and which one is better?
i'm looking into buying some aftermarket headers, but companies make them in both chrome and stainless steel
2007-03-12 13:47:26 · 6 answers · asked by b3nsonx 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Chrome is a very hard metal that is plated over regular steel. It often chips and cracks off, allowing rust to form underneath. Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and nickel (I think) - sometimes the pipe is solid stainless, more often it's a coating. It doesn't rust, but also doesn't look as shiny in the beginning (stainless always looks better after a little time 0 chrome plate never lasts.) It's also softer, meaning that it doesn't tend to flake off like chrome does.
Chrome plating if mainly for looks - stainless steel is for the longevity of your new parts. Chrome also tends to hold the heat in - not always good, as it will discolour with intense heat (very common on exhaust pipes), and the greater expansion and contraction during its usual heating and cooling cycles tends to make it flake off more easily.
Bottom line - are you more interested in performance and keeping the car running well, or are you interested in temporary, short-term looks? After all, there's a reason that pro race engines don't use chrome plating.
2007-03-12 14:00:13 · answer #1 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For headers go with stainless steel. Chrome holds heat in, and after a while it will discolor due to the high heat of the heads.
2007-03-12 20:52:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chrome looks better, but it will eventually rust if it's exposed to enough moisture. Stainless steel will not rust. I would spend the extra money and get the stainless headers.
2007-03-12 20:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by Jeremy G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know nothing of aftermarket headers so can't help you there, but - chrome is a coating on metal. Stainless Steel is a type of metal.
2007-03-12 20:53:08 · answer #4 · answered by my 2 cents 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop ,and actually there's a real big difference in the two,stainless is made that way all the way through,and chrome ,is just a plating that is applied to steel,stainless can be dented and straitened out ,and then buffed out,and it cant be seen,as the chrome ,once its dented has to be repaired,and then re-chromed again,and chrome will rust also,stainless wont,in my opinion its better all way around,for lasting durability ,and looks ,you cant beat stainless steel,good luck i hope this helps.
2007-03-12 20:56:58 · answer #5 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chrome is better b/c it gives it more of a lustery shine. Stainless steel will look more filmy. It would also be easier to have your current hearder chromed yourself and it would save you money. Just go to your local chroming shop
2007-03-12 20:53:27 · answer #6 · answered by jtwonn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