Why Choose 304L Stainless Steel for our new tanks?

The choice of material was a major factor when we were redesigning the Ford FE expansion tanks.  Our aim was to produce a product that much more robust than the original.  Corrosion resistance is a key part of that, and therefore a change to stainless steel was an early decision.

Having made that choice, which grade of stainless steel was the next choice.  After careful consultations, 304L was clearly the best choice.  It has a number of advantages that are very desirable for our new shelby cobra expansion tanks

Advantages of 304L stainless steel include:

Extreme corrosion resistance (especially in oxidizing environments)
Elimination of carbon precipitation during the welding process
Resistance to moderately aggressive organic acids
Weld annealing not required, except in high-stress applications
High heat resistance
Can be air-cooled after hot forming without cracking
Hardens rapidly after cold forming

Whilst stainless is difficult to press into the various shapes required, what was clear was that as a material it will provide a much longer lasting tank