Stainless steel/titanium exhaust cracking under certain conditions?
 

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if anyone has heard of stainless steel or titanium cracking under certain conditions?? I was told my a custom exhaust fabricator that in Australia the conditions compared to the US are harsher and will cause headers in particular to crack unless made with mild steel? Anyone with a strong opinion on this?

Thanks!

That sounds silly to me, but what do I know, I'm not a fabricator.

What does "certain conditions" mean? What does the US have that Australia doesn't? Snow maybe, but not all states get significant amounts of snow either. If the exhaust is a quality piece, it should hold all year round.

Stainless is less ductile than mild steel but would be surprised to hear it cracking. Titanium is even stronger and used in aircraft parts so imagine it would be fine.. Not sure what he means


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It's an opinion, and not a correct one.

You don't need to worry about cracking with a mild steel exhaust because it will rust out real quick. Mild is cheap, thats about it.

I've always made my exhausts from 304 SS, best combination of durability, workability, and cost. Titanium is cool and all but big bucks.

Most titanium exhausts are titanium coated. So.......... Unless it's a $4k+ exhaust I'll believe it. Your typical under $800 exhaust, could be SS with a fancy ti coating.

Also your exhaust guy has been smoking the good stuff. Ask him to share.

All metals under excess heat and pressure will fail. Or shittly welds.

Solution: Move to the US.

-alex

Actually with the conditions we have here in Aus a mild steel header if painted or better yet ceramic coated will last longer than most people here will keep there car.