fabio222 Posted March 1 Share Posted March 1 Hey all, Been a while since I've posted here but am glad to see some of the familiar usernames from over the years! I hope you're all doing well. I bought a 2003 VFR 800 a year ago, haven't been able to put up many miles on it really and was just wondering what the story is with the stock exhaust pipes. Are they stainless or are they mild steel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Jelorian Posted March 2 Member Contributer Share Posted March 2 They seem like they are stainless as they are very resistant to corrosion. The stock exhaust on my 02 are in great shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer rhoderage Posted March 2 Member Contributer Share Posted March 2 They are stainless... my 02 had a bit of a rougher life before i got it, but even with surface corrosion on the pipes i was able to get it mostly off the front downpipes with some good scrubbing... used a green scotch brite pad and alternating brake cleaner and wd 40. I didnt worry about the rest of the system as its less obvious to see. Some day... or replace with the TBR replica system.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Thumbs Posted March 2 Member Contributer Share Posted March 2 The stuff to effortlessly remove corrosion and discolouration on stainless steel is Autosol Blue Remover Its phosphoric acid in a gel, wipe it on, wipe it off ....just don’t get it on your skin Takes all the effort out and only works on the corrosion 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magneto Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 I think it is not a secret that toilet cleaner does the same for no money. Two issues: after acid wash steel needs to be passivated, most neglect that step and second cleaning doesn’t last. Honda uses steel that tarnish easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuppetGonzo Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 that's also in cola -phosphoric acid. just don't drink it after you have used it for de greasing or rust removal - it ruins the taste!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted March 2 Member Contributer Share Posted March 2 Whether stock stainless or full race titanium I always wrap my pipes and I also wrap my RC45 customers pipes to curb the heat that radiates from combustion... [ The amount of corrosion is limited to slight graying of the titanium surface... buffed with grey micro 3M pad the luster of the metal returns... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smack Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 Those are some nicely-wrapped pipes ! What is the wrapping material, please? Is it adhesive-backed or how is it retained in-position? Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer DannoXYZ Posted March 2 Member Contributer Share Posted March 2 Many OEM exhausts uses 409 stainless. Which isn't as pretty and shiny as 304 stainless. The 409 has less chromium and develops into dark brown with age, but it's not rusted. Surface stays smooth and there's no powdery corrosion. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted March 3 Member Contributer Share Posted March 3 1 hour ago, Smack said: Those are some nicely-wrapped pipes ! What is the wrapping material, please? Is it adhesive-backed or how is it retained in-position? Brian Hiya Brian... its 1" wide 1/16 thick titanium wrap... https://auto-express.co/products/heat-wrap-titanium-exhaust-1-x-50-roll-header?variant=22856338571349¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&cmp_id=2015834781&adg_id=71889771499&kwd=&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4feBBhC9ARIsABp_nbXydtnZ5NjsBILH_8adgd8PcLbvIMMh5l3DIpNAgZeznDZWjzg2MfcaAuyFEALw_wcB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabio222 Posted March 3 Author Share Posted March 3 16 hours ago, DannoXYZ said: Many OEM exhausts uses 409 stainless. Which isn't as pretty and shiny as 304 stainless. The 409 has less chromium and develops into dark brown with age, but it's not rusted. Surface stays smooth and there's no powdery corrosion. This explains the colour of some parts of my NT700v exhausts. @Magneto - What is passivation? Can it be done at home? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magneto Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 Passivation of stainless steel involves final nitric acid treatment after pickling with solutions of hydrochloric or sulphuric acids. It is doable with proper care and safety precautions... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer DannoXYZ Posted March 3 Member Contributer Share Posted March 3 Yup, what acid-treatment does is remove iron molecules from surface. Leaving chromium-oxide on surface which doesn't corrode. Citric-acid is rapidly replacing nitric-acid as it works on larger variety of stainless-steels and much less toxic. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magneto Posted March 4 Share Posted March 4 Yep, that is how citric acid passivation works. Nitric acid removes iron on the surface but also penetrates and works below surface and is considered better passivator. From what I understand critic has issues with 400 series stainless as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabio222 Posted March 4 Author Share Posted March 4 I'm guessing I can't just wipe lemon juice over the pipes then haha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magneto Posted March 4 Share Posted March 4 2 hours ago, fabio222 said: I'm guessing I can't just wipe lemon juice over the pipes then haha! Why not, after cleaning first with coca cola... 😝 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MaxSwell Posted March 5 Member Contributer Share Posted March 5 Ummmm ... now I am thirsty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuppetGonzo Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 On 3/4/2021 at 1:25 PM, Magneto said: Why not, after cleaning first with coca cola... 😝 two birds one stone- coke with a slice of lemon 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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