Knowledge Base

Lou's Custom Exhaust Of Plymouth, Quincy, and Westport are Open Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:44:00 GMT

Lou's Custom Exhaust in Plymouth, Quincy, and Westport will be open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend for a full day.

If you have been putting off getting that annoying exhaust leak, squeeky/worn brakes, or some custom work you have been thinking about doing this weekend would be the perfect time to do so.

Give us a call at any one of our locations:

Plymouth 508-746-3500

Quincy 617-773-6500

Westport 508-646-1500

Now Stocking The Borla Muffler Line

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:19:00 GMT

Why Choose Borla?

BORLA is committed to providing world-class exhaust products which surpass the expectations of their customers. They have pioneered a variety of improvements in the design of performance exhaust systems. Every Borla Muffler is made from 304 stainless steel (superior to 409 or aluminized steel). They also fully weld their mufflers just like we do our exhaust systems. BORLA’s patented exhaust technology for the street can provide up to 7-10% increased horsepower and torque when you plant your foot, and improved gas mileage at cruising speeds. These mufflers also qualify for our 2 year parts and labor warranty

What Borla Products Do We Keep In Stock?

Turbo Series

BORLA XL Mufflers are designed for supreme street performance, offering aircraft-quality high quality austenitic stainless steel, all-welded construction and more for increased horsepower and torque. Independent tests prove maximum flow capability.

XL models are recommended for smaller engines. XL models for smaller, 4-6 cylinder motors.

Turbo XL Series

BORLA Turbo XL Mufflers are designed for supreme street performance, offering aircraft-quality high quality austenitic stainless steel, all-welded construction and more for increased horsepower and torque. Independent tests prove maximum flow capability.

Turbo XL models are recommended for larger engines. Turbo models for smaller motors up to small-block V8s.

Is your Car Ready For the Winter?

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:43:00 GMT

With the winter season quickly approaching, and with October being National Car Care month, the time to get your vehicle ready for the cold months will be upon us before we know it. With every vehicle there are numerous things to keep in mind when winterizing, such as your battery, tires, cooling system, and oil. With that in mind, here's some advice on what to think about when you're getting your car ready for another season of cold.

Tires

As the only part of your car that actually touches the road, making sure that your tires are ready for the winter season is probably the first and most important thing to take into account when winterizing your vehicle. While making sure that your tires are rotated and aligned is important, checking the tread on your tires is probably the first thing that should be checked on your new and used cars.

If getting your car to your local car dealership isn't a viable option, then an easy way to check the tread on your tires is to take a penny and insert it into the most worn section of your tired tread. If you are able to see Mr. Lincoln's head, then it's time to get your tires replaced, preferably before there's snow on the ground. Depending on the region you live in, then checking the tread on your tires might not be enough, and you may need snow tires to make it through the winter. Figure out which option will best suit your needs and make sure that you have everything taken care of before the first flakes of snow fall.

Getting your tires checked out is easily the simplest and most important thing you can do to make sure that your care is ready for the winter season...but it's not the only thing.

At Lou's we can check your tread, check your tire pressures, rotate your tires, and check your braking system too.

Cooling System

Ok, with winter on its way it seems counter-productive to be thinking of your cooling system, but your cooling system is also what houses your anti-freeze, which is very important to making it through this winter. While you should change out the anti-freeze in your car every two years, it's always a good idea to have it checked before the start of every winter. Swinging by any Lou's Custom Exhaust location is a quick way to have your anti-freeze levels checked and make sure that you won't have to worry about your car freezing up.

With having your anti-freeze checked, it's not a bad idea to pour one of many anti-freezing chemicals that are designed for your fuel lines. This can help to prevent any moisture that's in your fuel line from freezing up and preventing your car from starting or damaging the fuel lines which can add up to costly repairs.

Battery

Make sure that your battery's terminals are clean and tight, ensuring a good connection for your electrical systems. Getting the charge checked on your battery before the bad weather hits is a good way to make sure that you won't have to have your care jumped in three feet of snow.

We can clean your terminals at Lou's and get replacement batteries for you if your battery has been getting weak.

Heater and Defroster

Make sure that your heater and defroster work before the winter hits. Not only is this important for your own comfort inside of the car, but it's important for ensuring that you'll have good visibility through your windows.

