Tenneco Inc. announced this week at the AAPEX Show in Las Vegas that it will debut Walker Quiet-Flow SS stainless steel replacement mufflers beginning in 2009. Tenneco is upgrading its Walker Quiet-Flow mufflers to the longer-lasting OE-grade stainless steel construction to help aftermarket service dealers increase their share of the premium exhaust market.

The switch from aluminized steel to stainless steel construction is expected to motivate more customers to choose a premium replacement muffler for their vehicles.

“Consumers are holding onto their vehicles longer, and they are looking for replacement emissions control components that match OE performance and durability,” said Frank Murkowski, North American emissions control marketing manager, Tenneco. “The benefits of stainless steel are obvious to many vehicle owners, so they will have a powerful incentive to step up to the premium technology. It’s a better value for the consumer and a far more profitable sale for the shop.”

Walker Quiet-Flow SS mufflers, offered with a “Guaranteed for Life” warranty, will feature 409 stainless steel heads, shell, bushings, louvered tubes and partitions. Walker Quiet-Flow SS mufflers will be available for domestic and import applications.

CalCat catalytic converters
The Walker line of catalytic converters from Tenneco Inc. offers significantly increased coverage of OBDII and older applications, as well as vehicles registered in California, thanks to Tenneco’s aggressive investment in the development of new direct-fit converter SKUs for domestic and foreign-nameplate models.

The expanded Walker converter product line now includes Walker Ultra converters, designed for late model OBDII applications with more demanding computer controlled engines; Walker CalCat California-approved converters; and standard Walker converters for pre-OBDII applications. Each converter offering includes both premium direct-fit and universal units to meet the needs of virtually any customer.

“Shop owners and technicians rely on Walker for converters that fit just like OE and help reduce the chance of a comeback,” said Frank Murkowski, North American Aftermarket emissions control marketing manager, Tenneco. “Our expanded converter line offers an excellent solution for virtually any application, as well as a true business-building platform for distributors and service providers.”