Is Stainless Steel Exhaust Better?
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Chances are, you’ve stumbled upon tons of comparison resources, all debating the superiority of car exhaust system material.
Is it stainless steel? Is titanium better? Which would be best for my car?
Here is our take on it.
What’s Different
Titanium exhaust is lightweight and known to be 40% lighter than stainless steel. But what really is the difference in the exhaust materials?
Titanium comes at a loftier price compared to stainless steel. Titanium is an exotic material, revered for its superiority in style, taste, and remarkable ability to turn blue when heated. Impressive, isn’t it? However, with titanium, there is a drawback- the cost. Not only the cost of the material during fabrication of the exhaust, but the maintenance cost for the exhaust itself.
Titanium exhausts have been known to invite cracks during a period of time after being installed on a vehicle. There are several reasons behind this of which it could be caused by the rapid cooling and heating of the material or the poor welding process that occurred in the factory, causing an internal injury that later manifested as visible cracks in the external surface of the exhaust system.
Regardless of the reason, an injury to titanium is more challenging and laborious to mend compared to stainless steel as the maintenance cost is higher it being a tricky yet beautiful material to work with.
Think Long-Term
Longevity is a crucial factor for any large and heavy product. Because the exhaust lives under the engine, it is situated in a position to receive and be constantly attacked by enormous loads of pressure, unwanted heat, and wind.
Titanium is increasingly growing in desirability for its rarity; however, it can become short-lived and flimsy over time. Repairing titanium is a lengthier and costlier process compared to stainless steel.
The terminology 304 Stainless Steel applies to an iron-based alloy that contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The somewhat wee amount of chromium added to the homogenous mixture increases 304 Stainless Steel’s oxidation resistance levels by a measure and forms a passive film, enhancing its ‘time-incurred-damage’ resistance properties.
304 Stainless Steel has been vastly used in exhaust fabrication for years. Coupled with its longevity and resistance to corrosion, heat, and oxidation, it makes an excellent cost-effective choice to drive just as much performance gains as titanium.
The weight difference of titanium can come in useful, aiding handling and acceleration and can be suitable for a race car - if you feel the reduced weight dramatically alters the handling and speed for you. For some, installing a lighter exhaust does not create too much of a difference.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it boils down to a matter of preference. Titanium exhausts may give you a stand-out presence; its distinct tinny exhaust note and lightweight factor gives it that extra zest you may be looking for but it may wear off over time.
Stainless steel on the other hand can offer you a long-lasting performance with about equal levels of gains as a titanium exhaust for a far more attractive price. With either titanium and stainless steel, you can customize the look of your tips and achieve a fantastic look to complement the overall aesthetic feel you are aiming for.
All components of STONE exhausts are mechanically welded with the mechanical welding arms to prevent cracks and endure over longer periods of time and include brilliant tip options such as titanium blue, gloss/matt carbon fiber, chrome black, and more. Additionally, they are backed STONE’s 2-year warranty.
