Are stainless exhaust systems worth the extra cost?

[robroy]

Good morning,

I'm interested in hearing opinions on whether stainless exhaust systems are "worth it" or not.

I've personally never had a vehicle that remained unmodified for long enough for this to matter before, but I may not be aware of all the benefits of stainless exhaust.

Does anybody know:

1. Approximately how much more expensive are stainless exhaust systems if all the installation work is hired out?

2. Other than not rusting out and being expensive, what other pros and cons are you aware of?

Since I plan on doing more significant work on my truck within the next ten years, and am likely to be removing the exhaust at that time, I'm guessing that non-stainless is the best idea for me. But what do you think?

Thanks very much for all the fantastic advice,
-Robroy

[heep70]

My opinion is it is if you need a pecker extension. Aluminized is just as good and less money.

[robroy]

Hi Heep70 and Joshpow, thanks for replying to my post!

I think your advice is sound. Since I don't plan on keeping this exhaust forever it seems like I should avoid the stainless route.

Probably because I'm new to many aspects of car building, I'm not familiar with aluminized exhaust.

Do exhaust shops use aluminized pipes by default? Or is this a special option that I need to ask for?

And if it is a special option, how much more does it cost?

Thanks very much for being patient with my questions and for all the great advice.

-Robroy

[Joshpow]

Most shops near me use it anyway. I'm not sure about other places. I don't think the pipe is much more expensive. If you are unsure whether they use it, just ask if they carry the aluminized exhaust pipe. Another good idea would be aluminized mufflers. I had to ask about them for my truck. Glad to help you make your decision. If you got more ????????, just give me a message or PM and I'll try to answer.

[DuckRyder]

Most stainless exhaust systems are prefabricated, and there are various grades of stainless as well, so direct comparisons of cost are very hard to make. Take something like a fox body Mustang and compare stainless systems to similar quality non-stainless and I think you will find they are about 50-100%more.

Also, keep in mind for custom fabrication that stainless should be tig welded with a shielding gas, so there are additional cost in both materials and labor/procedure.

As for whether the cost is worth it? That is a decision only you can make…

[robroy]

Hi Josh and Robert!

It sounds like the stainless option isn't for me, since a super long life isn't what I'm most interested in.

Thanks for all the great advice!
-Robroy

[Ranchero50]

No they are not.

Yeah, if it's my fault for saying that's what I have on the ranch and parts of my stang, just remember it's all recycled dairy pipe that I got for free. A 3" 90` 304 stainless dairy bend is around $70 or more each now. Shoot, a straight 10' chunk of 2.5" aluminumized steel was $35 last year. You won't pay someone to do it unless you are rich and you won't 'need' it for any reason. Of course if you stumble across some at a recyclers try to buy it. It makes great trading fodder.

BTW, the 304 welds fine with mild wire, the seams get some rust fuzz, but that's about it.

Jamie

[robroy]

Hey Jamie, thanks for your advice! It sounds like something I'll definitely avoid for this project (stainless pipes, not advice).

-Robroy