Automotive Steel Tubing
American Stainless Tubing supplies performance shops, custom fabricators, and automotive enthusiasts with the stainless steel tubing that powers quality builds from restoration projects to show cars.
Automotive Applications |
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Engine Bay Dress-Up |
Classic Car Restoration |
Custom Fabrication Projects |
Brake Lines |
Cold Air Intakes |
Fuel Lines & Fuel Rails
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Custom Exhaust Tips |
Roll Cages & Roll Bars |
Turbo & Intercooler Piping |
Exhaust Headers & Systems |
Why Stainless Steel For Automotive Use?
Handles Extreme Heat
Stainless steel keeps its strength and won't warp at exhaust system temperatures up to 1500°F. The material's lower thermal conductivity compared to mild steel keeps heat inside the exhaust pipes instead of transferring it to your engine bay, which actually helps exhaust flow. When exhaust gas temperatures hit 900°C, you need something that won't buckle under the heat. Mild steel starts losing strength at 800°F, but stainless steel keeps performing when things get hot.
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Weight Reduction
Stainless steel packs more strength than mild steel, so you can use thinner-walled tubing that actually weighs less. This strength-to-weight ratio means you can build robust exhaust systems and components while cutting overall vehicle weight. Less weight means better fuel economy and improved performance. When you're shaving pounds off your build, every component counts, and stainless steel delivers strength without the bulk.
Fights Off Rust and Corrosion
The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen to form an invisible protective layer that makes it 'stainless'. This layer heals itself - even if it gets scratched or damaged, a new protective layer forms automatically. Mild steel headers rust out in 2-3 years, especially in wet or salty conditions, while stainless steel exhaust systems keep running strong for 10+ years without replacement. No need for protective coatings that burn off or peel away.
Cost Efficiency
Stainless steel has a higher upfront cost than mild steel, but it eliminates replacement costs and constant maintenance that drain your budget over time. While mild steel headers need replacing every 2-3 years, stainless steel systems keep running for 10+ years without failure. No protective coatings to reapply, no rust-through problems, no downtime for repairs. The material is also 100% recyclable, adding value even at the end of its service life.
