4 Benefits Titanium Exhaust Systems Hold Over Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems

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There's really no getting around the fact that titanium exhausts are far more expensive than even stainless steel systems. However, you do get what you pay for; if you're the sort of person who wants to enjoy truly superior performance, anything less than a titanium exhaust system will feel like a compromise.

Here are just four benefits that come along with using titanium instead of stainless steel.

1. Weight

There's a good reason why you've probably heard of titanium being used extensively for spacecraft production: it possesses an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. For the people who build space shuttles, this means that they need to use less rocket fuel, which is incredibly expensive, to get their craft into orbit; for driving enthusiasts, it means improving performance, and they'll also experience some fuel savings into the bargain. Dropping weight, after all, is one of the key things that you can do to improve a vehicle's acceleration, cruising speed, and handling. Taking the whole exhaust system into account, you're going to make substantial weight savings over even a stainless steel alternative.

2. Heat Dissipation

Another great thing about titanium is that it can dissipate heat much faster than steel. This is why motorcyclists are particularly fond of titanium exhaust systems; they'll often find that the pipe cools down almost instantly, reducing the likelihood of a passenger burning their leg when they slip down after each ride. Of course, superior heat dissipation also means that titanium can withstand heat without experiencing any negative effects.

3. Style

Styling should never be the main reason to invest in one automotive material over another, but it's nice when cool looks happen to go hand-in-hand with improved performance. Titanium exhaust systems are instantly recognizable thanks to the blueing that occurs around the tailpipe – it's a shade reminiscent of blue flame. Most drivers who have taken the time to optimise the performance of their vehicle will also have tried their best to provide a dramatic appearance, and titanium can help.

4. Reliability

Steel is more useful than titanium across parts of the vehicle that require hardened materials, such as the axles. However, titanium exhausts make a better choice than stainless steel ones in terms of reliability. Unlike stainless steel, titanium is not corrosive, won't rust, and won't stain. In terms of longevity, titanium wins out with ease.

The vast majority of drivers don't come close to needing a titanium exhaust system, but the benefits of such a material make it hard for driving enthusiasts to resist.

16 September 2016