What Advantages Come with Using Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems?
One of the most common upgrades done to vehicles in order to increase their performance, is the exhaust system. However, even though it’s truly a common upgrade a lot of people perform, there are still a lot of things to consider when upgrading your stock exhaust to an aftermarket exhaust. And the biggest decision you’ll have to make from the get-go, is the type of materials the upgrade exhaust should be made of.
The pipes in most exhaust systems are made either from stainless steel or aluminized steel. Stainless steel is the more desirable product as it doesn’t corrode or rust when scratched or scarred, as opposed to the aluminized steel pipes. Gases which corrode standard steel exhausts have a harder time doing so on stainless steel exhaust systems. Wet weather and salt eventually rust other systems, but not the stainless steel exhaust systems, as they surmount years of operation and extreme conditions.
When it comes to sound, they are comparable to aluminized steel. They are built with quality in mind, as well as exceptional performance and longevity. With that being said, a stainless steel exhaust is the perfect candidate for every vehicle and will leave you rest assured you won’t be needing a replacement any time soon.
Not only the pipes, but all other components can be purchased in a stainless material, whether it’s standard or dual exhaust for more power. A smooth flow that cools the gases brings amazing performance improvements, because high temperatures, vibrations, moisture, gases and emission requirements all affect performance when they’re channeled through a more durable and longer-lasting system.
Stainless steel doesn’t compromise on quality. The quality and lifespan of stainless steel pipes come from the composition of the stainless materials. Stainless steel pipes are mixed with chrome and nickel to enhance their already rust and corrosion resistant features, and they’re expected to outlast the life of the vehicle. And although it may last you forever, it will eventually lose its colour over time because of the heat, which is the only disadvantage it has to aluminized steel. However, this isn’t a case of lower quality as stainless steel polish – a soft cloth can revive the chromium shine.
Don’t compromise on quality, as the general rule applies in exhaust as it does everywhere else – you get what you pay for. Stainless steel might be more expensive than aluminized, but it’s also longer lasting, so investing more money upfront will usually save you hundreds in the long run.