409 Stainless Steel

[JGT]

So, after researching for months, I finally thought I was getting close to a decision on an exhaust system. I had narrowed it down to the Roush or the Magnaflow Competition, and almost decided to go with the Magnaflow. Paired with an H-pipe, it seems like this has the least raspy, most old school muscle car sound. The drone might be an issue, but I decided I could possibly go the J-pipe route (or possibly replace the stock resonator) if the drone was unacceptable or didn’t go away after a thousand miles like some people claim.

Now I just learned that the Magnaflow is constructed out of 409 stainless steel instead of 304. I am surprised by this, as the Magnaflow system seems comparably priced to other all 304 systems and I assumed you pay a premium for the 304.

I live in Minnesota and drive this car year round. It’s going to see plenty of salt. I also plan on keeping the car for 10 – 15 years. Should I even consider the 409? What’s the worst that could happen?

Then I got to thinking that the factory exhaust certainly isn’t 304 (does anyone know what it actually is?) and plenty of people aren’t going to think twice about driving that year round. Still, when you are dropping $1,000-$2,000 on an aftermarket exhaust system, you would like to think it’s pretty much bullet proof. It kind of helps justify the cost of buying something you technically don't need when you are upgrading the materials as part of the deal.

I am back on the fence now and would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on this.

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[BmacIL]

409 is better for parts that see high temperatures, as they won't tarnish nearly as much. It will "corrode" more than 304 when exposed to salt, but nothing like mild or aluminized steel, or even galvanized steel would. If you like the exhaust, an annual cleaning would be able to take care of it (a good idea for any aftermarket system, really).

 

[Bartly]

My guess is the factory exhaust is just mild steel for nothing other than cost. So thinking anything is going to hold up longer than stock. I want with 409 sst because I'd expect it to be fine. Course I won't be driving my car much after they salt the roads.

Hopefully if I'm wrong on the factory material someone will correct me.

 

[dgc333]

Stock exhaust systems have been 409 since the 80s. I typically keep a car for 7 to 10 years and have never had to replace any stock part from corrosion, certainly lots of surface corrosion but nothing close to rot through.

BTW, I live in New England and all my cars see lots of road salt in the winter.

IMHO, the only reason for 304 on an exhaust system is if you are going for a show car look.

 

[LethalPerformance]

So, after researching for months, I finally thought I was getting close to a decision on an exhaust system. I had narrowed it down to the Roush or the Magnaflow Competition, and almost decided to go with the Magnaflow. Paired with an H-pipe, it seems like this has the least raspy, most old school muscle car sound. The drone might be an issue, but I decided I could possibly go the J-pipe route (or possibly replace the stock resonator) if the drone was unacceptable or didn’t go away after a thousand miles like some people claim.

Now I just learned that the Magnaflow is constructed out of 409 stainless steel instead of 304. I am surprised by this, as the Magnaflow system seems comparably priced to other all 304 systems and I assumed you pay a premium for the 304.

I live in Minnesota and drive this car year round. It’s going to see plenty of salt. I also plan on keeping the car for 10 – 15 years. Should I even consider the 409? What’s the worst that could happen?

Then I got to thinking that the factory exhaust certainly isn’t 304 (does anyone know what it actually is?) and plenty of people aren’t going to think twice about driving that year round. Still, when you are dropping $1,000-$2,000 on an aftermarket exhaust system, you would like to think it’s pretty much bullet proof. It kind of helps justify the cost of buying something you technically don't need when you are upgrading the materials as part of the deal.

I am back on the fence now and would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on this.

The factory exhaust system is 409.

As far as which system to go with that's all personal preference. I wouldn't even look at the money side of it but more so what sound you like the most.

There's a lot of good options out there. My personal preference is either the Magnaflow competition setup or the Roush axlebacks with a resonator delete.

Corsa makes a really nice sounding system and MBRP and Borla do too.

My recommendation would be to go with the kit that sounds the best to you as all of them will last longer than you'll own the vehicle for regardless of whether they're made of aluminized steel, 409 or 304.

If you have any questions please feel free to give us a shout. We've got some sick deals on all of the top brands and would love to warn your business.

Thanks, Jared

 

[redline727]

I went with the Magnaflow Comp, I felt it was the best sounding catback for the money. And the quality was on point for fit and finish as well. I also did not pay the 1199.00 suggested retail though either. If you shop around a great deal can be had on that exhaust. 409 did not concern me, as others mentioned 409 will well outlast the time I own the car for. 304 would def look better if kept polished. But also as others mentioned heat will turn 304 different color over time unless you keep up with polishing it.

 

[Joe 5.0]

I wouldn't worry too much about corrosion! You're putting way too much thought into it!

 

[4V Mayhem]

It would take a really long time for 409 to start corroding. Even aluminum. I had an aluminum exhaust on my 03 GT for about 9 years and it was fine. That is out here in NJ. It lasted up until I sold it on the car, lol!! Between 304 and 409 tho, at the same price, I would take the 304 just because.

 

[qtrracer]

I had a Borla cat-back on my new-edge Cobra. The only item that failed was the slip pipe from the Borla stainless to the stock mid-pipe. That piece was not even aluminized steel and completely rotted out from rust. I replaced both sides about two years ago. Borla exhaust was on the car for its entire life - RIP 6/28/16.

 

[MagnaFlow]

You may see some light surface rust from the road conditions in your area, but it can be removed easily with a scotchbrite pad, etc. We rarely see our systems with severe rust, even after 10+ years! In the instance that something like that actually happened, we would gladly replace your exhaust under our lifetime warranty. If you have any other questions about our Competition System, drop us a call or PM!

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