Residents Aim To Muzzle Loud Mufflers

BOSTON -- Whether you live in the city or suburbs, it's likely you've heard the less than dulcet sounds of loud, souped up cars.

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NewsCenter 5's Anthony Everett reported that car and truck owners are installing customized exhaust systems, and the noise has some people fighting mad, even some in the Legislature.

David Smith of Brighton said he hates the loud mufflers that some drivers install to increase exhaust noise, and said he's being driven out of his neighborhood by the incessant rumbling, especially from a Dodge Ram pickup across the street from his house.

"It's a public safety issue in the sense that the faster you go, the louder these mufflers are. It also leads to, encourages, reckless driving to endanger -- peeling out, burning rubber," said Smith.

"I like the noise, that's it, nothing major, to hear the noise, that's all," said Elias Galouzis, who has a loud muffler.

Smith isn't the only one who is outraged. A bill to ban aftermarket sale and installation of modified exhaust systems that increase noise levels is moving through the state Legislature. That has enthusiasts, manufacturers and system installers all cranked up.

Brian Winter sells and installs after market modified exhaust systems. He admitted that libido plays a part.

"The word maybe machismo or ego -- bigger is better. Louder is better," said Winter.

But he said the real attraction is performance -- the mufflers can help in towing and offer better gas mileage.

Mark Pelletier said driving around in his souped up Mitsubishi Lancer is just harmless fun.

"I do it for fun, my friends are all in to it. We get together and have car clubs to stay out of trouble," said Pelletier.

But Smith said the trend is uncivilized.

"Imagine when they come to your home at 1, 2, 3 a.m. It's a complete disregard for any social conscience," said Smith.

At Lou's Custom Exhaust in Waltham, installation of mufflers and exhaust pipes is considered an art form.

Joe Marazzo said souping up cars, or "tuning," isn't just for kids, it's a booming market that's fun and misunderstood.

"We have a wide range of customers -- not just young, crazy kids driving around -- it's wide range. It's almost like selling ice cream -- everybody likes it," said Marazzo.

And it's not just specialty shops that are in on the modified exhaust system business -- even Midas Mufflers and Brakes is installing them.

For now, Smith will have to put up with the rumbling and revving, even though his idea of justice would be to muzzle every loud muffler.

"They serve no purpose but to disturb the peace," he said.

A seldom enforced state law does require that all cars have mufflers that control noise levels.