X-Hibition
Full Access Member
If this issue has been put to bed, my apologies.
I have read quite a bit about exhaust systems and something I couldn't reconcile was the difference between T-409 and T-304 Stainless Steel.
I like the MBRP exhaust system because of its different options, you can use or delete the cat and/or the muffler. You don't have to modify the cat to use it. But what I can't understand is why the heartier material (T-409) doesn't have as good a warranty as the T-304. T-304 is shiny and pretty but doesn't seem to have the goods. I quote Gale Banks off of his site...
"What grade of stainless steel does Banks use in its exhaust systems, and why?
There are two primary categories of stainless steel tubing used in automotive exhaust systems: 300 series and 400 series. 400 series stainless is commonly used by Banks for exhaust and manifold applications primarily because it handles heat cycling better than the 300 series. 300 series stainless becomes brittle after constant heating and cooling (which is exactly what an exhaust system does) especially in areas that incorporate welds. The issue of heat cycling is of great importance, especially in a heavy-duty application that will endure greater levels of heat than other automotive applications. Not only is 300 series stainless a poorer choice for exhaust systems, it is also more expensive and would unnecessarily increase the price of an exhaust system. 400 series stainless is not as pretty as 300 series and will have a brownish hue to it, due to the fact that it has a higher carbon content than 300 series. This means the 300 series stainless will polish up better for appearance. The carbon content in 400 series also makes it magnetic, unlike 300 series, which is a simple test to determine which series you’re dealing with. Fortunately, 400 series will handle temperatures of up to 2000 degrees without any deterioration, making it very suitable for use in exhaust systems. We use 400-series, specifically 409, for our entire exhaust systems, except the polished tip which is polished 304. That's the part that you want to look good!"
So does anyone have an opinion as to what material is better? Thank you.
I have read quite a bit about exhaust systems and something I couldn't reconcile was the difference between T-409 and T-304 Stainless Steel.
I like the MBRP exhaust system because of its different options, you can use or delete the cat and/or the muffler. You don't have to modify the cat to use it. But what I can't understand is why the heartier material (T-409) doesn't have as good a warranty as the T-304. T-304 is shiny and pretty but doesn't seem to have the goods. I quote Gale Banks off of his site...
"What grade of stainless steel does Banks use in its exhaust systems, and why?
There are two primary categories of stainless steel tubing used in automotive exhaust systems: 300 series and 400 series. 400 series stainless is commonly used by Banks for exhaust and manifold applications primarily because it handles heat cycling better than the 300 series. 300 series stainless becomes brittle after constant heating and cooling (which is exactly what an exhaust system does) especially in areas that incorporate welds. The issue of heat cycling is of great importance, especially in a heavy-duty application that will endure greater levels of heat than other automotive applications. Not only is 300 series stainless a poorer choice for exhaust systems, it is also more expensive and would unnecessarily increase the price of an exhaust system. 400 series stainless is not as pretty as 300 series and will have a brownish hue to it, due to the fact that it has a higher carbon content than 300 series. This means the 300 series stainless will polish up better for appearance. The carbon content in 400 series also makes it magnetic, unlike 300 series, which is a simple test to determine which series you’re dealing with. Fortunately, 400 series will handle temperatures of up to 2000 degrees without any deterioration, making it very suitable for use in exhaust systems. We use 400-series, specifically 409, for our entire exhaust systems, except the polished tip which is polished 304. That's the part that you want to look good!"
So does anyone have an opinion as to what material is better? Thank you.
