Steel vs brass freeze plugs

[GTRS Fiero]

My engine has steel plugs.  Painted steel plugs.  I believe it was Roger who suggested brass freeze plugs.  After discussing this with various people, I realize I'd have to do some major disasembly to change to bras, but some people seem to think brass freeze plugs corrode and look very badly.

Opinions?

[Fierofool]

My boat with the Chevy engine had brass freeze plugs.  It was to reduce galvanic action.  Corrosion.  Brass plugs are less likely to corrode if the coolant mixture becomes weak.  When I bought the replacement block, it was intended for a Chevy truck and had steel plugs.  I removed them and installed brass plugs.  Of course, the inboard engine used freshwater or seawater for cooling so there was no antifreeze in the system. 

If they tarnish, they are totally out of view, as you noted that they are very difficult to change with the engine installed.  Especially the two behind the flywheel. 

I'm not sure that OEM plugs are made of stainless.  Some aftermarket freeze plugs may be but not OEM. 

[Raydar]

My boat with the Chevy engine had brass freeze plugs.  It was to reduce galvanic action.  Corrosion.  Brass plugs are less likely to corrode if the coolant mixture becomes weak.  When I bought the replacement block, it was intended for a Chevy truck and had steel plugs.  I removed them and installed brass plugs.  Of course, the inboard engine used freshwater or seawater for cooling so there was no antifreeze in the system.   

For the same reason, wooden boats are screwed together using brass screws. They don't rust.
When I was a teenager, I helped my dad rebuild a 22' wooden cabin cruiser. If I never have to drive another brass screw, it won't hurt my feelings any.

[Fierofool]

Boats also use Zinc Sacrificial Anodes.  These anodes will attract the galvanic corrosive action and prevent other parts of the boat from rusting.  I purchased two anode bars from a marine supply house and inserted 1 into the water jacket on either side of the engine.  I didn't know about that until I was buying some parts at the marine supply house. 

Wonder if sacrificial anodes would work to prevent trunk and frame rail rust on a Fiero. 

[TopNotch]

Wonder if sacrificial anodes would work to prevent trunk and frame rail rust on a Fiero.

Not likely, unless the trunk is drenched with water constantly.

[GTRS Fiero]

In theory, anodes coild be used periodically to remove rust, if the area was soaked in water.