Without resorting to any reference material, there are varying degrees of
stainless steel. You must also remember that steel (stainless or otherwise)
will eventually rust (oxidize for the techies out there). Stainless is just
a more resistant type of steel. The factory grade stainless steel exhaust
system is not of a high quality type. I say this regarding material
composition here. There are high grades of aluminized steel that will
retard rust/staining better and longer that lower grade stainless. There is
a direct relationship between the price of an exhaust system, and the
material it is composed of. It is very prudent to inquire about these
materials before you purchase a new system, and perhaps wind up being sorry
down the road. (No pun intended.)
I have a good article from an earlier issue of "Hot-Rod" magazine comparing
stainless and non-stainless exhaust systems. If you like, let me know and
I'll dig it up and fax you a copy of it.
Remember: "Knowledge in not only power, it is also a happy wallet!" :)
Rich - Ashburn, VA
-----Original Message-----
From: Bridges, Bruce [mailto:bbridges@alarismed.com]
Sent: Monday, October 05, 1998 1:45 PM
To: 'dakota-truck@buffnet.net'
Subject: RE: DML: stainless steel exhaust
DML,
Dont really care what the advertising literature says, my "stainless"
exhaust tip is rusting badly, beyond what any stainless Im familiar with is
capable of in so short a time. I believe that the stainless system does not
extend to the tip, on the R/T at least. The muffler is definitely stainless
as is the cat. Not sure about the headpipes although they may be. The 3"
outlet pipe? My jury is still out since the tip has rusted.
BKB
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Mankin [mailto:bob@cadpros.com]
Sent: Monday, October 05, 1998 10:30 AM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: Re: DML: stainless steel exhaust
Patrick and Kelly Engram wrote:
>
>
> -----Here are quotes from '97 and '98 Dodge Dakota sales brochures-
>
> '97 Dakota, page 22, heading 1-"Stainless steel exhaust system from
> front to rear, including muffler and tailpipe for long life."
>
> '98 Dakota, page 6, heading 1-"Full stainless steel exhaust system,
> including muffler and tailpipe, for longer life."
Patrick,
FWIW, when I had my '98 in for a muffler replacement, I was intending to
do a full cat-back. When I discovered the full length stainless on the
stock pipes, I decided the tradeoff for 1/2" upgrade on the pipe wasn't
worth switching to aluminized pipe. Bottom line - I stuck with the stock
pipe and simply added a Magnaflow muffler. I'm pleased with the results.
Bob
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