Lou's events

Spring Is Coming!

Lou's Custom Exhaust - Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Spring is almost here! Though you may be ready for the warm weather, how ready is your vehicle? You should really think about having your brakes and exhaust checked after the winter driving season as it tends to be toughest on our cars.

Ways to get your car ready for Spring.

1. Give your vehicle a “brake”

Slush and salt take their toll on many components of your vehicle, and disc brake mechanisms are some of the most critical parts affected. Winter driving can cause corrosion issues inside the braking system – if you haven’t had your car’s brakes checked in the last year, now is a great time to do so. We here at Lou's can ensure that the brake caliper sliders are moving freely and are well lubricated. If these stick or seize, they can cause a hard brake pedal and accelerated lining wear.

You should also have the fluid checked. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (absorbs moisture easily) and moisture in the brake system degrades the performance of it significantly.

2. Check that Exhaust System

The snowbanks and deep snow we have seen this winter can damage your exhaust without you knowing it. A slight bump could sperate a hangar, which you wont hear, but will add stress to other parts of the system. We see this all the time and almost every time this increased stress ends up breaking a more expensive part of the exhaust that could have been salvaged at a fraction of the cost if only the hangar was seen and fixed early.

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Lou's Is Open Today, Monday Feburary 11 2013, For Your Repair Needs

Lou's Custom Exhaust - Monday, February 11, 2013

Just wanted to let everyone know that all 3 Lou's Locations in Plymouth, Quincy, and Westport will be open for a full day of buisness today. We know that a lot of you with plow trucks may have damaged the exhausts, brakes, or need something welded after the storm and during your plowing the rest of the day so come on by if you need something.

If your car bottommed out on some snow and has gotten really loud after the storm we are open all day today to fix that also. Or maybe your brakes didn't work quite right when you tried to stop, we are here to give free brake estimates all day.

Come on in and see us if you need to

The Lou's Custom Exhaust Team

Plymouth 508-746-3500 jim@lousmuffler.com

Quincy 617-773-6500 marc@lousmuffler.com

Westport 508-646-1500 tony@lousmuffler.com

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Free Lou's Custom Exhaust T-shirt with any Performance System

Lou's Custom Exhaust - Tuesday, May 10, 2011

As part of our grand opening of our Quincy shop
Lou's Custom Exhaust on 57 liberty street
is offering one free t-shirt with every performance system.

So give us a call @ 617-773-6500,
an email @ marc@lousmuffler.com,
or swing by the shop for a free price quote.

Also feel free to check out our work online.
We have many pictures and videos of our work on our website.
We also have a youtube page.

Take advantage of this offer while supplies last!

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Lou's Now Has 3" Smooth Die bending available

Lou's Custom Exhaust - Thursday, August 12, 2010

Ever want a custom bent 3" system but hate the look of the crimps on the inside of the bends? Well at Lou's Custom Exhaust in Plymouth and Westport we now have the ability to make the bend without the crimps. Here is a sample of what the difference looks like.

You can see the "crimp" style bend on the right and the smooth bend on the left.

So if your looking for a smooth flowing 3" system remember Lou's is the place to go.

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Is California Killing Clean Diesel Performance

Lou's Custom Exhaust - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

From the Desk of Gale Banks

Is California Killing Clean Diesel Performance?

March 22, 2010

Dear Members of the Media and Fellow Gearheads,

Functioning as a cutting edge automotive engineering company, in the state of California, since 1958, we at Banks have long understood our obligation to design and sell emissions-legal products. Much like prey accepting the reality of the predator, we realize that there’s much to be said for the old adage, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Let’s face it… emissions standards won’t ever go away. They’ll simply evolve.

In 1976, Hugh MacInnes of TRW and I worked with California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish a way for aftermarket products to be deemed smog legal under California code. This was driven by a contract I had in place with Pontiac Motor Division, to design and supply a dealer installed turbo system for the Pontiac Sunbird 4 cylinder engine.

Finally, thru our efforts, and later the efforts of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Executive Order (EO) process was created. The EO testing process allowed Banks and others to sell “legal” products in California and to comply with the EPA equivalent “Memo 1A” federal standard. That’s good, but it took so many years that the Pontiac guys cancelled the program. That was my first real experience with the amount of time a large bureaucracy takes to get something done.

Fortunately, Pontiac came back with their new Firebird in ’82 and asked us to build one to attempt 250 MPH at the salt (Bonneville). Two turbos off the Offenhauser Indy program, on top of one of our marine big block Chevys, took us to a best mile of 277 MPH and a “World’s Fastest Passenger Car” record that we held for over a decade. We built 72 street versions of the car and shipped them all over the world. At 700 BHP, these Banks Twin Turbo GT’s were the first street legal cars to be tested at over 200 MPH on the street (making the cover of Car & Driver at 204 MPH, June ’84). And, they were the first, world class American tuner cars.

Banks has always been known for performance and performance includes fuel economy and emissions. Over the past 30 years we have acquired 80 EO’s for Banks products. We have the most EO’s for diesel engine up-fit products in our industry.

