exhaust System Needs Help!

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How to Find the Right Muffler Shop

Posted by American Muffler on November 2, 2015
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Finding the right shop and mechanic to work on an exhaust system can be a tricky task. There are a lot of options out there, and learning to know what to look for can help a lot.
When it comes to finding a great muffler shop, there are certain things that everyone is going to want to consider. A quality muffler shop needs to be experienced and to know what they are looking at with muffler and exhaust issues.

Finding the Right Muffler Shop

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