TOPIC:

Just reaching out to see the general opinion of using stainless exhaust studs. I know that stainless screwed into aluminum doesn't play well together. That's where the locktite comes in. Should I use the traditional plated or are the stainless studs hard enough for use? I want EVERYTHING to be "purdy" Im using a Delkevic front section pipe and these things are beautiful stainless. I cant use the back/muffler cause of my 300 swingarm. Tom

I had never any problems with stainless nuts and bolts, (8 mm exhaust studs).
Have to change the zinc plated split keeper with stainless steel split keepers.

tomsbadkz wrote: I know that stainless screwed into aluminum doesn't play well together. That's where the locktite comes in. Should I use the traditional plated or are the stainless studs hard enough for use? Tom

You are talking about galvanic corrosion.
Be careful not to get any galling on the threads of stainless steel hardware.
They will seize and then the fun begins. I would use anti-seize instead of locktite.


.

No problem Tom. I like the copper based anti-seize stuff for aluminum heads. Your project , I assume is a part time cruiser. Not an everyday road beast.
Limited use.
The Delkevic crush O-rings are nice an thick. twice as thick as OEM Kaw stuff, like Suzuki's
Plus, use the RTV provided. I'm using SS bolts with stainless collars, when I build mine. Yea, Yea! I know! It will work for what I want!!!!. Just do it! Lock washers. Flange nuts, thick crush washers, RTV. A little brain activity. A lathe to cut collars. measure 1/2 the crush of the gasket. I'm building for looks, not practicality.

I use S/S studs in all my heads .
Nipped with some copper grease or threadlock on the threads and then use matching S/S nuts ' n' washers with a wipe of copper grease.
Never had any trouble with them seizing in 20 years of all weather abuse.
Best to use studs and not bolts as the chances of stripping the threads in the head with bolts are increased tenfold.

Thank you guys. This forum is very cool where you get to bounce ideas off of each other and the experiences we have with these awesome bikes.., Tom

Where did you get the SS split exhaust keepers?

MrBean23 wrote:
Where did you get the SS split exhaust keepers?

I got my SS split exhaust keepers from here:

z-fever.de/shop/en/
z-fever.de/shop/en/product_info.php?info...halen-edelstahl.html

He only do Europe-wide shipment. If you are over sea located i can do the shippment for you.