Now the problem; back in about 2000-2001, after more than 15 years of obtaining EO’s for our diesel products, CARB changed their mind on the aftermarket test procedure required for an EO to be issued. Eight years later, we are still working with CARB on a new and workable replacement test covering all vehicle makes and years. In a recent letter to the governor of California I laid out my dismay. The following contains my letter’s content, and also inserted in this version, is some verbal dialog I have had with his staff.

March 09, 2010

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
300 S. Spring Street
Suite 16701
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

The State of California is asking that our products pass a test to be legal for sale. My products are ready for the test but; nobody with the State can tell me what the test is.

My name is Gale Banks; I own the automotive design and manufacturing company Gale Banks Engineering, which has been in business 51 years and employs 145 people. Gale Banks Engineering’s products work in a variety of consumer, military, marine and commercial applications to improve diesel engine fuel economy, power, durability and safety. In today’s parlance, we’ve been doing “clean diesel” long before that catch-phrase was ever uttered.

I like to think Gale Banks Engineering is a good example of the kind of company people talk about when they speak of businesses that helped make California the premier state for innovation, opportunity and economic success.

Now, CARB (California Air Resources Board), thru BAR (the Bureau of Automotive Repair) ‘Diesel Smog Check Program’ seeks to punish our customers, and the customers of other businesses like us, for buying our products.

As of January 1st of this year and due to AB 1488, the new “Diesel Smog Check” program has begun. To pass the diesel smog inspection mandated by AB 1488, a customer’s vehicle equipped with certain Banks products, or the products of others, must have a CARB issued EO (executive order) sticker. Unfortunately, we can’t supply the CARB EO sticker, that permission comes when our products pass the CARB EO test.

But, there is currently no applicable and comprehensive test for the aftermarket. CARB decided to change the test our products must pass, eight years ago. The problem is, they have not developed a new EO test for aftermarket to replace the former one. As a result, it has been impossible for products sold in the “time gap,” between then and now, to be tested and receive an EO. And, know this, we first suggested to CARB a new test that could be done by the aftermarket in 2002. We ran that test on a Dodge Cummins and submitted the results. CARB wanted something different so starting in 2002 Banks, and then SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) starting around 2005, have been trying to move them to finalize the new test.

We cannot pass a test that does not exist, so there is no way we can prove that these “gap products” comply with emissions regulations. And, there is consequently no way that CARB can deem them illegal. The “no test problem” cuts both ways. In 2002 they put us in a situation with two choices. Go out of business or wait for CARB to come up with a test. Which would you choose? We decided to continue to work with CARB and stay in business.

My company has a good reputation with CARB. We continue to manufacture products which are designed to comply with CARB emissions standards. We now have over 80 EO’s covering our products. Our customers continue to buy them in good faith. Gale Banks Engineering is actively working directly with CARB, and we hope to have a clear path forward soon, but we anticipate that it may take up to a year to complete the EO process for all the products affected by this situation. We currently have 12 EO product test applications at CARB, the oldest being submitted 15 months ago.

Which brings me to you: I am asking your assistance in getting forbearance for my customers from BAR’s “diesel smog check”, while CARB decides what its product test will be, such that our products can comply. My customers should not be harmed due to the State’s lack of completion of their work. We have been lead to believe that a decision on the diesel EO test is just around the corner, and we have continued selling our products in good faith.

Gale Banks Engineering has provided BAR with a list of products for which CARB EO applications are in process. We ask that provision be made for these items to PASS this portion of the inspection during this interim period, while we work with CARB to secure the necessary EO’s.

This will not impact any of the remaining portions of the “diesel smog check” test. Vehicles that are equipped with Banks products would still be expected to pass all other components of the inspection, including OBD checks and the BAR snap (smoke) test.

For years, we, at Banks and SEMA have worked with CARB to help define the new test in good faith. But, at the end of the day, it is CARB’s responsibility as the regulator, not the industry’s as the regulated, to produce this test.

Governor Schwarzenegger, the case I can make for our industry is strong. Your attention and assistance in solving this unfair situation would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,

Gale Banks
President
Gale Banks Engineering

So, fellow Gearheads, there you have it, we don’t blow smoke. When we’re finished, Banks, may well be the only company, with a full line of diesel power products which are emissions legal in all 50 states. I am personally working on this everyday and I am, along with SEMA, proud to be carrying the flag for all diesel performance manufacturers and enthusiasts.

I will keep you updated on our progress, as we move towards success. Clean diesel performance is alive and well at Gale Banks Engineering.

Best Regards,

Gale Banks

For more information please contact Peter Treydte or Gale Banks.

Peter Treydte
Media Technical Relations Manager
(626) 347-7821 mobile
(626) 691-2132 direct
(626) 969-9600 ext. 3300
ptreydte@bankspower.com

Gale Banks
(626) 969-9600 ext. 1002
gbanks@bankspower.com

Click here to download a PDF of this letter.

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Lou's Does Exhaust Manifolds on Most Vehicles

Lou's Custom Exhaust - Thursday, January 07, 2010

Lou’s Custom Exhaust in Plymouth and Westport are now doing exhaust manifolds for the majority of domestic and import vehicles.

