The other thread was getting really crowded with other topics and I was afraid this would get lost in the mix.

I went by muffin today to talk to the guys in person since my last experience was over the phone. During my discussion with the owner several things were said that raised some flags and I wanted to run them past everyone on here to check their validity.

comments made by owner:

1) It is illegal to replace the catalytic converter on any vehicle that has less than 80,000 miles on it. I asked is that a local or state law and he told me it was federal.

2) You won't find a single shop in the state of Texas that has the capability of doing mandrel bends. The only way to get a mandrel bend exhaust is to order the pieces already bent and weld them all together. By the time you do that you will be getting the same flow as regular bent pipes due to all the welding beads you would have to make piecing it together.

3) I have sold tons of these mag cats and have had to take over 200 back from customers and return them to magnaflow for various problems. I will install them but I am telling you that you will not be happy with them. I personally wouldnt put these cats on my own car. If you do want some good cats you should look at Catco cats.


I don't know enough to be able to comment on number 1 but number 2 seems so far fetched. Really, this guy has confirmed that in the entire state of Texas is not one single shop that can do mandrel bends, Really?

This is the best right here. The original phone quote I got was right at $500. Today, in person, he told me to install everything it would be $750. My other option would be to not install the cats and that would make it $450. My third option would be to not install the x-pipe and that would make it even cheaper, $100 cheaper to be exact. He said the majority of the work is in doing the x-pipe. I guess I am missing something but when I did the math $100 of $750 doesnt seem to total the part that equals out to be the majority of the work. What is the other $650 getting me?

I found a hydraulic tubing bender at harbor freight for $169 and I own a MIG welder. I am so close to giving up on this whole "keep Austin weird" by supporting local businesses thing that I have contemplated blowing snot looking welds at it all myself.

For the record I am not a lover of the drama in any way. This has just been such and experience that I have needed to vent to someone and the fiance just doesnt seem interested when I try and talk to her about it.

 

For 1) simple, just crawl underneath with a hammer and a screwdriver and punch a few holes it, then they have to replace it cuz its broken.
2) total BS
3) total BS, I've had maggie hiflows in mine for over a year with no issues. He must get some kind of deal or kickback from Catco.

I'd recommend doing it yourself if you have the skills or find a different shop, these guys are totally BSing you.

 

I actually have over 80k on mine so thats not a problem. I just havent heard that one before.

 

Um...run away drive on down about 30 min south of austin down 183 and go to 183 Muffler Shop in Lockhart phone # is (512) 376-7002 that is all I could find for now but he does pretty good work, and mandrel bends too. I also needed a cat on my mothers 4 banger ranger and he said he would do it no prob, and I belive it was a magnaflow cat. I'm sure there are other muffler shops in Austin but this guy seems like a douche, or the City of Austin or Travis county has stricter emission laws than surrounding counties.