[007_e350]

Hey folks that have deleted alphabet soup, Hows the exhaust holding up ? I was under the car and saw the bolt that hold the clamp completely rusted and parts of exhaust getting this rust stains all over the pipe... very unusual its been on the car only 10k miles ...not sure if SS 401 does it by nature

[dmanb2b]

Pretty common, but should only be surface rust. doubt your will ever see it rust through during life of ownership.

Here is example new vs used

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=5234449

[lnxguy]

Completely normal and nothing to worry about.

[BB_cuda]

Agree the 400 series will not rust through but will get spotty. 300 series does discolor from heat but will look better than 400. Now as far as bolts go, you could have ferrous bolts holding together stainless pipes. I had to take all of my exhaust apart and got nice stainless bolts, nuts, washers, and lock washers from Ace h/w. They haven't turned color at all.

As an aside, when shopping for muffler parts, y-pipe transitions, and other pieces, I have found companies to describe parts as stainless or 300 series stainless. The point is if it doesn't say 300 series, you may presume it's the semi-ferritic 400 series or even possibly the Nitronic 200 series. I called and asked and got vague answers. A great place to get 300 series exhaust parts is Columbia River Mandrel Bending (CRMB) just outside Portland, OR. Mandrel Bending Solutions is another place IA told us about. The take away from my comment is if something is 300 series, they will tout this fact as a differentiator from the competition. Bohl made his down pipes from 304 SS.

When brand new and not oxidized yet, the easiest way to tell 400 from 300 is with a magnet. The 300 might draw magnet but in subtle way. The 400 will pull it in much harder. 400 is stronger as its heat treatable due to the semi-ferritic nature of its micro structure. Yield strength of 30,000 psi is plenty for exhausts though (303 SS spec).

[Chief Orman]

Anyone know what Profi Diesel in Bulgaria uses? I'm about ready to order the down pipe and exhaust because I am feeling cheap and I think Hooper has also installed this setup.

[BB_cuda]

Chief, hadn't heard from in a little while again. How are the ohlins holding up? Maybe Hooper can try magnet for you.

[3d Turbo]

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

Anyone know what Profi Diesel in Bulgaria uses? I'm about ready to order the down pipe and exhaust because I am feeling cheap and I think Hooper has also installed this setup.

ProfiDiesel uses 304L Stainless Steel. 304L is an extra low carbon version of 304 Stainless. Using that instead if regular 304 SS minimizes carbide precipitation at the welds and in effect minimizes corrosion at the welds.

[Chief Orman]

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

Chief, hadn't heard from in a little while again. How are the ohlins holding up? Maybe Hooper can try magnet for you.

Thanks BB... just PM'd Hooper. Been struggling about whether to do the whole delete given lack of resale. After much thought I have decided to do the delete and buy a second motorcycle to satisfy my need for something new.

[Hoooper]

Chief no need to worry here in ca. Even bare steel hardly rusts here

[335dsleeper]

^ Lucky!

[Chief Orman]

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

Chief, hadn't heard from in a little while again. How are the ohlins holding up? Maybe Hooper can try magnet for you.

Ohlins are holding up great... worth it, but painful expense...