Metallurgy Question on Models of Stainless Steel HE from SSI Options

[detoxcowboy]

Curiousity seeking input on the versions regarding Metallurgy of Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers made by SSI.

One version is all Stainless Steel and another I am told Later version is also Stainless Steel but has Mild Steel Flanges.

At first glance one would assume cost of stainless steel became prohibitive, but on further research both types of steel have different strength properties(stronger in different test areas) and heat conductivity properties.

Does anyone know anything on this? Any concerns other than rust?

[Tom_T]

Joe - the used set of SSI's which I got for my 73 2L had the mild steel flanges (tested both magnet & old rust pitting), so I got a pair for SS flanges to put on mine from Engman on here ($50-60 IIRC ~ corrected $40 for both). If the price for the HEs is right, then it's worth getting your own SS flanges & have them welded on in place of the mild steel ones. The guys at Plaza Muffler here in Orange quoted me $40 to cut off the old & add the SS ones (in their new location - see ads in Pennysaver for 10% off).

IMHO - you're better off not having a weak point rust resistance-wise in the exhaust system, esp. if you can do the upgrade for $60+/- a side! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ~ corrected to $0 per side

Andy - there appears to be more than just a few of the SSI's around with the mild steel flanges, from what I'm seeing, but that may be just what's out there selling now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

I stand corrected, they're only $20 per side here:
(I question why it was primed if truly NOS & undamaged)
If you don't do your own welding, that's $80 all in to have Plaza Muffler or someone weld them up for you.