I need to either repair or replace exhaust system, only I have a harley tuned system by ford. Can an aftermarket shop do the job or must I take it to ford to keep the sound. I'd appreciate any insite into this.
Thanks

There are at least 3 grades of exhaust repair components. The cheapest kind is used by 90 % of shops, and they can rust out again in the snow belt in 18 months. There is a heavier grade of generic muffler components sold; these are used by shops that advertise their warrenty instead of their price, and some independent shops will order and install them if you make a point of talking to them about it. These can last 5 years or more. Chain shops that advertise price mostly use one supplier, and usually will not special order the heavier gauge parts. Then there are custom exhausts- I would imagine the Ford "harley" system to be this kind. Custom parts are designed for the sound or the type of high performance engine tune, and may or may not last as long as grade 2 above. For example, cherry bombs have no backpressure, which give performance and sound, but the ends will rust off in a year. A good custom exhaust shop may be able to match the sound of your "harley" system, but that would be an art, not a science. Ford may sell duplicate original parts, they may substitute themselves, I don't know. Anybody that has had this done at a Ford dealer, please jump in.

This post has been edited by Indianajo: Jan 19 2010, 05:31 AM