The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Stainless Muffler Pipes

I needed new pipes on my 56 1/2 ton and when I went to a shop and did the pricing I decided on stainless pipes and a stainless muffler... cost $450 installed. I figured that because mine is a year-round daily driver the extra $$ would be worth it in the long run.

Here's my question... when I got home, I put a magnet to the pipes and it sticks. I thought a magnet wouldn't stick to stainless?? Any metal guys out there that can enlighten me?? Or did I get screwed?

Thanks!

You are right on the magnet.

Smells Fishy !
wasnt S.S. coating ????

It depends on the grade of stainless. 300 series stainless has nickel and chromium content and is non magnetic. 400 series stainless has just chromium and is magnetic. So it really depends on the grade. I am not familiar with what is used in exhaust systems, I am sure someone else will chime in. Here is a link with some FAQ's about stainless steel: http://www.ssina.com/faq/index.html
A little noodling around on the web came up with 400 grade stainless being used in a lot of stainless systems, with the 304 stainless beign a "premium" exhaust. One site showed the 304 stainless exhaust for a Silverado at about $800, plus shipping not including labor. but cliamed a 1.0 million mile warranty.


Mike

65PanelMike is correct some grades of stainless steel will rust. Take a magnet with you next time your looking a outdoor grilles you will find the cheaper brands use the lower grade of stainless that are magnetic and will rust.

Realistically, how much longer will a stainless system last?

There should be some info printed avery few feet on the pipe. Look up the number that is on there and it will tell you what kind of metal and what poperties it has.
SS pipes that are more prone to corrosion will still greatly outlast steel pipe or aluminized steel pipes regardless. they corrode at a slower rate, and on a daily driver the water in & on the pipes will get burnt out regularly. it's the vehicles that see more moisture than driving that have the real issues with corrosion.

Don't be too concerned, I have a Bosell stainless exhaust system on one of my cars and the first one lasted over 12 years in the worst of conditions. My second one has been on the car for approximately 7 years and shows no signs of wear.
Stainless is better, I just went out and put a magnet on the system and it is magnetic.
Bob

Thanks for the feedback... I'm feeling less screwed! : )

I hear that as far as a practical stainless system the 400 series is better, it is less prone to cracking at the weld joints (if there are any).
While the 300 series does tend to eventually crack it holds a better polish longer.

When I get there, I'll use 409 stainless for my truck as I will have lots of welding to do and it won't be polished.

Grigg

OK so where do you get the stainless pipes? Do the muffler shops carry them. I talked to a guy who told me he had to buy the pipes and take them to several muffler shops before he found one that would install them.

In my case I will buy a bunch of bends in 5" stainless exhaust pipe, then cut and TIG weld them together to make what I need. If I can find some left overs from an exhaust manufacturer that would be great, dig through a scrap bin and pull out the 5" stainless stuff. So far I have not found any deals on assorted left overs.

Grigg

Took my '98 Exploder to the muffler shop cause the exhaust was rattling. Manager said the car companies are putting stainless exhaust on, but the hangers are still steel. He's been replacing perfectly good exhaust systems because of the missing hangers. He welded up mine.. but it was ugly..It's under the truck where no one looks.

Big Chevy - I went to a custom muffler shop for mine. It was like a fast food place - took about 30 minutes for them to cut, bend and weld it all up. I doubt the chains have them but I don't know for sure.

By the way, notice in your profile you're into Scouting... 45 year vet here.

Yeah Larry, I'm a retired Scoutmaster but active in OA and staffing the National Jambo. My first year at camp was 1954. Guess I'll add something relative to tailpipes. I wanted to have the pipes installed before the cab was on but I've had folks here on the Bolt suggest the pipe boys prefer to work underneath so they can keep from bumping the body.

You should have no exhaust to body interference on an AD truck with 6 cylinder, the exhaust comes no where near the cab. Going over the rear axle and under the bed is as close as it gets.

Grigg