Many companies advertise their stainless steel exhaust products as just that - simply stainless steel. Most don't bother specifying the differences between 409 stainless steel & 304 stainless steel material in their items, and you may be getting duped without knowing the difference. There are a few major differences between the metals like carbon content, iron content, & corrosion resistance.

For example, take a look at the two mandrel bent exhaust pipes above. Side-by-side the two look very similar but don't let that fool you. The corrosion resistance of the pipe depends on the content of chromium and nickel found in the alloy. 409 stainless is a metal designed primarily for the automotive exhaust industry, although it has been used successfully in other industrial applications. It combines good elevated temperature corrosion resistance and medium strength, good formability, and inexpensive overall cost. 409 carbon content is .03%. On the other hand, 304 is an austenitic stainless steel, & one of the oldest variants of stainless steel. Typically used in household applications, it is one of the most common metal alloys available today. Its carbon content is .08%.

The most frequently used stainless steel in performance exhaust systems is T409. Usually found in Flowmaster, Invidia, and many other aftermarket stainless mufflers and catbacks, this mixture does not contain enough chromium to resist corrosion in cold-weather states, or areas where salted roads aid in corrosion development. T409 has a chromium content of 10.50% to 11.75% while its nickel content is only 0.50%.

304 Stainless is the highest quality stainless steel used in the automotive world, and it is most often found in exhaust tips, clamps, bolts, and other small exhaust components where strength is very important. 304 grade stainless is tough and nearly impervious to rusting because it has around 20% chromium and 10% nickel content in the alloy. The high nickel content makes 304 an austenitic stainless steel. Because of its low ferrous content, 304 can develop a golden color when exposed to high heat over time. In fact, the ferrous metal content is so low that magnets won’t stick to it, making the identification of T409 and T304 very easy.

When considering an aftermarket exhaust system for your performance car, be it an Evo 8/9/X, Subaru WRX/STI, Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ, your global location is an important factor. 409 Stainless exhaust systems will suffice for areas where road salt isn't an issue. Its temperature-resistant alloy allows for superior strength, and rust generally isn't an immediate concern when compared to your northern brothers and sisters. 304 Stainless Steel is great for rust prevention in northern/wintry areas, but susceptible to heat discoloring under extreme temperatures seen in most southern states.

Above you can see the differences in corrosion after just one winter. The main 304ss piping is slightly discolored but resisting rust quite well, where the 409 stainless steel resonator section is showing signs of surface rust. It's still strong and likely to last a long time, but the rust is sometimes off-putting to serious performance enthusiasts.

Automotive manufacturers have found that by saving a few extra bucks in production by using the cheaper 409 stainless steel grade, they can keep prices low. Manufacturers also consider their target market, and whether the benefits of using a more expensive material will make a difference in purchase decisions.

Do you know what grade stainless steel your exhaust is made of? At MAPerformance, we use only 304 stainless on all of our custom exhaust components, downpipes, clamps, flanges, and other exhaust accessories. When buying MAPerformance products, you can rest assured that your performance parts will last for years to come without any rusting or corrosive threats!