Predator

Just wondering before I order a set of AR Headers. The coated headers I've owned have flaked and rusted. What happens to 304 SS headers as the years go by? Thanks.

lastcall190

iTrader: (36)

They turn golden brown after not long at all. Mine are just a week old and have a brown color to them.

-J

Predator

Hey thanks lastcall, you've been so helpful with my header questions. Appreciate it. I don't mind a color change at all. It's rust I hate.

I've been thinking about changing my catback to a SS one like a Magnaflow, but reading about the hanger weld failing scares me off. I love the sound of my cheap Hooker, but after a couple years it doesn't look too good. How's your Magnaflow holding up? Or is it as new as the headers? Any other SS exhausts that might go well with the ARHs? Thanks again.

lastcall190

iTrader: (36)

NP just trying to share what first hand info I have.

I got the magnaflow because the price was right and it's stainless (albeit not 304 if I recall correctly, but between that and the hooker, it was more stainless than that...). I wanted a Corsa, but the near $1,000 price tag had me say no thanks. Cost aside, my ideal setup would be ARH, Cats, Corsa...

-J

TheSilverOne

iTrader: (22)

Hey predator I'm 20 minutes south of Worcester. I have QTP LTs, modified Kooks y-pipe, and a Magnaflow catback. If you want to see the light brown/blue/rainbowish color let me know.

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

IF they are stainless, I hope they don't rust. Otherwise you will be referred to as "taken".

Predator

Thanks lastcall, I like Magnaflow. What's throwing me is I read a thread about the hanger welds failing. If I didn't read that dang thread I'd get one. Might still get one. Probably just a fluke. I know a thousand for an exhaust is too steep for me too. I really shouldn't even get the ARHs, but they're perfect for what I was looking for. I just have to get 'em. Thanks.

Predator

Hey Paul, thanks for the friendly offer. I'd like to see your Camaro, she's a beauty! I'm thinking when I get my heads and headers installed, probably be done in two weeks, gotta tune too, I'll PM you and set up a meeting. Thanks again! Later.

Predator

orangepeel, I know SS isn't supposed to rust, but I didn't know if headers were different because of so much heat. I thought coated headers weren't supposed to rust either, but my JBAs sure as hell did. This is important to me because headers are visible in the engine compartment.

BADD SS

iTrader: (4)

Cheap stainless can rust, It will build up a layer of rust, and wont continue. it wont rot through, but it looks like ****, and it is technically stainless due to content. 409 stainless does that frequently.

TheSilverOne

iTrader: (22)

Thanks for the compliment. Just let me know. I'm in Northbridge right off 146.

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

I've seen stainless rust in all forms.
On the ocean it'll rust away, mostly thin gauge stuff like 14 and under.
All stainless will rust brown eventually. The worst thing you can do is clean them with steel wool or a steel wire brush. If you clean them, use stainless steel wool.
I used to clean stainless with an industrial acid cleaner (forgot what acid) and a rag. It would make the crappiest stainless look brand new.

And FWIW I had a stainless nut on a battery terminal once, it slowly disappeared, never rusted or left a residue.

ChocoTaco369

My guess is nitric acid. Does that sound familiar?

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

It was actually a scale remover for big water cooled AC systems.
It had to be compatable for use with different metals, and I needed to clean a bunch of stainless once so I found this to be a very good cleaner for it and used it from then on.
Nitric acid doesn't sound familiar, in fact I'll see if I can find the product online and see what acid it had in it.
Edit: I did a quick search and the MSDS says Hydrochloric Acid.

Weezzer

The same kind of acid your stomach lining secretes!

02silvaZ

iTrader: (12)

yes they do discolor, thats why i went with the jethot brand of headers cause they jethot coat them INSIDE and OUT and always look beautiful

BIG BAD BLACKSS

iTrader: (4)

You can always get your stainless headers coated, for the utmost in quality and bling.

Predator

Thanks for the replies fellas.

I haven't had good luck with coatings, they all seem to flake off. Maybe I just had bad luck.

Predator

Will do Paul. I won't have my headers for two weeks, then I got some work to do, plus tuning. I wrote down your user name. Thanks again!

toneloc60

iTrader: (7)

Mine are purple and gold. Not bad considering I'm a Vikings fan. But it was a shame to see them change color on the dyno. But, Kooks makes a great header so I'm not mad.