Some questions for the group:
Do you clean the inside of the pipes?
If so, what do you use?
Is it possible to get them as shiny as the outside?

I'm using Nevr-Dull on the tips and getting them pretty shiny.

(Mods, I hope show-and shine is the right forum for this question.)

 

Yes, I clean the inside of the exhaust tips. It just doesn't look right not to otherwise, y'know? The first time I cleaned the tips, I didn't do the inside, but when I stepped back and looked at it, it just looked dirty still and like I didn't pay enough attention to detail.

I also think it's definitely possible to get them as clean as the outside. I wipe the inside with a rag to get as much soot off of them as possible, and then I use chrome polish--My poison right now is Blue Magic, but only because someone bought me the bottle before asking me. There was another thread on this a few months back, but several folks here are big fans of Nevr Dull, so I think you've got the right stuff for the job, NMO

 

I had the same experience the first time around. Cleaned the outsides, then it just didn't look right with the insides so dirty.

I tried some Nevr-Dull on the insides today, but it was getting dark and I couldn't really tell how good of a job I did. The insides still looked considerably less shiny, so I was wondering whether they might have a slightly different surface that doesn't shine up as nicely.

 

I don't think they have a different surface--I just think the inside gets so caked with exhaust that you really have to polish it good to get it clean. After an initial polish, try wiping the insides with a damp paper towel to get off any residual soot. Then polish again. Hopefully that will do the trick. Of course, then you'll have to do it again in a week :D

I actually haven't been able to polish my tips in several months, so I'll give it a shot during the day sometime and see if my own advice actually works.

 

I use Collinite #845 Insulator Wax. It's hard to find....but I know a distributor, so I sell the stuff on ebay (goto ebay and search for "collinite" if you wanna take a look).

Thanks
Georg

 

What is "insulator wax," and what are the advantages of this brand over others?

 

I too use nevr-dull. Works fine for me. It helps also to wax the tips too especially inside. It's the same principle with your wheels and brake dust, its just easier to clean that way.

 

NMO--I didn't know what the insulator wax was either, but here's a page from Autopia on it. Scroll to bottom of page for user reviews: http://autopia.org/review/censura.ph...ails&itemid=43

 

My father-in-law was a user of Collinte wax products from way back. Years ago, a local auto parts store in my home town started carrying this #845 Insulator wax and that's when I started using it. The reason I love this stuff is for the protection and no-abrasive-ness (if you will).

When I first purchased my RX8, I noticed that the exhaust tips got dirty very quickly. And inside the tips was an absolute mess! Now I'm one who takes off the wheels so I can wax the inside of them!! I'm a total car waxing freak! Anyway, I tried the #845 on the inside of the exhaust tips and it removed all of the black quite nicely and without effort.

Now I know there probably better wax products out there....or at least more expensive ones, but I really trust Collinte to protect the paint on my vehicles. The terrific shine is a bonus.

 

I see. It says:
So it really was an insulator.
Sounds like it might be a good choice for inside tips.

 

Georg: So how is this wax able to keep things cleaner and just stick to the surface even under extreme heat? I'd be interested in hearing the science behind it.

 

I'm a new Never-Dull fan I have done my tips once and I thought about just doing the lip on the inside so it would stand out like on wheels but it was rainy so i'll have to wait and see how lit looks in the sun later.

 

Mark...

I don't know the science behind Collinite products. I know that power companies had their say into the #845 formulation...and they use the wax to prevent flashovers. There's also Collinite products that guarantee a 10% dielectric boost when used on surfaces. I've called the corporation before and have spoken to some folks and they were always friendly, I'm sure they'd give you the science behind it.

All I know is that I'm a total wax FREAK! I've always been one to have my 10-year-old cars look nearly new. And all I know is that the Collinite wax protected the crap outta my vehicles and motorcycles.