Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: YES. Car Sound Exhaust System, LLC., the parent company of MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust, manufactures catalytic converters . Their converters are of the highest quality; one should should hope for nothing less , since the widespread use of effective catalytic converters is vital for protecting our environment. The production and design techniques of their catalytic converters contribute to Car Sound’s reputation for the highest quality and best-valued products on the market, a reputation Car Sound Exhaust System has enjoyed troughout its more than 20 years of business.

Question: Are all your Cat-Back Systems made with Stainless Steel?

Answer:The Cat-back systems we carry are complete exhaust systems; including pipes, hangers, clamps, mufflers and tips. The Installation is straightforward and requires only basic tools and no welding is required. For this reason, many customers opt to install their systems themselves. It usually takes one to two hours of work.

Answer: Usually a single will provide optimal torque and horsepower. For a heavily modified engine, however, going with a double might be the best bet. (Recall that “torque” refers specifically to the force involved in radial motion, e.g. turning gears).

Answer: Yes! In general, a better performing engine uses fuel more efficiently,all other things being equal (e.g. there is no variation in driving habits ) . There is no guarantee of better mileage however (Our mufflers are performance mufflers!).Diesel trucks using Magnaflow Performance Diesel will see the most dramatic improvements since that system drops EGT's (that is, Exhaust Gas Temperature) over 150 degrees.

Answer: This varies from car to car and from driver to driver. But an increase in efficieny of 10% is usually a legitimate expectation!

Using a Magnaflow exhaust/muffler system will facilitate more rapid evacuation of exhaust , which means that combustion will be more effective. This typically results in less work for the engine, more power, and better fuel economy for the consumer.

Answer: With the exception of Magnapacks (local laws vary for these systems) ,all of the systems we carry comply with federal and state laws. In terms of noise pollution, the products we carry are designed with legal sound level limits; however, when used in conjunction with other products (such as air intake systems or exhaust headers), the overall combined effect might cause particular vehicles to exceed the allowable limits.

A new law (27150.2 VC) no longer requires police to use a sound meter to test for excessive noise. A citation may now be based on the officer's discretion. Cited violators may have testing done at a smog referee station.

www.sema.org ( SEMA is a trade organization of the automotive aftermarket) is a good resource for researching your consumer rights.

Answer: There are a few options here.

• Do you need an offset muffler?
  TThis has to do with the location of the inlet/outlet pipes in relation to the muffler.
• Do you want a stainless steel or aluminized muffler?
  The main difference between the two is the outer shell of the mufflers. Both have the same internal construction and materials. That is, both stainelss and aluminum mufflers have stainless internals and necks. Stainless steel mufflers are (surprise, surprise!) 100% stinless since the shells for these mufflers are also made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is more eye-catching and is resistant to oxidation. In short, Nothing looks better or lasts longer than stainless steel. The aluminized steel mufflers have only a protective coating that could rust if scratched off. Regardless of your choice of material, your muffler comes with a lifetime warranty. Moreover, either choice will provide you with Straight-through Wide Open Performance, minimizing restrictions on the flow of exhaust and ultimately giving you more horsepower.
• Sound of the mufflers?
  Loudness is inversely proportional to muffler sizs: the bigger the muffler the quieter the exhaust system.

Answer: A smaller muffler will give you a louder sound. A larger or longer the muffler, will “muffle” the sound more.

Answer: As you might have guessed, the main differences are the price and physical properties. Physically, the obvious difference is in the construction of the shell; the aluminzed steel is coated with aluminum whereas stainless steel is steel throughout. In general stainless steel costs more than aluminized steel. In terms of aesthetics, 100% stainless steel is better looking and will never rust. Nothing looks better or lasts longer than stainless steel.

Answer: Regardless of whether your tip is made of chrome or stainless steel , some discoloration over time is usually to be expected.

During the final polishing process, a compound (other than steel or chrome) is used to give the tip its luster. This compound is made of small metal particulates that fill in the pores of the underlying chrome or steel . These fien particualtes are subject to oxidation, which changes the color of the surface to yellow or gold. In essence, the particulates rust. Heat and harsh climates accelerate this process.

In some cases, the tip may turn blue. This is from heat. Some vehicles, especially modified vehicles, see increased exhaust temperatures as a result of their modifications. Even some vehicles left in stock condition will produce exhaust sufficiently hot to cause discoloration.

Answer: Yes, we offer a lifetime warranty on all our MagnaFlow Products with the a few exceptions. Our XL series mufflers/exhaust, catalytic converters, and our titanium performance exhaust come with a limited warranty.

Answer: NO. You are afforded certain rights and you should be aware of them!

In general, it is illegal for an auto dealer to forfeit an OE warranty on account of your having changed the exhaust system. However, you will want to be armed with some basic information if this should ever become an issue with your dealer.

To summarize::

The burden of proof is on the dealer or manufacturer. That is, in order for a dealer/manufacturer to void a warranty on a claimed part, they must be able to demonstrate that whatever alterations you made clearly caused detriment to the part/vehicle covered by the warranty.

Consequences for you.
Suppose you install a new turbocharger system. Could this void the transmission warranty? The axle warranty? Possibly. The increased stress to these components resulting from the added power output from the turbo could provide sufficient grounds for your warranty to be denied.


What about a cat-back exhaust system?
Those high quality systems which are legal in all 50 states are installed behind catalytic converters, so they do not usually effect other components, even other emissions components. Accordingly, the likelihood of jeopardizing other warranties is pretty slim. MagnaFlow, like most other manufacturers of high-quality exhaust systems, designs its systems so that no modifications to other parts are necessary for proper installation. Random “check engine” light sightings and other surprises should not occur unless there’s a leak in the system ( which, should it happen, is almost always caused by an oversight during installation )and they will not effect emissions. Remember the following facts. (1) Combustion in your engine is the source of emissions. (2) The exhaust system is simply the path through which these emissions evacuate. Freer flowing exhaust will neither inhibit the flow of emissions nor create more of them. These factors are all controlled by engine management and the catalytic converter(s).

Bottom line: A properly engineered exhaust system will not cause any failures to any other systems (e.g. any other parts of the engine, suspension, chassis, transmission, electrical system)

As important as it is to have well-manufactured parts, it is hard to over-estimate the value of proper installation. MagnaFlow is meticulous about ensuring ample clearance of fuel lines, electric lines, brake lines, etc. But , as with the installation of any other part or system, if attention to detail and rigid adherence to instructions are not maintained, there could be interference with other components. For this reason, unless you have at least some basic knowledge of working on vehicles, we recommend leaving the task of installation to a MagnaFlow “Preferred” dealer.

Regardless of how you go about installation, tit is important that you are armed with the information discussed above. Some dealers simply have misgivings about even inspecting a car that is just slightly different from what they are accustomed to.

What do I do if denied a warranty?
You are entitled to a denial denial in writing and be certain that you get one! Remember the burden of proof is on the dealer/ manufacturer; their written claim should give solid evidence for the alleged breech of their warranty.

Contact the Regional Service Manager and of course, the manufacturer of your vehicle. To these folks mention Magnuson Moss Warranty Act . This will tell them that you know your rights and that they need to take you seriously. Usually the problem is settled here; most dealers and manufacturers are honest, but they are also cautious. Don't be cynical, but keep your wits about you as some dealers are better than others (we have all had bad experiences!). Internet chat rooms are a good resource for finding out about your rights and the particulars of certain warranty issues.

Showing the dealer / manufacturer that you have done your homework is always a good idea, and will compel the less-than-scrupulous to obey the law!