I just picked up some nice used SLP 1 3/4 headers and was wondering how to tell if they are stainless.The previous owner had some kind of crappy coating on them so i can tell by looking at the metal.These things are VERY heavy compared to edelbrocks i have used in the past but that could just be heavier guage steel and they have no rust which is surprising for used headers.Anyway if they are stainless (if its even possible to tell)should i coat them?I see that stuff at walmart that you have to put in the oven.If i use the chrome like color they have will it look dull after baked?Thanks and sorry for all of the question.

 

Get a magnet if it sticks really hard its steel, if it does stick at all or very very little it's stainless.

I think all slp headers are stainless.

 

Thanks for the reply.I tried sticking the magnet to my new borla and it didnt stick at all because its stainless and then tried the headers and it stuck really hard so i guess they are just regular ole steel.Oh well,still got a really good deal on them.

 

That's strange, 'cause as far as I know, SLP has never made headers out of anything other than stainless steel. All SLP's Fbody headers are stainless. It's one of their trademarks. They don't make headers out of mild steel. Are you sure your headers are SLP's? Do they have SLP's logo on them?

If they do, then don't worry. They're stainless.

For reference, here's a few pic's of my 1 3/4" SLP's for my '88. Are the ones you just bought the same as these?

LINK:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exha...hlight=SLP%27s

 

They look exactly like yours.Every bend is the same except they have no SLP name on them anywhere.Does a magnet stick to yours at all.I can post up a pic of them.Its possible the SLP plate came off i guess or maybe these are some really good imitations?

 

I just went outside and checked. Yes, a magnet does stick to the headers, just as it does to the ypipe. That doesn't mean they're not stainless steel. Remember that there are various grades of stainless steel. If I remember correctly, there are 5 different grades of it.

From 200 all the way to 600. Each grade has numerous "series" of stainless steel. Each are made with different levels of iron/chromium/carbon/nickel etc etc.

This explains why some grades are more "magnet-friendly" than others .

Like I said, just because a magnet will stick to them, doesn't mean they're not stainless.



EDIT: Here's a link which might better explain what I'm talking about

Scroll down towards the bottom where it says "types of stainless steel"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel

 

LT1FUN,i was just going off of what the first guy said and the fact that the magnet didnt stick to my borla at all.What you said about diiferent grades of SS makes sense though because the magnet stuck to my magnaflow and its supposed to be SS.I feel relieved a bit because i feel like i got an even better deal.BTW,i only paid $175 for these and i cant wait until i put these on.I just wish they were as nice as yours

 

If I remember rite the stainless tubing thier using
was(409). Remembered that because like a fool years
back, sold a 62 with that # on the fender.

Was on the paperwork on the first set I ordered.

Later

Irocing