I don't think stainless is worth it. My OEM steel exhaust rusted out at the 14 yr point. I replaced it with the exact same (Steel) system and it should be another 14 yrs.
Exhaust rustproofing
- Thread starter Vilan
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I painted mine with the Rustoleum High Temp paint but the flanges will rust almost immediately. AS well, the rust starts to develop on the welds.
I'll take a photo to show you guys after 1 yr the corrosion on the OEM exhaust whole brand new system from header pipe to muffler, completely painted perfectly. It may look nasty but I'm pretty sure it's all cosmetic.
I've got a relative who has a 2005 Maxima, and the exhaust is rusting in the same way. Cosmetic I think.
I'll take a photo to show you guys after 1 yr the corrosion on the OEM exhaust whole brand new system from header pipe to muffler, completely painted perfectly. It may look nasty but I'm pretty sure it's all cosmetic.
I've got a relative who has a 2005 Maxima, and the exhaust is rusting in the same way. Cosmetic I think.
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Kestas
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I went through four exhaust systems on my 85 Omni (replaced every 2-3 years). My 91 Marquis is on its fourth exhaust system (replaced every five years). I think having 304 stainless steel in the exhaust system right from the start is worth the cost.
Originally Posted By: Corvette Owner
Tailpipe and muffler life went up when they eliminated lead from gas.
Unless you rustproof from the inside of the pipe, you are kidding yourself.
Most stock systems already have a hole in the lowest point of the muffler.
Stainless steel IS THE ANSWER. My Corvette has it and it will last forever.
Not so sure about this. I had a SS exhaust and after 12-13 years a baffle inside the muffler broke loose. Made quite a noise, had to replace it as it drove me nuts...It lasted a long time but not quite forever...
Tailpipe and muffler life went up when they eliminated lead from gas.
Unless you rustproof from the inside of the pipe, you are kidding yourself.
Most stock systems already have a hole in the lowest point of the muffler.
Stainless steel IS THE ANSWER. My Corvette has it and it will last forever.
Not so sure about this. I had a SS exhaust and after 12-13 years a baffle inside the muffler broke loose. Made quite a noise, had to replace it as it drove me nuts...It lasted a long time but not quite forever...
Originally Posted By: Kestas
Originally Posted By: Corvette Owner
Tailpipe and muffler life went up when they eliminated lead from gas.
How would lead reduce the life of muffler metal? It's mainly the sulfur that corrodes mufflers. The sulfur became a serious problem when they introduced catalytic converters. The sulfur in the fuel converts to sulfur dioxide during combustion. This is converted to sulfur trioxide by the catalytic converter, which then converts to sulfuric acid when it meets moisture. The sulfuric acid really does a number on the exhaust system, especially during short trips when the muffler system hasn't fully warmed up to drive off the moisture. The tailpipe is last to heat up.
The same converter technology that is used in cars is also used in plants that manufacture sulfuric acid.
Didn't make that link kestas when Oz cars went to unleaded and all stank of rotten eggs.
Built, commissioned and maintained a couple of sulfur trioxide plants, 'though.
Originally Posted By: Corvette Owner
Tailpipe and muffler life went up when they eliminated lead from gas.
How would lead reduce the life of muffler metal? It's mainly the sulfur that corrodes mufflers. The sulfur became a serious problem when they introduced catalytic converters. The sulfur in the fuel converts to sulfur dioxide during combustion. This is converted to sulfur trioxide by the catalytic converter, which then converts to sulfuric acid when it meets moisture. The sulfuric acid really does a number on the exhaust system, especially during short trips when the muffler system hasn't fully warmed up to drive off the moisture. The tailpipe is last to heat up.
The same converter technology that is used in cars is also used in plants that manufacture sulfuric acid.
Didn't make that link kestas when Oz cars went to unleaded and all stank of rotten eggs.
Built, commissioned and maintained a couple of sulfur trioxide plants, 'though.
Kestas
Staff member
Originally Posted By: raaizin
I had a SS exhaust and after 12-13 years a baffle inside the muffler broke loose. Made quite a noise, had to replace it as it drove me nuts...It lasted a long time but not quite forever...
Failure of many stainless steel systems is typically at the welds and is a result of a condition known as "sensitization" of the stainless steel. When stainless steel is sensitized, it is highly prone to intergranular corrosion cracking from the corrosive environment. I've seen a Mustang exhaust system fail under warranty after only 700 miles from this phenomenon. Ford paid me good money to study problems with their exhaust systems.
I had a SS exhaust and after 12-13 years a baffle inside the muffler broke loose. Made quite a noise, had to replace it as it drove me nuts...It lasted a long time but not quite forever...
Failure of many stainless steel systems is typically at the welds and is a result of a condition known as "sensitization" of the stainless steel. When stainless steel is sensitized, it is highly prone to intergranular corrosion cracking from the corrosive environment. I've seen a Mustang exhaust system fail under warranty after only 700 miles from this phenomenon. Ford paid me good money to study problems with their exhaust systems.
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