I bought my single axle back Flowmaster AT about 8 months ago. I was just under the car to look into the squeeking/vibrating noise I've had since I installed it. Well to my dismay it's already rusting!!! The black paint is pealing and there is rust under there.
Should it be rusting this early???? What are any of you other AT owners experiencing?
Yep, my single Flow AT was very rusty after a short while.
I'm not sure what the grade of steel is, but sometimes that rust is completely expected and acceptable (sometimes the surface rust even acts as an insulating layer so the more problematic metal-eating rust doesn't show up).
It's probably fine though, wouldn't worry about it.
And even if it does rust through or something in a few years, there's a good excuse for you to slap some new duals on your car.
< Message edited by raubt -- 5/3/2008 7:53:04 PM >
Well the squeeking noise looks like it could be fixed with a few minor spot welds where the muffler connects to the pipe and I was thinking of having somebody do that but now I'm wondering how long this thing is going to last and if it would be worth the welding or not.....
I noticed Bassani makes an all stainless steel version like the AT for a little bit more. I think I will go that route.
I knew this one wouldn't last forever but I certainly didn't expect it to be rusting this soon! If you've heard it and know that's what you want go stainless steel!! It's money well spent.
Posts: 753
Joined: 3/16/2006 From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Status: offline
I've had my Flows for over 2 tears and there are just a few minor rust spots. I'm assuming you guys live in either really wet areas or that is road salt causing that corrosion.
I found the Bassani axle back for $279 and free shipping. I think I will get it. If you guys want I can post back after I install it and give you a report(or sound clip). I have Bassani on my '01 GT and love it.
Yes Ohio winter = road salt! But still I'm thinking in only about 8 months? Mine will be eaten away in 2 years at this rate. They must not prime before they paint these things. It's too bad because I really like the sound. I'll probably keep it on there till it totally rusts through just to get my money out of it though.
Wishbone - I'm sure somebody has already got sound clips of the Bassani but yours is still welcomed. Variety is good because you may have a better sound quality on your recording than the last guy and help somebody out. I've heard one in person but unfortunately it was at a car show and we were right in front of the speakers that were blaring music so needless to say it wasn't a great example.
Yes it will rust, and how quick depends on if the conditions exist to promote it. No way I would weld the AT on the stock mid pipe. The AT clamp is inferior to the stock style band. I remember how much I had to tighten that weird wire thing before it would even snug up. Buy yourself a stainless axle back if you don't want rust. If you want to keep the AT, tighten the heck out of the supplied clamp. If takes a lot more force to get it tight than the stock method with slits and the band clamp.
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Flowmaster experience - 
