Dec
30
Stainless on way out at Chrysler
Filed Under Chrysler News
Aluminized steel set for exhaust unit parts
DETROIT–As part of its sweeping cost-reduction program, Chrysler Corp. is going ahead with plans to remove stainless steel from the mufflers, intermediate pipes, tailpipes and other exhaust system components behind the catalytic converters on most of its passenger cars and minivans.
For the 1991 model year, at least, Chrysler is expected to use aluminized steel as a substitute for stainless in those applications.
Aluminized steel is less expensive than stainless but is regarded by most engineers as less durable in high-temperature, corrosive environments. Exhaust system components are subject not only to considerable heat from the engines but also salt used to melt ice in the winter.
While the switch will save money, it is expected to put Chrysler behind General Motors Corp. in the unit average content of stainless steel exhaust system parts. GM is increasing its use of stainless mufflers, intermediate pipes and tailpipes as well as exhaust manifolds in 1991 models.
Chrysler’s actions could trim an average of 18 to 20 pounds of stainless steel from each car that’s being converted to aluminized steel exhaust parts for 1991. At that rate, 18 million pounds of stainless could be dropped from Chrysler applications in a single year.
Company officials declined to comment or to indicate which car lines are involved.
