Thoughts on stainless steel exhaust system

jess5engine · 10-13-2003, 11:47 PM

I'm contemplating replacing the rusted exhaust pipes, muffler and cat conv in my 87 911 and would like some feed back on whether SS is the way to go. If anyone has had or currently has a SS setup, I'd appreciate suggestions, tips, warnings, etc. Specifically, I'd like to hear input on headers, cat back systems and recommendations on brands. Lastly, I'd like your opinions on whether the cost(s) justifies the benefits of performance and longevity. Thanks everyone.

larry47us · 10-14-2003, 03:37 AM

Jess:

Maybe this isn't a comparable, but I had a Toyota with a regular exhaust system, and replaced the muffler every 25K miles. My Lexus has a SS exhaust system, and it has 165K miles and is still the original. Can't tell you anything about performance though, or Porsche specific experience.

larry

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 10-14-2003, 04:16 AM

An '87 911 had an ordinary mild-steel exhaust system? I'm amazed.

STephan

KTL · 10-14-2003, 05:10 AM

I think that you'll find the OE exhaust system on the 87 is actually made of a grade of stainless. I know because I prepped the stuff on my car before painting it.

Just because it's rusty doesn't mean it's not stainless. Stainless steel rusts. Expose it to salt and the stainless will develop corrosion.

As far as what to choose for your exhaust upgrade? Do a search and you'll find lots of opinions. It actually might be a little overwhelming when you discover all the topics that have covered this issue. My opinion is save yourself some $$$ and get a sport muffler and a euro pre-muffler to replace the cat. conv. For a stock motor, it's pretty much equivalent to headers and costs much less. Porsche exhaust stuff is quite expensive, so the hp:$ ratio is quite low (at least on the 3.2 Carreras).

I think the better hp:$ ratio is in a performance chip. Steve Wong is your man when it comes to the chip issue.

Rot 911 · 10-14-2003, 05:33 AM

Having just gone thru dremel tool cutting wheel hell I can assure you that the exhaust system is stainless, but the bolts and nuts holding it all together are not!

KFC911 · 10-14-2003, 05:46 AM

I've got a GHL stainless (single in/single out) along with a SS Fabspeed euro premuffler (replacing the cat), and I love it! Some folks were having a problem with the Fabspeeds a while back, but mine fit with no prolems at all. This combo gives a nice throaty sound (with no resonance), and is supposed to be close in terms of performance boost to the SSIs.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

I just went through this whole thing. Dremeled off the old exhaust. What a pain in the a$$ job. Added a dansk premuffler and dual out SS sport muffler.

Nice Sound - low rumble - but even in a cabriolet - not too offensive. Screams above 5000 rpm's. I can still carry on a conversation at normal highway speeds.

The biggest difference was the Steve W chip. (I changed out the exhaust first)

The down side is you get more noise (for some) and the exhaust's a little more smelly with out the Cat.

From the rear...

lendaddy · 10-14-2003, 06:27 AM

Well, sorta. Not all stainless steels are created equal. Most exhaust systems these days are 400 series stainless. Usually 409 or 439 even 18CB these are low grade stainless. They will rust albeit very slowly and generally never to the point of failure. if you want no rust it is possible, just use 300 series stainless. It will NOT rust, it will blue, stain, etc.. but it will not rust/oxidize.