Which is better? (rust, strength, etc.) Are they the same thing, but stainless just looks beter?

 

guess it depends on your point of veiw on what looks better
dont really know the difference, guess they are pretty much the same

 

Well, most people prefer stainless. Personally, I think the black oxide will look better. It's cheaper, so I just wanted to make sure that it ws just as good.

 

only think i'd consider stainless for is exhaust bolts or similar applications

 

Do you mean header bolts? Why?

 

ttt

 

prolly get stainless for the header bolts b/c of the coating of headers... look prettier!!! :lala:

 

true...

 

Black oxide bolts will still rust, especially when used on headers, where the heat will help things along.

 

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks.

 

Before using stainless fasteners, I'd find out what kind if stainless the fasteners are made out of. Most stainless fasteners are pretty "soft" in my experience; they snap pretty easily. I read someplace that most common stainless fasteners are made of 18-8 stailess steel; about equivelent of a Grade 2 bolt.

 

I'm getting the ARP header bolts. Should be strong enough.

 

Buy ARP stuff and you cant go wrong. For me, I prefer stainless, but whatever I use, I always apply Never-Seize because I HATE rusted threads.