Is S/S really worth it?

[th3_f15t]

Ok, before I start I may have said at some stage before that stainless steel exhaust systems are worth the extra bit of cash.

But upon contemplation on the matter, I find that I am loosing the ability to justify spending £100+ more on a S/S system which, by the look of my current research, doesn't actually give many gains over a sports aluminium system.

Can anyone help me out with this, as I'm about to buy a whole new exhaust system and want to know what's the best option.

For details of what I'm currently doing, visit my project thread, that'll give you some idea of what and why I'm going on about.

[Khare]

s/s usually come with lifetime warranty, and also s/s lasts longer for obvious reasons. They also sound "sportier" than mild steel systems.

[th3_f15t]

That's a fair point. But I'm not planning on the Golf lasting a lifetime, it's a Mk2 that's nearly as old as myself! And it's also a daily so don't want a loud 'sporty' exhaust note.

my only realy concern is performance. Is there a massive gain with S/S or better to get a sports aluminium system (e.g. from Jetex)?

[roger1234]

The down side to a s/s exhaust is the weight, and cost.

[th3_f15t]

Weight? I was under the assumption that S/S weighed less...

I know I'm contradicting myself here slightly, but I am swapping my cast iron exhaust manifold and downpipe for a S/S unit as it's better for performance and can't find a simular system in aluminium.

[roger1234]

The manifold may be lighter but not much, stainless steel is heavier than mild steel and aluminium.

[th3_f15t]

Interesting... May just be a tight arse and go for a Jetex aluminium system then. It's nearly £100 cheaper! Cheers guys.

[johnson6672]

If you plan on owning the car for more than 3 years i would go stainless as a mild steel will most likely rot though in that time.

[th3_f15t]

I plan to own my Golf until I can get insurance at a reasonable price for a Mk5/6 GTi. So will be about 3 years.

I get the impression Jetex is a good make to go for in an exhaust?

[th3_f15t]

And also, I've seen a S/S manifold on Ebay for around £190 delivered. But looking on TSR Performance and you can get one of their's for about £260, not sure if that includes postage. What's the opinion on that?