Give us a call at 508-746-3500 or 508-646-1500 or shoot us an e-mail at marclousplymouth@comcast.net if you think you may need a manifold repair.

Curious as to what a manifold does and why you would need an expert shop to repair it? Read on below

An exhaust manifold is an arrangement of passages which collects the exhaust fumes from the different exhaust ports and directs them en route for the catalysts and mufflers of an exhaust structure. In other words, an exhaust manifold helps collect gases and fumes from the many cylinders of an engine into a single pipe.

Exhaust Manifold

Exhaust manifolds are usually made up of cast iron. The exhaust manifold has separate primary pipes for each cylinder. These pipes then converge into one pipe which is also known as the collector. Race cars do not have collectors and are known as zoomie headers. These exhaust headers primarily aim at reducing flow resistance and also raise the volumetric efficiency of any engine. This results in an increase in power of output.

Common Symptoms Of A Faulty Exhaust Manifold

Exhaust manifolds need to be periodically checked for damages. One should check that the mounts of the manifold are secure and ensure that it does not have any cracks or leakages and that the studs are broken. Also, the exhaust pipes and the entire exhaust mechanism need to be checked at regular intervals so as to maintain the car’s safety. This is very essential as if exhaust gases like carbon monoxide enter the car’s interior, it can prove to be deadly. Some of the symptoms that an exhaust may be leaking are louder exhaust sounds than are normal. Such sounds may also be coming from unusual places in the car. Other symptoms include ticking sound while increasing the speed of the car and smell of exhaust fumes. However, since carbon monoxide has no odor, one should not depend on this fully. It is imperative that the exhaust manifold be checked for leaks as soon as suspicion arises.

Repairing An Exhaust Manifold

Since exhaust manifold repair is an expert’s job, many repair shops do not attempt to repair it. However, repair becomes necessary as the new exhaust manifolds are rather expensive. In case one decides to install a new exhaust manifold, you must High quality of bolts should be used to fasten the different parts of the manifold. The bolts or fasteners should be tightened in the exact order in order to avoid damaging the manifold. One must check and tighten each and every bolt starting from centre and proceeding outwards. In case there is a crack or leak in the exhaust manifold, and the same exhaust manifold must be repaired instead of installing a new manifold, the cast iron exhaust manifold has to be geared up by beveling the leak or cut. Then this cut has to be welded using an oxy-acetylene torch. This uses high temperature in order to weld and bind the crack. You should repair your Exhaust manifold only if you are capable to using an oxy-acetylene torch.

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New Catalytic Converters for Newer Cars

Chris Merritt-Lish - Friday, November 13, 2009

Many of todays newer cars require a special type of catalytic converter to properly filter the exhaust and meet todays tougher standards. Magnaflow has finally provided a great and affordable after market option for this type of converter called the Magnaflow Heavy Metal Catalyst.

The main function of the catalytic converter is to filter hazardous gases for improved emissions, turning your vehicle into an environment-friendly automobile. After the gases are passed out from the device, they are completely clean and hazard-free. In other words, the Magnaflow Catalytic converter is a dependable reliable catalytic converter that your auto desperately needs in order to avoid problems faced as a result of release of unclean gases from a vehicle. So, you can save the environment and most importantly boost your vehicle’s performance.

These new converters are only marginally more expensive than the older style ceramic catalysts and we here at Lou’s Custom Exhaust are authorized magnaflow installers. Give us a call at one of our locations if you’re getting a check engine light and want to see if we can fix your car for hundreds if not thousands less than the dealer will quote you. We always give free estimates on the phone or in person on the lift.

1. Magnaflow converters have a ribbed body that minimizes expansion and distortion when the converter heats up. The ribs form a channel that protects the cushioning mat from direct exposure to exhaust gasses and they hold the ceramic catalyst in proper alignment.

2. Magnaflow converters have a 1/2” lap-joint where the necks meet the body. The neck does not extend into the converter body where it could hamper exhaust flow. This is the strongest and smoothest flowing inlet/outlet joint of any manufacturer.

3. They maintain separate dies on different sized inlets. We don’t skimp by putting larger neck sizes on smaller bodies. This would reduce the flow of the converter and reduce the quality of the product.

4. Magnaflow uses a monolithic honeycomb catalyst. The ceramic is designed for maximum flow and surface area. The coating method is strictly controlled to maintain exact specifications. An improper coating could result in flow restrictions or an emission test failure.

5. Magnaflow uses a heavier gauge stainless steel, tip to tip. Others use mixed weights and materials.

6. Magnaflow converters are seam welded close to the converter body for a strong, tight bond. They don’t weld along the edge which could allow the converter to expand like the folds in an accordion, allowing the catalyst to move around.

7. Magnaflow installs a factory capped, 90 degree air tube on “with air” converters. This saves time during installation. There is no need for additional labor to weld on an air tube or to create a bend when only an air tube stub is provided.

8. Magnaflow uses an aluminized or stainless OEM-style ribbed heat shield that creates a rigid wall of protection against heat and adds to the structural stability of the converter.

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