Hey all,

yes, I have a question about an exhaust.

I've spent the past couple of days researching on the forums here and elsewhere on the internet, and while I'm not 100% sure of the exhaust I want for my car yet, I have a good idea.

I'm thinking it will likely be the Hooker cat-back at first, followed by their headers.

In regards to the Hooker exhaust; the only reason I would consider something else is because apparently people say they are prone to rust, because of their non-stainless construction.

Is it really bad rusting, and is it worth it to step up and pay more for stainless for a catback system (assuming Im not going to true-duals)

Thanks, I appreciate any insight.

-Thor K.

 

I will give you my opinion.

I have a 1992 mustang that I use as my daily driver, and I have had a few cat-backs installed on it. When I bought the car it had a new flowmaster cat-back on it, about 1 year old. Within 1-1/2 years a rust hole poked through the muflers, and I replaced the cat-back with another flowmaster system. Two years later another rust hole poked through. I then bit the bullet and bought a stainless steel bassani, best damn thing I ever did for that car. Almost 3 years later and the Bassani cat-back still looks like the day I put it on, I drive year round through the winters with this car so it see's plenty of salt ( live in New England ). Even with all the salt, I think I will be able to get 10 years out of this cat-back.

I will never buy another mild steel exhaust part for any of my cars again

You may spend more money for stainless steel upfront, but in the long run it will pay you back by not having to buy crappy mild steel every three years. You may want to look in the Parts for sale forum for used deals on Stainless cat-backs. Some modders, like myself for instance, will buy a Borla/Corsa/or other SS system and after a few years feel they need to change it even tho it still looks new and works just fine. You could pick up a low miles used SS cat-back for the same price as a mild steel cat-back. A two year old SS cat-back with less than 10,000 miles is almost in the same condition as a new one. I know I have one on my Trans Am.

On that note. I will be taking off my Borla adjustable plate SS cat-back next month, and I will be posting it in the for sale forum for $400 shipping not included. It is two years old and has less than 5,000 miles on it.

I can hear you already. "But why in the hell are you getting rid of that?"

I'm buying a SS Corsa cat-back because I like the exhaust tips better than the Borla

 

i'd get a stainless steel setup. They aren't that much more and last forever.

 

I said the same thing as 95mZ6 , I just used 10 million more words.

 

You can buy some High temp coating and spray it on your hooker catback for 10bux and that will help prevent rust. Hey look and you saved hundreds of dollars

 

That would work great but considering most exhausts rust from the inside out i fail to see how that would help.

 

Great, I appreciate the input! (will keep an eye out for the Borla )

Yes, I had heard about the painting the exhaust, and thought it would work, but if they are rusting from the inside...

What a shame, I love the sound of the Hooker exhaust, but I can see how in the end, SS will be the way to go.

I love the dual twin-tip looks of the Hooker, SLP, and other exhausts!

Alright, thanks again guys, what an incredible resource the forums have been!

That search bar is invaluable!

-Thor K.

 

Both of the flowmaster mufflers rusted from the inside. Just my observation...

 

They rust from the inside because when you burn gas you get water. Haven't you ever seen water come out of the tail pipe on cars before. Thats obviously gonna eat up the your steel exhaust.

 

My turn, My turn

All those great and wonderful computer designed mufflers with their chambers just trap that water laced with corrosive gasses when the car is shut off. Those wonderful puddles of goodness just sit there and EAT away at the steel. The worst of it happens when you only run your car for a short while, say around 5-10 min, or that quick trip to the store down the block. Your exhaust piping never gets a chance to heat up and help evaporate that water after your car has been shut off.

Your turn Z95m6

 

Gotchya, makes sense. I'll be going stainless then... now, to think about true-dual or not hehe.

Plenty of previous threads on the topic

-Thor K.