Need help-I/C Piping

[MP5T]

I am having my I/C piping custom fabbed in 2.5" and need to know which would be better. SS, Mild Steel, or Aluminum. Also, for each what does it take to protect it/make it last. For example: powdercoating, painting, clearcoat, etc...
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[mp5smuggler]

save money and use mild. then get it jethot coated to improve air flow.

 

[flat_black]

I vote for aluminum. =) A little less rugged, less prone to oxidization, and a little clearcoat will take care of it, I would imagine, but it's lighter, too.

Steel will rust, unless it's powdercoated or painted really well, and even then, if it gets a scratch, it'll rust there. It's heavier, and more durable, but less prone to heat-soak, due to material density.

I would suggest powder coating either choice, though. =)

 

[RyanJayG]

aluminum is best, but you pay for it big time, SS would be my next choice but its very costly right now... mild steel MUST be coated, though I would also certainly coat aluminum if you live near the coast in Houston, because salt in the air will do a number on aluminum, corroding it and making it look trashy.

my personal preference is powder coated stainless steel for cold pipes, and ceramic coated for hot pipes

 

[Mental Addiction]

Mild steel cost's alot less than the rest, but you will want to powdercoat the piping.

 

[MP5T]

So what if I get SS and clearcoat it w/ krylon clear coat? Wont that protect it, and how long will it last? Aluminum is my first choice i think, and Im going to powdercoat it. Mild steel is cheap but I've heard i would have problems immediately after installing them.

 

[RyanJayG]

well, I dont think the simple krylon clear coat would last in the engine bay, maybe if you had it proffesionally clear coated, but even then, unless its polished or brushed it wont look that good.because of the welded spots. coat it silver or something, it'll look very nice. the MAM turbo kits' base color is a silver powdercoat and it looks amazing.