Emergency Kit

If you don't already have an emergency bad weather kit in your car, now is a good time to make one. A warm blanket, jumper cables, an ice scraper, de-icer, rock salt or sand, a tire inflator, a flashlight, and a few snacks are essential parts to any snow emergency kit. If you already have one, check to make sure that everything in there is still in good shape and easily accessible. If for some reason you do have car troubles and are stranded you'll want these things to help make it until help arrives.

Getting your car ready for the winter season doesn't have to take long, but not getting it done can cost you a lot of money when you have to get these things repaired in the middle of the winter season or when you're forced to buy a new car after your current vehicle is damaged beyond repair. Save yourself some time, money, and protect your safety by getting your car checked out and ready for the winter season as soon as possible.

Brakes

Another important item for the winter. If your brakes are wearing out parts of your ABS (anti-lock braking) system may not be working properly. This can cause dangerous conditions in the snow. We do free brake estimates at Lou's so we are the best place to come to find out if you need work or not.

Exhaust

I know some of you are reading this and saying "What does my exhaust have to do with driving in the winter?" Normally the exhaust isn't an issue but if for some reason you get stranded out in the cold and the snow with only your car to keep you warm an exhaust leak will all of a sudden become very noticeable. You don't want to be in a bad situation and not be able to run your car for heat due to an exhaust leak so come on in to any Lou's location for a free exhaust inspection.

Our locations are the following

13 Aldrin Road

Plymouth, MA 02360

508-746-3500 jim@lousmuffler.com

57 Liberty Street

Quincy, MA 02169

617-773-6500 marc@lousmuffler.com

727 state road

Westport, MA 02790

508-646-1500 kevin@lousmuffler.com

Lou's Custom Exhaust now offering our own 4" diesel kits

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:52:00 GMT

Lou's Now is making our own custom 4" cat-back diesel exhaust kits.

We are using 4", 14 guage, mandrel bent exhaust pipes along with a straight through magnaflow muffler and a 5" or 6" stainless steel tip.

The system is 100% welded and costs $475.00 to install.

Save Gas With Gas mileage increasing performance mufflers!

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:28:00 GMT

Performance exhaust and better gas mileage

You've probably wanted a sweet set of exhaust pipes for a while. Now here's a great excuse to grab a performance exhaust: High flowing performance exhausts actually increase gas mileage!

The specialized bending of an exhaust system and a higher flowing muffler frees your exhaust flow, virtually ending turbulent back pressure that can hold your vehicle much the way drag does. The average improvement to gas mileage is between 1 and 2 mpg, which varies by vehicle.

Along with the gas savings, a performance exhaust system for your vehicle boosts horsepower between 5% and 10%. Using this new power to drive like a bat out of Hades, though, will negate any gas mileage increase provided by a performance exhaust.

Don't forget the sound! Adding a new exhaust system to your vehicle can add any level of engine growl - from sporty and subdued to a rumblin' rock concert nobody is soon to forget.

So give us a shout at Lou's Custom Exhaust of:
Quincy (617-773-6500)
Plymouth (508-746-3500)
Westport (508-646-1500)

If you prefer you can contact us via email .

2010 Camaro SS with Custom Exhaust

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:03:00 GMT

1966 Ford Mustang with Dual Exhaust

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:56:00 GMT

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Custom Exhaust

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:55:00 GMT

Downpipe Studs

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:32:00 GMT

ALSO COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS MANIFOLD STUDS, THESE ARE THE THREADED RODS THAT ARE INSERTED IN THE END OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IN ORDER TO SECURE THE DOWNPIPE TO THE MANIFOLD. THERE ARE MANY TYPES AND SIZES OF STUDS USED IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY INCLUDING BOTH METRIC AND SAE SIZES. SOME CONNECTIONS INCORPORATE A SPRING TO ALLOW SOME MOVEMENT OF THE DOWNPIPE ON THE GASKET WITHOUT LOSING THE SEAL. MOST OFTEN IN MODERN VEHICLES THE MANIFOLD WILL HAVE TWO OR THREE STUDS ON THE MANIFOLD AND USE A ROUND OR HALF-ROUND GASKET WITH A CONED DOWNPIPE TO MAKE THE CONNECTION. THESE STUDS HAVE A TENDENCY TO RUST AND ROT QUICKER THAN OTHER PARTS OF THE EXHAUST DUE TO THE HIGH TEMPERATURES THEY ARE SUBJECTED TO ON THE MANIFOLD.

