Quick question on STAINLESS STEEL headers

[apltx08]

I picked up a set of YAM'S new headers for my APEX from my dealer today that they have for $90.00 per side (left and right $180.00) at this price I'll keep them as a spare set just incase, so when I got home I got my MAGNET to see if in fact their STAINLESS or not and guess what...my magnet sticks to it like baby's POOP to a blanket!, I was told that STAINLESS wasn't a FEROUS metal, can someone fill me in on this 1, I'm stumped maybe this is why their so cheap in price.

 

[DeanO]

Im not sure what type of stainless they are using, but 300 series stainless steel is magnetic.

 

[Tycho998]

I used stainless steel bolts washers and nuts to repair the cooling cross pipe at the back of the sled. I dropped a nut into the suspension, went to use a magnet to get it out. Did NOT stick to the nut. Does anyone know if a magnet sticks to an RX1 header?

 

[ahicks]

I think for the metal to be called stainless, it must contain at least 5% nickel? I know various grades of stainless do exist. Some are said to be rust "resistant" - like automotive exhaust systems....

 

[chadman]

The better grade stainless will not be magnetic. There is more steel in those I guess.

 

[daver]

Stainless steels are iron-based alloys containing a minimum of about 10.5% chromium.

automotive exhausts are generaly made from 409 which contains no nickel just chromium (10.5 - 18%).
409 stainless is magnetic.

"better grade" stainless would be the austenitic alloy which contains at least 6% nickel and 16% chromium, these grades are not magnetic, but there are a few exceptions depending on the additional elements added.

cheers
Dave

 

[LJ 452]

Yes, some "stainless" steels are magnetic. Think of your kitchen knives that you may hang from the magnetic rack. Probably a 400 series like 440 or something. The 300 series like 304 are what the high end stainless exhaust systems are made from. Since your sled isn't exposed to salt and other road debris I wouldn't worry too much about it. Besides at that price it's as cheap as a few wheels in the skid. I'm sure the material will outlast the skid and other components. With that don't think that all the cracking issues are gone forever. Stainless steels will work harden as well and could crack over time. The difference being stainless is a bit easier to repair and obviously is a cheaper material.

 

[tttario]

Im not sure what type of stainless they are using, but 300 series stainless steel is magnetic.

304 and 316 is definitely non-magnetic.

My 409 truck exhaust is magnetic.

 

[DeanO]

correction sorry that is correct 400 is magnetic not 300. I checked my books to confirm that.

 

[SumpBuster]

Ok, the 400 series stainless steels are magnetic. We make steam turbine blades out of these. As well as titanium. Very tough, but will surface rust a little in bar stock form. The 300 series stainless has more chrome, and is non magnetic. Harder to machine, more brittle, so the choice of 400 is perfect for durability and erosion. Steam can be erosive. Consider these turbines have lifespans of 30 years or more, so 400 series stainless (the final compositions are variable, to customer spec) is good stuff.
Dodge used some 400 stainless for exhaust systems. You get surface rust, but that's about it.

 

[apltx08]

Thanks guys for the info, I just wanted to make that they where STAINLESS STEEL, I guess I'll be going to bed smarter tonight!!! got to love this site for all the EXPERTISE