Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 14 ga. aluminized or 409 stainless exhaust?

[Jeff]

OK guys... my truck is in need of it's 3 exhaust. Can't decide which way to go... the stainless is only about $100 more. I'm just concerned that those nerf bars on many trucks is supposedly stainless and it sure doesn't seem to last very long. Let me hear your opinions! Thanks guys! Jeff in Ohio

 

[Cooker]

409 stainless is not all that special. I don't know that I would spend the extra money on it.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'm sure I'm gonna catch it for this, but I'd rather have aluminized than 409... it'll actually stay better looking for longer... if you're going to pay a premium for stainless, get a TRUE stainless like 304...

 

[Cooker]

I'm sure I'm gonna catch it for this, but I'd rather have aluminized than 409... it'll actually stay better looking for longer... if you're going to pay a premium for stainless, get a TRUE stainless like 304...

That is what I was getting at. 409 is a low grade of stainless, therefore the reason for it's cheaper price.

 

[bmoeller]

You can tell if it is "cheap" SS (like the 409), is that a magnet will stick to it. The good stuff (304 or surgical grade SS), a magnet won't stick to it.



The 409 will look OK for a while, but the heat has a negative effect on it as well, and won't hold up much longer than the aluminized.

 

[MAleksandrowicz]

Just get aluminized and buy some high heat paint and give it a quick coat. That is what I did to mine and after 2 years of new england winters it still looks like new.

 

[tp0d]

I have a 14ga aluminized 4" system on my truck, for the last 3 years of PA winters, and it still looks like new. I didnt paint it, nor do I wash the underside of my truck all that often. Manufacturer was Pinnacle, I bought it via ebay for around 300 i believe with 4" downpipe .



I wouldnt buy a low grade of stainless. I`ve heard of pitting and holes in 2yrs with a SS banks kit. (low grade probably)



Why stay 3"? 4" allows for better flow, and probably isnt much more $. Sounds much better than stock too... Tho I guess if you get a straight thru muffler, there probably isnt too much difference. . hmm



good luck



-j

 

[Jeff]

It's already got a 4" straight pipe. I love the way it sounds and performs.

I guess I'll stick with the aluminized. Thanks for the thoughts guys! JH

 

[GHarman]

Just some comments on stainless steel. There is no such thing as a 'cheap grade" of stainless steel. There is Austenetic ( 304, 304L, 303, 316, 316L, etc), Ferritic ( 409 ), Martinsetic ( 440 A,B,C, 416 etc), Precipitation Hardening ( special numbering system). All have their applications. Ferritic and Martensetic are magnetic. Austenetic stainless steel becomes slightly magnetic as it is workhardened. 312 fillermetal ( Austenetic) is magnetic because it has ferrite formers in it. 304L, the darling of the exhausts does not like sulfuric acid and will corrode at the welded joint if has been overheated while welding. Welding 304L with carbon steel filler metal is a good way to destroy the whole intent of the stainless steel exhaust system. I have seen this done by shops that want to save money. Not your money! In a damp climate where the liberal use of salt on the roads in the winter is a problem, 304L stainless is a good choice, if it is installed correctly. I am satisfied with the aluminized steel for my application. GregH

 

[pwerwagn]

listen to what he is saying. ^^^^ He knows his material science.



--Jeff