BECAUSE THESE STUDS ARE USUALLY VERY DETERIORATED BY THE TIME THEY LET GO, THEY CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE MANIFOLD. AT LOU’S CUSTOM EXHAUST WE HAVE DEVELOPED SEVERAL TECHNIQUES OVER THE YEARS TO ACCOMPLISH THIS JOB.

Flex Pipes

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:32:00 GMT

FLEX PIPES ARE A COMPONENT OF MANY MODERN EXHAUST SYSTEMS, ESPECIALLY IN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. THEY ARE DESIGNED TO ALLOW FLEX IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO PREVENT HARD COMPONENTS FROM CRACKING OR BREAKING. THIS IS IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY IN FRONT DRIVE VEHICLES BECAUSE OF INCREASED STRESS ON THE EXHAUST DUE TO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION LOCATION. THEY ARE TYPICALLY 4-10 INCHES IN LENGTH AND CONSIST OF THIN STAINLESS STEEL FORMED INTO AN ACCORDIAN SHAPE AND SURROUNDED BY BRAIDS OF STAINLESS STEEL WIRE MESH. OFTEN TIMES THESE FLEX PIPES ARE LOCATED WITH OTHER COMPONENTS, SUCH AS CATALYTIC CONVERTERS OR Y-PIPES, THAT MAKE THESE WHOLE PIECES COSTLY TO REPLACE. AT LOU’S CUSTOM EXHAUST WE CAN CUT OUT YOUR BROKEN FLEX PIECE FROM ITS LARGER COMPONENT AND WELD IN A NEW FLEX PIPE, WITHOUT HAVING TO REPLACE OTHER, MORE COSTLY, PARTS THAT ARE STILL IN WORKING CONDITION.

Manifold Replacement

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:31:00 GMT

The exhaust manifold is the component of an exhaust system which connects the exhaust ports on the engine block to the downpipe. Some problems you may have with a manifold are cracks, warping, broken studs and bad gaskets. Unfortunately most of these problems require a replacement of the manifold.

Exhaust manifolds are generally simple cast iron or stainless steel units which collect engine exhaust from multiple cylinders and deliver it to the exhaust pipe. For many engines, after market high performance exhaust headers are available. These consist of individual exhaust headpipes for each cylinder, which then usually converge into one tube called a collector. Headers that do not have collectors are called zoomie headers, and are used exclusively on race cars.

The most common types of aftermarket headers are made of either ceramic, or stainless steel. Ceramic headers are lighter in weight than stainless steel, however, under extreme temperatures they can crack - something stainless steel is not prone to.

The goal of performance exhaust headers is mainly to decrease flow resistance (back pressure), and to increase the volumetric efficiency of an engine, resulting in a gain in power output. The processes occurring can be explained by the gas laws.

There are certain vehicles that are prone to developing manifold leaks. Also, due to many different types and configurations of motors in modern vehicles, the degree of difficulty in replacing an exhaust manifold can vary greatly. Unfortunately, this also means the cost of such a job can vary greatly too. Some vehicles exhaust manifolds many even have a catalytic converter integrated into it. This setup can significantly increase the cost also.

Performance Mufflers

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:31:00 GMT

Performance mufflers are a great addition to your automobile. Not only to do they give your car that sound you’ve always wanted, but they also relieve some back pressure created by the restrictive factory systems. Relieving back pressure not only increases engine efficiency (Horsepower and torque) but also allows you to obtain more gas mileage out of your vehicle. Performance mufflers come in all shapes and sizes as well as several different types of metals (aluminum, stainless, titanium, and coated). To name a few Flowmaster, Magnaflow, Hooker , Bassani, and Corsa, have all been thoroughly tested and gone through years of research and development.

Tune Ups

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:22:00 GMT

A BASIC TUNE UP USUALLY INVOLVES REPLACING THE VEHICLES SPARK PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, FUEL FILTER AND A CHECK OF THE AIR FILTER, PCV VALVE, AND SERPENTINE BELT. MOST MANUFACTURERS RECOMMEND HAVING A TUNE-UP EVERY 30,000 MILES OR TWO YEARS WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. SPARK PLUGS ARE AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF YOUR VEHICLE AS THEY ARE REQUIRED TO IGNITE THE FUEL/AIR MIXTURE IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. OVER TIME SPARK PLUGS MAY DETERIORATE OR LOSE THE ABILITY TO CREATE SPARK FOR THE IGNITION SEQUENCE CAUSING A VEHICLE TO RUN ROUGH AND CAUSE OTHER PROBLEMS. PLUG WIRES CAN DETERIORATE THE SAME WAY AS THEY CARRY THE CHARGE FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR TO THE SPARK PLUGS.

