Can't decide..304 or 321 for custom manifolds.
 

Time to start fabrication my exhaust manifolds for my twin turbo 427 Chevy 2 project. I need to order my materials and can't decide to use 304 or 321 stainless steel. 321 is suppose to be the best, and most expensive, and 304 is widely used. These headers are for top mount turbo setup and I need for them to look pro. Anyone out there have 321 SS headers? What are the differences between these two in the long run. I only want to build these once.

The 321 is about twice as expensive as the 304. I thought about using 304 and having them coated or just leaving them as is as I also like the look of heated stainless.

Anyone have any feedback?

i don't think you will have a problem with the 304. you also have to remember that the higher the tempering the harder to weld.

Yes I agree. After sleeping on it last night I think I am just going to stick with the 304. I have enough other expensive items to think about, plus everyone else is making 304 work!

Do 304. Then grind the welds nice and flush. Take some very thin oil and 1500-2000 grit sand paper to the pipes. This will give you the glossey crome look i think that u are going for. It will take some time but in the end it will look bad ass.