The automotive exhaust system isn't very complicated, but most people bring their vehicles to muffler shops because they don't have the equipment to make repairs or upgrades themselves. It's up to you to give these customers what they're looking for.

Automotive exhaust and emissions components are made by some of the biggest names in automotive manufacturing. From simple OEM replacements to street racing upgrades, you can find the right parts in a variety of places. Here's how to get started:

1. Learn your state's emissions standards. Make sure you stock the proper automotive emission components so your shop isn't in violation if you get inspected because of a complaint.

2. Provide quality racing auto exhaust components to your performance drivers. This includes exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers and resonators.

3. Serve the market sector that wants to look good. Stock stainless steel car exhaust components for anyone seeking to give their vehicle a touch of class.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Follow state emissions standards with the proper automotive exhaust parts

Many states, like California and Virginia, have emissions standards to assure that their states are not being polluted by car exhaust. Vehicle owners must have an inspection periodically to maintain legal registration of their vehicles. If your shop puts something on a car that is against regulations, the customer will have to have the parts removed and pay for a replacement, which will adversely affect your bottom line as well as your reputation. Know your state's laws and buy the proper equipment.

I recommend: Offer the best catalytic converters from JEGS High Performance. Use the part lookup on Autopart.com to find emissions sensors, valves and switches for the year, make and model you're working on.

Offer your racing customers top-of-the-line performance exhaust components

Intake and exhaust go hand-in-hand when it comes to achieving top performance. If you're forcing in a lot of air, you're gonna have to let it out somehow, so a properly sized exhaust system from the exhaust manifold to the tailpipe is necessary. And don't forget about sound; mufflers with the right resonance chambers will produce that beautiful rumble of an eight cylinder engine that every muscle car driver strives for.

I recommend: Give your customers the sound they're seeking with an exhaust kit from the noted manufacturer Flowmaster. View the catalog offered by Borla Performance Industries to find a selection of full exhaust systems for your racers.

Dress it up with stainless steel exhaust components

Stainless steel is very shiny and therefore used by the drivers of show cars. This material polishes up nicely and will last forever, making it the first choice of vintage car restorers. Offering a selection of stainless exhaust components to choose from will attract all types of customers, even those who just want to look good during their commute.

I recommend: Check out this angle cut stainless steel exhaust tip offered by Ultimate Truck; this company does offer other styles of tips as well. Burns Stainless carries 304 stainless tubing used for fabricating any exhaust system your customers could ask for.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There is a great difference between American-made cars and imports as far as vehicle exhaust components are concerned. Fords, Chevys and Dodges are the top American muscle makers and owners of these vehicles want a muffler that will provide a deep sound that expresses the power of their engines. Honda and Toyota tend to have higher pitched sounds, no matter what exhaust system is chosen, because of their smaller engines. If you own a shop specializing in imports, your needs will obviously be different from a shop owner dealing with only domestics.