Stainless Steel Options

Pypes exhaust Is currently in the process of converting 90% of it's exhaust products from Aluminized Steel to Stainless Steel. For the next few months you may find that some systems include both Stainless Steel and Aluminized Steel components. In an effort to inform our customers of what they are getting and why some options are better than others, we are providing this comparison of different steel contructions.
Stainless Steel Magnetism

Many car owners think they are detectives trying to catch Pypes in a lie because our prices are so cheap. The old wise tale is that all stainless is NOT magnetic. This website clearly explains that this is not necessarily true.

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409 Stainless Steel

  • 409 SS is dull gray in color.
  • 409 SS will turn a blotchy brownish red over time.
  • 409 SS is the same material used for exhaust components in modern vehicles.
  • 409 SS can be welded with a regular mig welder, no special welding wire is needed.
  • 409 SS can be polished but the shine will not last as long as 309 SS.
  • 409 SS will rust but NOT rust through.
304 Polished Stainless Steel

  • 304 Polished SS is similar to chrome in appearance.
  • 304 Polished SS will turn gold/brown in color when it gets extremely hot.
  • 304 Polished SS has poor heat retention value.
  • 304 Polished SS can be welded with a regular mig welder, but tig welding would be prefered.
  • 304 Polished SS aquires magnetic qualities when stretched enough.
  • 304 Polished SS will not rust.
Aluminized Steel

  • Aluminized Steel is dull gray in color, similar to 409 Stainless Steel.
  • Aluminized Steel will NOT turn gold/brown in color when it gets hot.
  • Aluminized Steel has fair heat retention value.
  • Aluminized Steel can be welded with a regular mig welder, no special welding wire is needed.
  • Aluminized Steel is rust resistant but once the aluminized coating wears off, the steel will begin to rust.
Ceramic Coated Steel

  • Ceramic Coated Steel has a semi-chrome shine to it.
  • Ceramic Coated Steel will NOT turn gold/brown in color when it gets hot.
  • Ceramic Coated Steel has excelent heat retention value.
  • Ceramic Coated Steel can not be welded without removing the Ceramic Coating.
  • Ceramic Coated Steel will not rust, unless the coating is scratched.
   


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