Materials used on Headers?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 38
From: Dix Hills, NY
Materials used on Headers?
I hear conflicting reports.....lots of people want stainless to keep the headers looking new BUT I hear they are weaker than other materials. I just got the FLP's which are not stainless and not real heavy either. What is the advantage/ disadvantage of different materials (including the different types of stainless)? Thx :flag
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Materials used on Headers? (WildWolf)
FWIW, I have the ceramic-coated mild steel FLP's as well.
Better resistance to corrosion/rust and degradation due to heat cycling make stainless steel the preferred material for many exhaust manufacturers. Typically you'll see 303 and 304 stainless used although you may see 316 also.
304 stainless is harder than 303 due to lower carbon content. 316 is more corrosion-resistent due to inclusion of molybdenum. Stainless is harder than the mild steel which makes it less ductile and more expensive to fabricate with but, at the thicknesses used in headers, the reduction in ductility is not a significant factor I would think. Stainless headers are tough and can be ceramic coated to improve their heat retention properties and appearance just like mild steels.
Better resistance to corrosion/rust and degradation due to heat cycling make stainless steel the preferred material for many exhaust manufacturers. Typically you'll see 303 and 304 stainless used although you may see 316 also.
304 stainless is harder than 303 due to lower carbon content. 316 is more corrosion-resistent due to inclusion of molybdenum. Stainless is harder than the mild steel which makes it less ductile and more expensive to fabricate with but, at the thicknesses used in headers, the reduction in ductility is not a significant factor I would think. Stainless headers are tough and can be ceramic coated to improve their heat retention properties and appearance just like mild steels.
