Stainless exhaust pipe
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Rick B.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 74
From: New Carlisle IN
Some stainless is non-magnetic, but some are magnetic. If it's not magnetic i would say it is stainess. If it is magnetic, something else will need to be done to determine if it's stainless.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
most exhaust are 304L and 316L due to its ease of welding and forming cuz it still has a high carbon content and is magnetic. compare it to the top of a pop can the silver is about the color 304 stainless is its not super shiny unless polished and more of a grayish when not finished.
with out some lab breaking down its chemical make up your not really gonna know. don't believe a company would sell you a none stianless exhaust claiming it was stainless as for you would be suing them when it started to rust lol.
with out some lab breaking down its chemical make up your not really gonna know. don't believe a company would sell you a none stianless exhaust claiming it was stainless as for you would be suing them when it started to rust lol.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Almost all the oems and a lot of the aftermarket use 409 stainless and it is magnetic from the lack of nickle content.
The prettier stuff is usually 304 and is not magnetic.
They should tell you what grade they used, some offer both.
Either one will probably outlast you.
The prettier stuff is usually 304 and is not magnetic.
They should tell you what grade they used, some offer both.
Either one will probably outlast you.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I took a closer look and find a stamp on the pipe that says: MAT'L 409, so i guess the pipes is 409 stainless steeel
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
409 Stainless steel has carbon in it, it will rust over time, about 30-50 years to failure I would think. Magnets stick to 400 series stainless not 300 series. Most cheap exhausts are 304 series stainless, high dollar stuff is 316, 321 series, more than 2-3 times the cost of 304 series tubing.
HD engine valves are magnetic, junk ones are not. 300 series is more likley to crack than 400 series Sstl. 300 series will look prettier than 400 series over the long haul. Everything in life is a compromise
HD engine valves are magnetic, junk ones are not. 300 series is more likley to crack than 400 series Sstl. 300 series will look prettier than 400 series over the long haul. Everything in life is a compromise
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