How many people run stainless steel exhaust?

[Insane 5.0]

I just ordered my first mod for my mustang, it is a Spintech 2.5" catback system.

Originally I was happy, but I have 2 concerns, since I plan to keep upgrading this car to its limit eventually.

1) My first concern is the material. Was I stupid for getting alunimum exhaust isntead of stainless? How long will the aluminum exhaust last? (in Texas climate)

2) My other concern was about size. Will I have less power than stock if I go with 3" catback? I am concerned that I will run out of optimal exhaust room with 2.5" exhaust, since the stock is already 2.25 inch.

3) I looked, and could not really find many stainless steel exhaust brands, and no 3 inch systems. Why is this? If you know of any, please advise me.

 

[85GTlover]

You will be fine with the 2.5's and nothing wrong with aluminum I think the advantage with s/s is no rust but you need not worry about that in Texas, anyway. I do not know for sure but aluminum might be better than stainless.....lighter and will not rust, so no you were not stupid. The 3" are likely harder to find cause they are less common. It may not seem much but that extra 1/4 inch diameter can make big difference over stock. I imagine for big blocks and high,high hp 302's 3" could be better but 2.5's are so popular for a reason.....performance. The onl;y thing is you may have spent extra money you may not have needed to for aluminum over others, that is all, in Texas steel would be good enough. Hope you enjoy your new purchase. My sister is a nurse in Texas, we are from Ontario Canada.

 

[maverick0716]

Are you sure its aluminum and not "aluminized"? That's when they just put a protective coating on the pipes to prevent rust/corrosion. I've never actually seen an aluminum exhaust kit.

 

[mustanglx88]

If you want stainless steel pipes look at the company mac they make a nice set and they fit great I run them on my 5.0

 

[stangman 50]

mustanglx88 do u have any pics that u could send to me about the mac stainless system. i ordered some mac stainless tails for my mac catback they should be here on thursday, but i would like to see them on a car if u have any pics???

 

[maverick0716]

In my opinion, stainless steel tailpipes are the only way to go. I have Flowmaster SS tailpipes on mine.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I just have stainless tips on my car. I don't think the rest of my flowmaster cat-back is stainless though

I had a MAC cat-back on my car for 5 years previously. This is up in New England too. WHen i took it off, it still looked pretty decent so i saved it. I might sell it or toss it on my '85

 

[ironmedic]

man u are gonna love those spintechs! They are my favorite! remember, spintechs will sound like nothing if u have the stock H pipe installed. you will need an O/R H/X pipe to get some very good sound. i am running it with high flow cats and i get good sound too.

 

[MahFiVeOh]

I had my stainless Cat-back for 3+ years now and its still in great shape....even drove her in winter, yeah i know

 

[88stangmangt]

you will be fine with your choice and you have alot of room to grow with the 2.5

 

[ALMOST STOCK]

I've had the Borla (SS) cat back system for over 4 yrs and they shows no sign of rusting. I just got the MagnaFlow Catted X pipe (SS) which helped the sound of the Borlas so I should be set for life with my exhaust system