Which material is better for a CAI? 304SS or 6061 Aluminum Alloy?

 

aluminum for sure man, much lighter and less heat transfer i think.

 

Actually aluminum has a huge heat transfer coefficient compared to steel. IIRC it is like an order of magnitude higher. So you will transfer more heat through aluminum than through steel.

 

That is true; the only metals I know of that transfer heat better are copper and silver, but for the most part the air is moving so fast through the cai that it never has a chance to get heated.

 

Thanks to all that replied

 

If you are concerned about heat transfer of aluminum, have the CAI ceramic coated. The other issues with aluminum is it scratches really easily during install if bare and polished, and the joints where the mounting tabs are welded on can fatique and crack.

SS is tougher to work with and is heavier than aluminum, but is almost bulletproof.