Hello all! First post, I've been lurking around for a bit. I'm going to attempt to fix up an '02 that has been neglected... Exhaust Y-Pipe is shot and leaks badly, needs replacement. What aftermarket unit can you recommend? DAVICO 58410 came up in a search, price from RockAuto looks good. Another eBay unit may have potential?: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2002-2...IAAOSwzvlW9sao ... I've had good and bad luck with BOSAL stuff. I found their y-pipe for v6 Toyotas fits terrible...

What works well for the LS430? How about gaskets?? My pre-cat flanges are rusty! Solid enough to throw new hardware through i hope...

I appreciate any and all opinions

 

Recently had the Davico from Rock Auto installed on our 2004, didn’t order a new gaskets, it seems to be working fine. Although maybe it’s not as quiet as the original, hard to tell for sure. But 1/10 the cost.

 

Thanks Diplocar. I appreciate the reply. Hopefully no leaks with yours. The Davico unit is probably what I will go with at this point. I'm not opposed to paying more if there is anything aftermarket out there that fits better or is better quality...

 

At 1/10 the cost, a couple would have to go bad before I'd even contemplate going OEM.

 

I just DIY replaced a Y-pipe with a Davico. It was direct fit, no bending or welding needed. As with any exhaust work, getting the old rusty one out is always the most time-consuming. If you're doing it DIY, use a propane torch to heat the connections. Be careful removing the O2 sensors so you can re-use them. I did not use the two gaskets supplied with the Y-pipe. I bought OE gaskets (2 for the front and one for the rear). Also bought 4 OE bolts and 4 self-locking nuts for connections to the front catalytic converters. I re-used the clamp at the rear connection to the center resonator, but had to cut the bolt on that clamp to remove because it was corroded and rusted. Replaced the clamp bolt with one out of my parts drawer. It's important to get leak-free connections, which is why I didn't mess around with aftermarket gaskets. (If you're having it done at an exhaust shop, be sure they install a gasket in that rear connection.)

Initially, I thought it was slightly less quiet, but after tightening the clamp according to the specs, it is as quiet as my other LS430s.

The so-called "heat shield" wrapped around the front of the OE Y-pipe traps water and salt which accelerates the rust and holes to develop. None of the after-market Y-pipes that I researched come with that heat shield. I did not swap the heat shield from the old OE pipe to the new Davico pipe. That "heat shield" may provide a little sound deadening. I also contacted Davico and confirmed that the gauge steel used on their Y-pipe is OE.

EDIT: The Y-pipe at your link appears to be comparable to the Davico and OE, however note that the rear connection may/will require cutting as it is not form fit like the Davico. Canada has a reputation for making good parts such as exhaust and gas tanks. The 4 bolts & nuts come with that package, as well as the same after-market gaskets that come with the Davico (that I disposed of.) Be sure to get the rear gasket (part #17451-50020).

If you buy the Y-pipe from Rock Auto, be sure to get and use a 5% discount code.

 

RockAuto has a few aftermarkets to choose from. Likely the same as what a local independent shop would use, but without the markup. Get the OEM gaskets though, don't use the ones that come with it. If you drive on salted roads in the winter, remove the heat shields and you'll extend the life of your Y-pipe. My Y-pipe is aftermarket from a local shop, unknown brand and model number, with OEM gaskets, installed 5.5 years ago, no problems.

 

Have you looked here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...e-options.html

 

In the listed features for the LS430 it comes with a "life-time stainless steel exhaust".

So why does it rust?

Is it only partly made from stainless steel or does a salty environment eat away also stainless steel?

From Wikipedia: In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French inoxydable (inoxidizable), is a steel alloy, with a minimum of 11% chromium content by mass and a maximum of 1.2% carbon by mass.

To me "real" stainless steel is 18/10 steel.

Perhaps the Lexus stainless steel exhaust is just minimally "stainless" and only life-time in Texas and like places.

 

The 2 main types of stainless steel used for exhaust parts are 304 and 409. The difference between the types of stainless steel is the amount of chromium and nickel found in each. 304 stainless steel contains a much higher percentage of chromium and nickel. This makes it much more resistant to rust.

