stock trans am exhaust

[knightryda01]

Dum question guys, stock trans am exhaust... is it stainless?

[SMWS6TA]

no it's not

[Cutlass]

I have a feeling it might be stainless. Maybe not the shiny, non-magnetic stainless in the fancy aftermarket exhausts, but a lesser stainless. At least I think the y-pipe is. My car had a cat-back when I bought so I'm not sure about that. The exhaust isn't mild steel or alumunized, I pretty sure.

[SMWS6TA]

That may be why I'm thinking it's not

[Cutlass]

Here's some good info from Pypes about exhaust system material:

Many car owners think they are detectives trying to catch Pypes in a lie because our prices are so cheap. The old wise tale is that all stainless is NOT magnetic. Thats not true.


409 Stainless Steel

409 SS is dull gray in color.
409 SS will turn a blotchy brownish red over time.
409 SS is the same material used for exhaust components in modern vehicles.
409 SS can be welded with a regular mig welder, no special welding wire is needed.
409 SS can be polished but the shine will not last as long as 309 SS.
409 SS will rust but NOT rust through.
304 Polished Stainless Steel

304 Polished SS is similar to chrome in appearance.
304 Polished SS will turn gold/brown in color when it gets extremely hot.
304 Polished SS has poor heat retention value.
304 Polished SS can be welded with a regular mig welder, but tig welding would be prefered.
304 Polished SS aquires magnetic qualities when stretched enough.
304 Polished SS will not rust.
Aluminized Steel

Aluminized Steel is dull gray in color, similar to 409 Stainless Steel.
Aluminized Steel will NOT turn gold/brown in color when it gets hot.
Aluminized Steel has fair heat retention value.
Aluminized Steel can be welded with a regular mig welder, no special welding wire is needed.
Aluminized Steel is rust resistant but once the aluminized coating wears off, the steel will begin to rust.