What are the benefits for upgrading to Stainless steel, rather than using regular Mild steel that is used in a turbo kit? Thanks

 

One thing I can think of is the corrosion resistance. Also, stainless steel conducts heat very poorly, which in turn would keep your exhaust gas hot and at a higher velocity.

 

it doesnt corrode like mild steel so it'll last significantly longer

 

spend the dime for the stainless. itll last much longer, and looks alot nicer when welded right. just an all around better product, you could use mild, but it will corode much faster.

 

I agree that SS looks better and withstands the elements but I choose to go with mild. The money saved on steel is nice to put towards ceramic coating.

 

what if u were going to coat it.. would u want the stainless or mild?..

 

Stainless is also known for cracking over time in street driven applications. If you were going to coat everything regardless on something street driven you might better better off with mild steel.

 

^agreed

 

What would you coat the Mild Steel with?

 

MS with a coating is actually pretty good. Steel handles the changes in heat better than stainless, the only downside is the rusting which a good coating takes care of.

 

Coming from the turbo background, big name manufacturers like Full Race use Mild Steel as its alot thicker and resistant to expanding and cracking.

 

How long will it take Mild Steel to rust? Also what do you coat Mild Steel with? Thanks

 

Pardon me I'm half retarded today, since when did full race start using mild steel? Every manifold I have seen from them is SS.

 

Sorry I'm wrong. It is thick wall stainless. Maybe I'm getting confused with materials. Can't you get the pipes Swain Coated for heat resistance?

 

what if you cermaic coated and wrapped? would this just be redundant? i like the idea of ceramic coating for corrosion redistance, but heard the wrap will hold the heat in the exhaust better.

 

Well sainless is a bit harder and the nickel in it is what makes it stainless. The carbon in stainless will still cause surface rust over time. Stainless melts at about 2500 as carbon is about 2200 if that makes any difference. Stainless is heavier per sq foot and will crack easier due to it being harder and not flexing as much. Stainless looks nicer but is much more exspensive to use and repair. I work with both on a regualr basis and stainless is only used in high acid or base applications and where flourides and chlorides are used. I would go mild and have it coated for ease and cost.

 

i would recomend that you swain coat every thing. the wrapping can deterorate over time. i have also seen where the wrapping when used with a coating, destroy the coating

 

+1

Either coat it or wrap it. Not both.

 

Let also be known that you probably don't have a clue what you are talking about. We have built SEVERAL THOUSAND STAINLESS turbo manifolds and I can count all of the cracking issues we've had with my fingers. Mild steel can be made to work but it will never last as long if Stainless was used.

You're somewhat wrong. Full Race uses Stainless Steel tubing and they use Mild Steel for there flanges.

Usually within a couple days(tops) they will become an eyesore.

Wrapping is bad for the header in general. But if underhood temps are a concern(example land speed or road race car) then coating and wrapping are the way to go.

 

Shearer so basically what your saying is go with SS?