Stock exhaust systems that came on a car are usually made from 400-series steel (generally 409, but other grades are used as well). This is a type of carbon steel that offers good all around performance. It’s relatively light, relatively durable, and relatively long-lived. Note that use of “relatively.” Like all other stock vehicle components, exhaust systems are designed with compromises in an attempt to meet as many possible needs as possible. 409 stainless steel can be almost 90% iron. This means a magnet will stick to it. It will also develop surface rust over time, especially after being exposed to heat.

Assume Lexus exhaust systems are made from 300-series steel, generally 304 which has a much lower concentration of iron.304 stainless steel has a much lower concentration of iron. A magnet will not stick to it. It will also develop a golden color over time, after being exposed to heat. Welded or bent areas of 304 stainless steel could be magnetic. If you do check it with a magnet, check a straight section that has not been welded. 304 stainless is the highest quality material used for exhaust parts. It will last 10 years or more in a moderate climate. However, it is the most expensive. It will not rust for many years.

If you’ve had to replace your stock exhaust due to damage or wear, you may have an aftermarket system in place now. It may use 400-series steel, or it may use something else depending on the type of system in question.
.

• Aluminized steel: Aluminized steel is an attempt to make the metal more corrosion resistant. The aluminized coating oxidizes to protect the underlying metal (like galvanized metal). However, any abrasion that removes this coating compromises the underlying steel and can allow rust to set in.
  
• Stainless steel: Several grades of stainless steel are used on aftermarket exhaust systems, particularly the muffler and tips. Stainless steel offers some protection against weathering and damage, but it will also eventually rust.
  
• Cast iron: Cast iron is used mostly in stock exhaust systems, and is used to manufacture the exhaust manifold that connects the engine to the piping. Cast iron is very strong, but very heavy. It will also eventually rust and can become brittle over time.
  
• Other metals: There are many other metals used in automotive exhaust systems, but they’re generally used as alloy materials with steer or iron in order to promote better corrosion resistance. These include chromium, nickel, manganese, copper and titanium.
  

A wide range of metals can be used in your exhaust, depending on the type of system you have. However, they are all subject to damage and wear, and will need regular inspections and eventual replacement.

For 304https://duckduckgo.com/?q=borla+304+...acement&ia=web

and more 304 https://duckduckgo.com/?q=304+stainl...nt&ia=shopping

 

Besides Magnaflow posts you gentlemen have been most helpful. Thanks! Any suggestions on where i should order the 3 OE gaskets suggested? I have a local Toyota dealer, no Lexus. I can figure out the thru-bolts. Sounds like Davico is the way to go. My existing y-pipe has already been patched. I can't imagine a local exhaust shop fab'n up a new y-pipe would be any cheaper or better than myself replacing? I will read through linked thread that i missed asap...

 

https://mandrelbendingsolutions.com/...-steel-y-pipe/ Y-pipes (custom services available) made of 304 stainless steel $89

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Genuine+OE...30&t=hx&ia=web Genuine OEM Exhaust Gaskets for Lexus LS430

https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts-...17451%2c17410B Gasket, Exhaust Pipe

90917-06059 GASKET, EXHAUST PIPE $9.03 Lexus Part No. 90917-06059 Lexus. This genuine Lexus part is guaranteed by Lexus's factory warranty.

17451-50020 GASKET, EXHAUST PIPE $13.31 Lexus Part No. 17451-50020 Lexus. This genuine Lexus part is guaranteed by Lexus's factory warranty.

90917-06078 GASKET, EXHAUST PIPE $16.17 Lexus Part No.: 90917-06078 Lexus. This genuine Lexus part is guaranteed by Lexus's factory warranty.

Maybe check for lower prices elsewhere and also check price with local Toyota dealer...?

 

Just a quick update: I replaced the y-pipe/converter recently when I had lift access. I ended up using the Davico 58410. The overall fit was good for aftermarket. Quality control was not perfect as one of the flanges leaked at weld bead. I ran a quick ugly bead in that area (installed) and it seems ok now. I actually used the supplied front gaskets with a little high temp RTV silicone and was able to get a good seal with some adjustment after checking for leaks. My pre-cat flanges were far from perfect (rusty) but usable. In the rear I used an aftermarket gasket from "AP exhaust"... it works but I would recommend having an OEM one handy for this job. The whole job involved a lot of oxy/acetylene torch and air-hammer usage. The rear flange was a royal pain to separate on this MN car. Exhaust is quiet, I'm happy. The rest of the system visually looks to be be quite solid surprisingly...

Thanks for the advice! If I can help anyone, ask away.