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I remember a few years back a guy I met had his stock Lexus exhaust (mufflers) plated to look metallic. Not sure if it was a chrome effect, it wasnt that reflective, but I liked the look. Anyways Im not sure of the process, cost, or long term durability, but someone used to advertise it in Houston and I cant find them anymore.

So any comments and opinions?

Ive seen it done on only the rear facing part of the exhaust oonly and to me this looks half assed. Either do it all, or not at all.

Ive considered an aftermarket exhaust, but I really dont care for the sound, just the look. Im trying to grow out of that phase anyways. Besides Ive got a car to go fast if thats what I want. The TSX is my weekend car that I want to enjoy and make a little nicer.

So electro plating? or something along those lines? Anodizing? I doubt chroming is the awnser. This process is done without removing the exhaust, kinda like gold plating emblems. What exactly is the process/service, and if anyone can refer or reccomend a place in Houston?

Dan Martin

I haven't heard of the process you describe but I don't know how anyone could plate something while the part is still on the car.

It would probably be easier and cheaper to just get some different tips and bolt them on.

Black_6spd

Mech Engineer here. Plating or chroming will likely require a pickling process (caustic cleaning followed by acid treatment) in which submerging the item would be necessary. Scratch that...

Anodizing is typically an application for cast aluminum to improve corrosion properties. This doesn't affect the current finish.

The only process I could think of that would not need disassembly of the muffler would be a high polish. However, I doubt that the desired look will last long.

Motohip

Maybe you're thinking of powdercoating? Or you could just paint it with some high temp resistant paint. IMO a black muffler with shiny tips is the way to go.