so i bought a custom bent magnaflow sido kit for my 03 screw. couldnt behappier with the sound or the look, however, the tips(which are stainless steel) have become yellowed and somewhat brown. this shouldnt be because i wash the truck twice a week and polish the tips as well. so im pretty pissed and i tried this stuff called blue magic ss cleaner which i was recommended to use by numerous people. so im lost on what to do. not sure that i can take it back to the shop... any ideas?

 

What you are seeing is most likely discoloration due to heat. Not a whole lot can be done about that.

 

I find it interesting that Magnaflow tips are always discoloring while Borla tips and other companies that use T-304 on the entire system never turn yellow. That leads me to believe that it is not a heat issue (especially at the tip).

Magnaflow uses that cheap 409 "Stainless" which surface rusts and looks like crap in less than a year. I have a Borla System on my Mustang and it still looks great with no surface rust or discoloration - 5 years later!

I will never buy another Magnaflow again as Borla and Roush systems are far superior in quality.

 

i appreciate it. i found out that my truck is burning too much oil and kicking it out the pipe. this could be part of the cause. i might get some new tips.

 

Question: What discolors tips? How do I fix it?


Answer: No matter what your tip is made of (chrome, stainless steel), eventually, it might discolor. Why do they discolor?

During the final polishing process, the compound that is used to polish the metal (which is actually comprised of other metals ground into fine particulates) becomes embedded in the microscopic pores of the tip. Eventually, these fine particulates from the compound oxidize and change color, giving the tip a yellow/gold appearance. This is accelerated with heat and with exposure to harsh climates.

In some cases, the tip may turn blue. This is from heat. Some vehicles, especially modified vehicles, see increased exhaust temps as a result of their modifications. Even if the vehicle is not modified, some vehicles simply produce more heat than others and single walled tips are especially susceptible.

Discoloration is more prevalent in stainless tips, particularly single-walled tips like this:

Use "EAGLE ONE WIRE WHEEL CLEANER"

 

Duel walled tips offered by borla, slp, and roush should not discolor.