Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Aluminized and Stainless Exhuast???

[Bunyan]

Aluminized and stainless exhuast systems. What are the pro's and con's of each? What do we have on our trucks from the factory? I want a 4" system from the turbo back. Also do they offer a 4" elbow that bolts to the turbo that will work with the exhuast systems availible? Any and all info appreciated. Thanks Buyan

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01 White/Silver 2500 QC 4x4 5spd, Isspro Pyro, Boost, Fuel pessure guages. Edge EZ, RV275's in the future, Amsoil Air Filter, looking for exhuast?



BUNYAN

 

[isb360]

My exhaust rotted at the top of the large "U" that snakes it up and over the rear axle. Factory exhaust is not corrosion resistant.



Generally, aluminized is cheaper than stainless, and if you look further, some vendors will offer 2 grades of stainless, one being more expensive than the other. At the time I bought mine, the market had mostly stainless systems available, not so much in aluminized.



If you are in a northern climate, I'd go with a stainless system for a bit of added protection, but if I lived down south or where there isn't a liklihood of salt on the roads in winter, I'd go with aluminized.



Wherever you go for exhaust, unless you are doing stacks, try to pick one that has hangers pre-welded onto the pipes and picks up on all factory hanging points. If you do this, taking old exhaust down is a piece of cake (with a Sawzall ) and reaching up to the turbo elbow flange bolts is the only stretch involved.



Plus, if you need the extra ammo for the "boss", tell her that a nice 4" aftermarket system with no resonator is MUCH cheaper than having dealer replace it all with OEM parts.



Tim

 

[MKreiberg]

The typical two grades of stainless (for exhaust) are 304 and 409 - 304 will outlast your truck, 409 may show some rust "spotting".



I only use 304 (if I can get it in the size required).

 

[GCULP]

a good friend of mine owns an exhaust shop and all his stuff is top notch, he explained it to me this way. A gas vehicle creates approximately one gallon of condensation for every gallon of gasoline burned, but a diesel does not create condensation so no need to step up to stainless. He asked me this, and keep in mind this is an absolute pavement princess truck, "if it was worth it, don't you think I would have put in on my own truck?"

 

[Bunyan]

Thanks guys for the input. Bunyan

 

[wlowe]

If money is no problem then I would go with the 304 stainless. Looks great and lasts forever. Other than that it just depends on what part of the country you live in. Salt and moisture - 304 stainless, dry and no salt, aluminized or 409 stainless. I went with a 4" MBRP aluminized system and painted it with silver ceramic paint, but I live in the California desert. It has the pre-welded hangers. Been on for about a year and still looks like new. The original aluminized exhaust looked brand new when I took it off even though it had spent 3 years in Seattle, lots of rain. Whatever system you choose be sure to use stainless band clamps so its easy to disassemble if needed.