exhaust stainless vs aluminized
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
exhaust stainless vs aluminized
I have a 72 corvette base engine. I need to replace exhaust. I need pros and cons of full stainless exhaust and full aluminzed exhaust.
Different opinions are welcome before I make my decision.
Different opinions are welcome before I make my decision.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
If it does not see rain or snow a good ( read not Speedy or Midas etc.) aluminized exhaust will last 20 years. 
THat said I got a mandrell bent stainless system installed on mine.
THat said I got a mandrell bent stainless system installed on mine.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
I wish my aluminized exhaust would have a issue. I installed it over 10 years ago and if it needed to be replaced I could make a case for replaceing it with a high performance system. But it still looks great.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
I just took off my aluminized system off after 10 and replaced it with sidepipes.
Other than a little road grime you wouldn't know it from new, in all fairness my vette is a night and weekend pleasure vehicle.
Other than a little road grime you wouldn't know it from new, in all fairness my vette is a night and weekend pleasure vehicle.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 2,509
From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
The aluminized will hold up for many years. I bought the s/s because it always looks good. I was always apinting the normal pipes and I do shows, so I wanted the clean look of the s/s.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
Not slaming anybody here ,but stainless is the only way to go.it last forever and always looks good.aluminized will rust and like said if it rains or snows and you drive in it, the exhaust wont last long especially if there is salt involved.If you can afford it,buy the stainless.never ever have to worry about your exhaust again.
East bound and down...
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Jonesboro Arkansas
Ok, since you asked for Pros and Cons I wil chime in and say that stainless is considerably heavier than the aluminized tubing.
That being said, my vote is still for stainless.
That being said, my vote is still for stainless.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
Stainless vs. aluminized
I am in the process of replaceing my "stainless" (yeah, right) headers connected to aluminized pipes. I touch up the visible parts of my aluminized exhaust system with high temp "aluminum" paint.
On the other hand, stainless steel WILL stain, and I haven't found anything that restores the stainless steel color.
Unless corrosion and rust-through is a major issue, then I don't think stainless is worth the extra expense.
On the other hand, stainless steel WILL stain, and I haven't found anything that restores the stainless steel color.
Unless corrosion and rust-through is a major issue, then I don't think stainless is worth the extra expense.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 9
From: Salinas Ca.
Originally Posted by gliot1
The aluminized will hold up for many years. I bought the s/s because it always looks good. I was always apinting the normal pipes and I do shows, so I wanted the clean look of the s/s.
I had 2.5 s/s installed 4 months ago with s/s Magnaflow's... Looks great, and sounds even better! Muddy
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Orange massachusettes
S/S last's forever, but costs a lot more, and CAN (not always) give a different, sometimes "TINNY" sound. I have heard issues w/ s/s pipes holding more heat and possibly causing a problem if running a glass rear spring, w/ out a heat sheild. I'M NOT DOWNING s/s, just passing on info that I've read. I'm going to be replacing my exaust as well. I'm leaning towards Ceramic headers to Alans aluminized chambered exhaust. I dont use my vette in the snow or as a daily driver. Your needs may be different from mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
UPS is delivering (4) 5" sections of 2.5" stainless pipe tomorrow... 47 lbs
My aluminized only have about 3-4000 miles on them. Had them bent for us years ago and they look like garbage... one hanging lower, crappy kinked bends, and its 2.25" pipe. Time to go custom. Do it once and do it right... stainless.
My aluminized only have about 3-4000 miles on them. Had them bent for us years ago and they look like garbage... one hanging lower, crappy kinked bends, and its 2.25" pipe. Time to go custom. Do it once and do it right... stainless.