FUEL FILTERS PREVENT ANY CONTAMINANTS SUCH AS DIRT AND RUST THAT MAY BE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM FROM ENTERING THE VEHICLES MOTOR WHICH COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS FOR THE ENGINE BY SCREENING THE FUEL THROUGH A FILTERING PAPER. REPLACING YOUR FUEL FILTER WILL INCREASE YOUR VEHICLES PERFORMANCE AS A RESULT OF FEWER CONTAMINATING ELEMENTS IN THE FUEL ALLOWING IT TO BURN MORE EFFICIENTLY.

AIR FILTERS, AN IMPORTANT PART OF A VEHICLES INTAKE SYSTEM, REMOVES MOST SOLID PARTICLES SUCH AS POLLEN, DUST, MOLD, AND BACTERIA FROM THE AIR. THE MAJORITY OF AIR FILTERS ARE MADE OF FIBROUS MATERIALS. A PCV VALVE IS A VALVE THAT USES A VARIABLE AND CALIBRATED AIR LEAK IN WHICH THE ENGINE RETURNS ITS CRANKCASE COMBUSTION GASES TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.

A SERPENTINE BELT IS USED TO DRIVE THE PULLEYS ON AN ENGINE SUCH THE ALTERNATOR, POWER STEERING PUMP, WATER PUMP, AND A/C COMPRESSOR. BELTS ARE OFTEN GUIDED BY AN IDLER PULLEY OR A BELT TENSIONER. WITHOUT A SERPENTINE BELT THE MOTOR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY OR AT ALL. WEAR SIGNS ARE EVIDENT IN THE FORM OF CRACKS IN THE RUBBER AND SOMETIMES EVEN MISSING GROOVES.

Resonators

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:32:00 GMT

A RESONATOR IS AN EXTRA MUFFLING DEVICE FOUND IN MOST LATE MODEL VEHICLE EXHAUST SYSTEMS. THEY ARE DESIGNED TO WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MUFFLER TO ELIMINATE EXTRANEOUS NOISE AND QUIET INTERIOR RESONANCE IN THE VEHICLE. SOME RESONATORS WORK ON A SOUND DELFLECTION PRINCIPLE AND DO NOT CONTAIN ANY FIBERGLASS PACKING, WHILE OTHERS ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THE GLASSPACK TUBES. EITHER TYPE CAN WORK WELL IF USED PROPERLY.

Q. IF MY RESONATOR GOES BAD (I.E. RUSTS OUT OR DEVELOPS A LEAK, ETC.) DO I HAVE TO REPLACE IT?

A. ACTUALLY, IF YOU DON’T MIND A MINIMAL AMOUNT MORE SOUND FROM YOUR EXHAUST, IT IS PERFECTLY FINE TO REMOVE YOUR BAD RESONATOR AND REPLACE IT WITH SOLID TUBING.

Nissan Repair

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:34:00 GMT

SEVERAL MODELS FROM NISSAN ARE SUBJECT TO A BROKEN FLANGE SITUATION, WHICH WE AT LOU’S REFER TO AS A “NISSAN REPAIR”. OFTEN, A HANGER IN THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WILL BREAK, CAUSING INCREASED STRESS ON A FLANGE THAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A LEAK. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE ENTIRE EXHAUST, WHICH IS WHAT MOST SHOPS WOULD BE FORCED TO DO, LOU’S CAN SIMPLY CUT OUT THE DAMAGED FLANGE AND WELD IN A SOLID SECTION OF PIPING WHILE ADDING A NEW HANGER WHERE THE BROKEN ONE WAS. THIS FIX ALSO ELIMINATES ANY FUTURE WORRIES IF THE HANGER BREAKS AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD, AS THERE IS NO LONGER ANY FLANGE TO LEAK. ANOTHER BENEFIT IS ALSO BEING ABLE TO KEEP THE STAINLESS STEEL FACTORY EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH IS USUALLY IN GREAT SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THE FLANGE, RATHER THAN REPLACING IT WITH A MUCH LOWER QUALITY AFTERMARKET SYSTEM THAT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN IN ONLY A COUPLE OF YEARS.