Introduction

Most petrolheads are no doubt familiar with aftermarket tuning kits. I believe most of us were exposed to auto-nip/tuck early in our adolescence courtesy of games like Need For Speed: Underground, (any old school NFS for that matter) or movies like Redline, Fast and Furious, etc.
For those more inclined to television, the world of automotive aftermarket tuning must have been from the hit MTV show 'Pimp My Ride' featuring well renowned aftermarket tuners, West Coast Customs.

If the tuning company sounds a tad too familiar, you might have read about their latest creation in collaboration with Kia motors.

Vehicle modification in Singapore

Custom 'blinged out' rides featured in movies or the games mentioned above are mostly illegal here. Especially components like noisy exhausts, neon lights and NOS systems. While modification of vehicles is legal, the extent to which you can modify your car is rather limited. 

But, wouldn't it be great if a local aftermarket company provides services that are LTA approved?

Company Introduction

Fong Kim Exhaust System Pte Ltd is one of the oldest & most experienced after tuning and vehicle maintenance workshops you can find on our island. The company started as an ordinary car workshop by two brothers back in 1978 and has been handed over to the next generation.

Since then they have catered to problems associated with vehicle exhausts and suspension systems including exhaust problems for LTA inspections - a rather helpful and novel service for some who prefers crossing the causeway for other alternatives and more affordable means of customisation.

The one and only

The rich and long history has enabled Fong Kim to lead as the exhaust specialists and one of the famous and widely visited workshops in Singapore. Adding on to the honour, Fong Kim also boasts in having the most experienced & skilled mechanics in its workshops besides having knowledgeable sales personnel.

Fong Kim registered as a private limited and GST-registered company in 2010. That same year, Fong Kim registered its company with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) – a legal board under the Ministry of Law.

LTA's take on exhaust modification

Exhaust modifications in Singapore is allowed with approval from LTA.

The exhaust system is made up of exhaust manifold, catalytic converter and muffler. Prior to LTA’s approval, the following should be submitted for evaluation:

a) Certification from the product manufacturer stating that the proposed aftermarket exhaust system is suitable for the make and model of the vehicle.

b) Certifications or test reports from LTA/NEA recognised test laboratories to show that the aftermarket exhaust system when fitted to the vehicle on a per make and model basis complies with prevailing exhaust emission standards.
However do note that total removal of the catalytic converters and mufflers is strictly not allowed as it will adversely affect the exhaust emission characteristics of the vehicle. Any vehicle owner whom has modified or tampered the exhaust system may face a Court fine of up to $1,000 or 3 month's imprisonment upon conviction in Court.

Fong Kim's Pre-LTA inspection

Fong Kim provides a preliminary LTA inspection prior to your actual inspection. In fact they encourage car drivers to visit the workshop and check if the car and any installed components are LTA compliant. If Fong Kim spots a non-compliant accessory, the mechanics will advise the owner to either change or recommend a course of action to the owner.

This important service saves a lot of trouble and hassle from LTA if you have a modified vehicle that might not be legal.

Service

With 34 years of experience in the business, Fong Kim hails as the aftermarket exhaust system specialist, repairing faulty exhausts and related parts such as mufflers, cat-back systems and extractors.

Moreover Fong Kim will also install suspensions, brake systems, customise seat rails, service your vehicle and tune your ECU. The best part of all, their services have no hidden charges. Any price quoted has the retail price, labour charge and additional charges included.

The promise of quality customer service

Fong Kim has on offer a wide spectrum of products across numerous product categories bundled with excellent service. They have with them a team of fourteen mechanics with ample years of experience in this field that aims to deliver nothing less but the best of workmanship and service required by the customer. Fong Kim also claims you can expect first rate customer service from any of their seven sales & administrative staff.

Where most places have sales packages for their cars, Fong Kim leaves it to the customer’s independence and creativity. Akin to customer service levels from a luxury marque, Fong Kim listens to its customers and then suggests products based on their needs, budget and, most importantly, within the constraints of the local laws .

To Fong Kim, the importance is not the charges they collect from a customer but his upmost satisfaction.


Accolades

Proof to Fong Kim’s reputable services and workmanship can be found in the customer testimonials. For example, a reviewer under username, Kelvinoke commented:

"Very friendly and knowledgeable. Prices reasonable too. Overall good experience. Thumbs up for Raymond!"

Another testimonial from username, OCAR_LXC cited "Recently did a set of Coilover with them, good service level and patience."

These are only two of many examples that display the trust people have on the workshop and its employees. It also highlights the quality of workmanship and dedication of its staff to customer service and satisfaction. In this age of science and technology, trust can easily be forged or bought but rest assured the many accolades Fong Kim has received for over thirty years could have only been earned through its customers.

Current facilities and Future expansion

The two storey workshop comprises of a showroom at the second level that showcases the wide range of automotive products. A cosy waiting area also on the same level is available for customers to relax in comfort while the cars are serviced in the workshop at the first level.

Fong Kim opened its second workshop early this year at Paya Ubi. Fong Kim is also looking into plans for further expansion as they intend to open new branches and expand the workforce by hiring more automotive technicians and sales executives to cater to the growing customer base.

Distributorship

As afore mentioned, Fong Kim Exhaust System Pte Ltd offers more than exhaust maintenance, and is also the distributor and master dealer for a wide range of brands associated with the aftermarket automotive parts industry.

Fong Kim deals with renowned brands like Drift Racing, Remus, Mugen, Fujitsubo & HKS just for the exhaust systems alone. They carry brands like Autobahn88, Tein and Unichip for parts like turbochargers, oil cooler kits, suspension sets and more.

Fong Kim also deals with well recognised brands such as Sebring, NGK, GReddy, SPC, K&N and many more.

Location

Fong Kim Exhaust System Pte Ltd is located at two places in the eastern block of Singapore.
Look for either Jeff, the exhaust specialist or David at:

Blk 3015, Ubi Road 1,  #01-200/210, Singapore (408704)
They are open from 0930hrs to 1930hrs from Mondays to Saturdays. You can also give them a call at 6743 7737 for enquires.

Alternatively, you can also visit53 Ubi Avenue 1, Paya Ubi Industrial Park, #01-01, Singapore (408934)
They are open from 1000hrs to 1930hrs from Mondays to Saturdays or call them for enquires at 6844281.

Once there, Dylan, Raymond and Ah Hua whom are specialists in the various products, tuning and ECU remapping will be more than happy to be at your service.

For more information about their products and services do visit here or check out their Facebook page for the latest updates.