what is the best way to clean/polish your exhaust?

[brokeboibrz]

Just bought this used ultimate racing catback for my brz. Im planning on cleaning the mufflers and tips before I install it but once I start I'll probably just end up doing the whole thing. Just wondering what is the easiest way to clean/polish a stainless steel exhaust? would steel wool and some polish work?

[NLSP]

The combination of Nevr-dull and then Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish with a cloth has always worked well for me.

I haven't tried steel wool myself.

[RToyo86]

For dirty exhausts I used steel wool and cleaning vinegar as a rough pass, then mothers metal polish with a microfiber to finish. Sleel wool and polish works too, though on the tips a microfiber gave me a better finish.
+1 If you can get a mother's powerball and use a drill for final polish.

Cleaned up a unloved TRD exhaust over the summer using this method. Did it quick and dirty.

[PenGun]

I have trouble understanding spending all this money on a sound difference. I am completely baffled by shining up an exhaust no one will ever see.

[brokeboibrz]

Originally Posted by PenGun

I have trouble understanding spending all this money on a sound difference. I am completely baffled by shining up an exhaust no one will ever see.

Catback exhaust also help with performance, I got mine for only 500$. I do realize people will only see the tips and the muffler, but I don't think I'll let myself install it before the whole thing is shiny. Just a personal preference but you are right, polishing the whole exhaust is completely useless.

[brokeboibrz]

Originally Posted by NLSP

The combination of Nevr-dull and then Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish with a cloth has always worked well for me.

I haven't tried steel wool myself.

I have heard of mothers aluminum polish but never heard of Near-dull, I'll give it a shot, thank you.

[PenGun]

Originally Posted by brokeboibrz

Catback exhaust also help with performance, I got mine for only 500$. I do realize people will only see the tips and the muffler, but I don't think I'll let myself install it before the whole thing is shiny. Just a personal preference but you are right, polishing the whole exhaust is completely useless.

Really, they make power? I doubt there is 10 hp in any of these exhaust setups.

[mrhemi]

Flitz Metal Polish. Follow the directions for the material being polished. https://www.flitz.com/

[NoHaveMSG]

I just polish the tip, but only for a minute.

[bcj]

Lots of elbow grease. Have yet to find anything better.

[rbfr.s]

Spit on it and give it a good rub. Should only take 30 seconds to a minute.

[CrowsFeast]

Originally Posted by PenGun

Really, they make power? I doubt there is 10 hp in any of these exhaust setups.

Going onto a motor where the rest is stock, catbacks won't make enough gains to write home about because they're not the bottle-neck. The more you have done to the car though, the more a catback will open up.

depending on the catback you could be dropping a somewhat significant amount of weight from the car (not enough to really matter on a daily, but if you're competing on track it'll get you that extra little bit)

Plus, some of us definitely think it's worth it just for the noise!

[dpfarr]

Originally Posted by rbfr.s

Spit on it and give it a good rub. Should only take 30 seconds to a minute.

Difficult to be accurate getting a little spit back there in the exhaust. Rubbing inside there is kind of awkward to get any satisfaction in cleaning.