Got Rust?? MBRP 409 S/S system looks Horrible!

[Challenger-II]

Has anyone experienced their MBRP 409 stainless 4" system get Fugly?? I installed mine weeks ago and after a couple north east storms, it looks like it has rust staining all over it. That nice mirror shiny muffler looks like hell! :{ I called MBRP and they said it probably is road grime from the winter and it should clean off with a rubbing. Now, who the hell cleans and polishes their exhaust system? I know it's not the better 304 stainless, but I would have to think it shouldn't look like it's been splattered with muddy rusty water after only a couple weeks. Anyone else see this?

 

[LandShark]

I was wondering what grade stainless you were told you were buying and what you were promised or expected. There are many grades of stainless steel. Most will tarnish or even rust, especially under severe conditions (salt and heat). My own experience with stainless steel is mostly marine. The 'best' stainless I've used on boats is electropolished 316 grade. It's not the strongest but it stays looking nice longer than most other grades of stainless steel.

 

[zstroken]

I think that any 400 series stainless will corrode, it has too much carbon in it. The 300 series stuff will not corrode as badly as the 400. I think??

 

[HeavyHauler]

I've had the same problem - mine had rust spots all over it after just a couple of weeks and driving throw a couple of rain showers. I was told that all SS systems will do it but that 409 is especially prone to it because it's a "magnetic stainless" - whatever.



I've very unhappy with this exhaust system. There's several other things that I don't like as well but I won't get into it here. I've been recommending Rip's system to everyone.



MBRP also has horrible customer service. (my experiences anyway)

 

[AWray]

My MBRP 409 system really developed rusty spots after the winter salt barrage. Some Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish cleaned almost all the corrosion off in a few minutes.



I talked to a sales rep for Lincoln Electric once to see what wire I should use to weld a 409 stainless system and he referred to the 409 grade as "barely stainless". He said it is probably the lowest grade of "stainless steel" available. If you want an exhaust system to maintain that perfect finish, you should drop the money on a 304 grade system.

 

[Mark Craig]

Challenger-II,



ANY 400 series stainless will get spots and turn a gray/brown color especially in the NW areas! 409 is a magnetic stainless, it's the same material the OEM's use for their stock exhaust because it lasts, they have to warranty any exhaust north of the converter for 100,000 miles as part of the emmissions warranty. 304 is a non magnetic stainless and contains a higher content of nickel and chromuim (therby the higher price) and will not turn or corrode on you, but it costs more too.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[Challenger-II]

Thanks Mark... ... I quess I still learn something every day. My main concern is longevity and not the shine. All in all, this system went in and fit like a glove without any installation horror stories. Thanks all for the replies.

 

[LightmanE300]

I have a hard time believing that the OEM exhausts are t409. None of my OEM exhausts have rusted this quickly at all. My MBRP stainless system is completely covered with surface rust, and did so after the first winter storm/salt. I have had a tailpipe weld break at the hanger, which was replaced quickly - so I have nothing bad to say about customer service. However, I now have another noise coming from the exhaust. Overall I'm very unhappy with the purchase, probably the worst thing I've put on my truck.

 

[Mark Craig]

LightmanE300,



All the OEM's use 409 mill finish stainless for the most part since the early 1990's. As far as diesel trucks the Ford's have used it since 1999, Dodge since the 2003 model and the Duramax since 2001. Actually Ford also used it in the down pipe too for the 1994 1st generation Power Stroke. They do put a temporary coating on it that is clear and lasts a while. Once that is gone it will turn brown/gray too.



On another note I am especially concerned about your system, we want our customers satisfied! If there is anything I can do I will. As you know we do not manufacture and are a distributor but if you need me to go to bat for you I will without hesitating.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[LightmanE300]

It must be the coating mark - I've made it thru several salty winters with OEM exhaust systems that haven't rusted, I was just surprised at how quickly this one turned to rust.



I've gotten good service and help from DPPI with my MBRP exhaust, can't complain there.

 

[rbattelle]

I wish I had read this before I invested in the MBRP 409 exhaust. Like Lightman, mine is completely rusted from turbo to tip after less than 3 months and 3000 miles.

MBRP says "it's just surface rust, it's normal." And won't warranty it. My stock exhaust lasted considerably longer than this. At least the MBRP system has a lifetime warranty, so when it rusts completely through I can (theoretically) get it replaced under warranty.

I've attached a photo of the over-the-axle pipe, which is the ugliest of all. Looks just like aluminized pipe, I think.

-Ryan

 

[JAlford]

I installed my MBRP 4" exhaust (409SST) in 2005 on my 1999 when the stock system fell off from rusting through. Yes, it has lots of surface rust, but absolutely no holes through and no leaks. Wish I could say that about any other part on the truck, as it has holes in body panels and other parts, and I have replaced MANY other rusted components. I live in Ohio in the salt belt. My 2006 truck the stock exhaust rusted through and fell off at 80K, the truck was 4yrs old. And rust-through is not covered by the factory warranty....
I wouldn't worry about it rusting through, I doubt it will. As far as looks, MBRP had told me up front that it was 409, and would rust on the surface. Even 304 will get some surface oxidation if exposed to salt and chemicals for ice prevention, there isn't any way to avoid it.
Just my experience.
Jeff

 

[brods]

X2 on what Jeff said about 409 lasting. Here is a picture of a Gibson stainless exhaust that is 14 years old. The muffler on the left is 304, the clamp is carbon steel and the pipe is 409. The pipe may not look pretty, but it is still structurally sound.

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After looking at the price $$$ of the 304 systems for the Dodge, this spring I made my own out of 4” schedule 5S 304 pipe (4-1/2” OD x .083” wall). The rust dots are where the pipe was likely contaminated with regular steel, probably when it was cut on the metal band saw normally used to cut carbon steel. Oh well, it will still out last the truck.

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[inlinesix3million]

I just installed the MBRP T409 cat-back on my 04.5. The stock exhaust( T409 also) finally rusted through at the front of the muffler. I am very happy with the tone ( pleasant but not to loud) and
the ease of install( about 35-40 minutes after old system is removed). I was aware that the factory exhaust included a coating to prolong it's life, and that the MBRP T409 would develop a
surface patina relatively soon. My plan is to scotch brite the pipe next spring and wipe it down with a solvent, then paint it black- maybe add one of those AR 15 exhaust tips. I anticipate it will
then last quite a while. ( As long as I stay out of Michigan :-laf)