I did a search on this forum for stainless steel exhaust, didnt really fine anything. My question is:

Is there any real difference between a stainless steel system vs. non-stainless steel, besides the fact that stainless dont rust.

Is there a difference in power gain?

 

stainless don't rust.but it depends on what you want ( stainless is only the metal ) performance is another thing

 

I want to upgrade my exhaust as my first mod with a drop in K&N filter. As you know, the stock exhaustare stainless,so I wouldlike to replace it with stainless, but I can see myself payin stainless prices, I THINK I saw it for like $11-1300when I can get a full non-stainless system (manifold back) for like $600.

So I was asking was there a reason to go with stainless or will non-stainless do.

 

there is no difference in power gains, stainless steel will last you alot longer though.

 

Now I know every situation is different, rain, snow with salt on the roads ex. ..ex... but how long will non-stainless pipes last under normal conductions? (Normal rain fall) I guess I’m asking people with non-stainless pipes. How bad is the rust on your pipes and how long have you had them. This will give me an idea on what I will be buying.

 

My 93 volvos oem stainless exhaust lasted 310k before it developed a hole in Minnesota weather. Our 93 bmw is on it's 3 non stainless exhaust in 245k, maybe its second.

 

Don't expect any performance gain orbetter gasmileagefrom the K&N. I haven't noticed any over the past 40k miles. The only advantage is that you have an air filter that can last 100k+, saving money.

Lots of posts note that you have to be careful oiling the K&N. After oiling, allow it to drain thoroughly on a piece of newspaper. If you install an oily K&N you risk getting blown oil on your MAF (pretty sure that was the part) which will cause codes and poor performance.

IMHO, I'd go with the stainless if you intend to keep the car. The cost of installation isn't cheap and the second install plus price of a second set of non-stainless will outweigh your initial savings. If you intend to keep the car only a couple years, then it becomes the next owner's problem (which is why I distrust older used cars).