Adding an X-Pipe - tell me about the sound, etc?
10-16-2016, 10:50 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Adding an X-Pipe - tell me about the sound, etc?
I recently purchased my 5th Corvette (an '08 C6). I'm installing my usual exhaust (Borla) and wondering about what differences you gain by adding an X-Pipe as well. I've done one in the past with the X-Pipe & Borla, but honestly it's been so many years I don't recall the benefit.
Sound: does it sound that much "better" by adding the X-Pipe?
Power: is there any gain in power, say, 4-5hp?
Brand: I found a local GM X-pipe someone is selling but i'm unsure whether there's a big need to go with the $500 Borla X or just go with the GM ($150?).
Sound: does it sound that much "better" by adding the X-Pipe?
Power: is there any gain in power, say, 4-5hp?
Brand: I found a local GM X-pipe someone is selling but i'm unsure whether there's a big need to go with the $500 Borla X or just go with the GM ($150?).
10-16-2016, 03:27 PM
#2
Drifting
Member Since: Jan 2001
Location: palm harbor/murphy Fl/NC
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C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '11, '14
The x-pipe is used to help the exhaust pulses escape and I think some balance for the system. My 11 had a sort of x-pipe that came stock. It may add a couple hp. If you had full length headers then more of course. I don't think the exhaust note would change anything noticeable.
Remember if you do a new mid pipe to check and make sure it is the same diameter.
Robin
Remember if you do a new mid pipe to check and make sure it is the same diameter.
Robin
10-17-2016, 04:56 PM
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
The x-pipe is used to help the exhaust pulses escape and I think some balance for the system. My 11 had a sort of x-pipe that came stock. It may add a couple hp. If you had full length headers then more of course. I don't think the exhaust note would change anything noticeable.
Remember if you do a new mid pipe to check and make sure it is the same diameter.
Robin
Remember if you do a new mid pipe to check and make sure it is the same diameter.
Robin
10-18-2016, 06:13 AM
#4
X pipe experience
I recently purchased my 5th Corvette (an '08 C6). I'm installing my usual exhaust (Borla) and wondering about what differences you gain by adding an X-Pipe as well. I've done one in the past with the X-Pipe & Borla, but honestly it's been so many years I don't recall the benefit.
Sound: does it sound that much "better" by adding the X-Pipe?
Power: is there any gain in power, say, 4-5hp?
Brand: I found a local GM X-pipe someone is selling but i'm unsure whether there's a big need to go with the $500 Borla X or just go with the GM ($150?).
Sound: does it sound that much "better" by adding the X-Pipe?
Power: is there any gain in power, say, 4-5hp?
Brand: I found a local GM X-pipe someone is selling but i'm unsure whether there's a big need to go with the $500 Borla X or just go with the GM ($150?).
I found that the X pipe actually made the sound a bit quitter and removed most of the popping. However, in my case it was a waste of money and you certainly don't gain any noticeable performance.
As already stated adding headers will add more sound and some performance with a tune.
Good luck.
JB
10-18-2016, 09:34 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
I recently purchased my 5th Corvette (an '08 C6). I'm installing my usual exhaust (Borla) and wondering about what differences you gain by adding an X-Pipe as well. I've done one in the past with the X-Pipe & Borla, but honestly it's been so many years I don't recall the benefit.
Sound: does it sound that much "better" by adding the X-Pipe?
Power: is there any gain in power, say, 4-5hp?
Brand: I found a local GM X-pipe someone is selling but i'm unsure whether there's a big need to go with the $500 Borla X or just go with the GM ($150?).
Sound: does it sound that much "better" by adding the X-Pipe?
Power: is there any gain in power, say, 4-5hp?
Brand: I found a local GM X-pipe someone is selling but i'm unsure whether there's a big need to go with the $500 Borla X or just go with the GM ($150?).
10-18-2016, 09:57 AM
#6
For performance, X is most advantageous for exhaust scavenging - in essence creating more vacuum to pull exhaust from one side from the power of the push of the other. H is better in this regard than straight. As already stated, performance gain will be more from LT headers than X from H.
For sound, H tends to give a bit deeper note, while X tends to a higher "european exotic" tone.
This post can be taken FWIW. I have done a bunch of research on some of this, as I sought answers for options I was considering, but I'm not an expert. I think the most informative stuff I found on the subject were YouTube videos from engineers at MagnaFlow, or other known exhaust system companies. They were explaining the different parts in the chain and how they influence overall function and the pros/cons of the different variables in an exhaust system, which technically starts with air intake. No point in making things on the back end really efficient to move air out, if you are sucking through a straw to begin with.
RE OP query on brand - I would look at both and evaluate quality of materials and shape. One maybe stamped while the other more welded and shaped. That said, I suspect the differences won't be that significant regarding power, so I might well lean toward the GM part, if it is a GM part.
Last edited by Midnight08; 10-18-2016 at 10:02 AM. Reason: add
10-18-2016, 10:27 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
Actually, I don't think that is correct. Mine has an H-pipe. From the research I've done, there are a couple of aspects that people care about that are the why behind straight compared to H compared to X.
For performance, X is most advantageous for exhaust scavenging - in essence creating more vacuum to pull exhaust from one side from the power of the push of the other. H is better in this regard than straight. As already stated, performance gain will be more from LT headers than X from H.
For sound, H tends to give a bit deeper note, while X tends to a higher "european exotic" tone.
This post can be taken FWIW. I have done a bunch of research on some of this, as I sought answers for options I was considering, but I'm not an expert. I think the most informative stuff I found on the subject were YouTube videos from engineers at MagnaFlow, or other known exhaust system companies. They were explaining the different parts in the chain and how they influence overall function and the pros/cons of the different variables in an exhaust system, which technically starts with air intake. No point in making things on the back end really efficient to move air out, if you are sucking through a straw to begin with.
RE OP query on brand - I would look at both and evaluate quality of materials and shape. One maybe stamped while the other more welded and shaped. That said, I suspect the differences won't be that significant regarding power, so I might well lean toward the GM part, if it is a GM part.
For performance, X is most advantageous for exhaust scavenging - in essence creating more vacuum to pull exhaust from one side from the power of the push of the other. H is better in this regard than straight. As already stated, performance gain will be more from LT headers than X from H.
For sound, H tends to give a bit deeper note, while X tends to a higher "european exotic" tone.
This post can be taken FWIW. I have done a bunch of research on some of this, as I sought answers for options I was considering, but I'm not an expert. I think the most informative stuff I found on the subject were YouTube videos from engineers at MagnaFlow, or other known exhaust system companies. They were explaining the different parts in the chain and how they influence overall function and the pros/cons of the different variables in an exhaust system, which technically starts with air intake. No point in making things on the back end really efficient to move air out, if you are sucking through a straw to begin with.
RE OP query on brand - I would look at both and evaluate quality of materials and shape. One maybe stamped while the other more welded and shaped. That said, I suspect the differences won't be that significant regarding power, so I might well lean toward the GM part, if it is a GM part.
10-18-2016, 03:10 PM
#8
Just re-read the first post, and it sounds like you currently have an H-pipe - which is why you were asking about switching to an X-pipe. Maybe the factory just used whatever they had on hand in the moment - since just that won't change much either way. Not likely, just typing out loud in an attempt to understand the differences in models of the same year.
Last edited by Midnight08; 10-18-2016 at 03:15 PM. Reason: reread OP
10-18-2016, 05:29 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
Apparently, it depends on what options/specs the car was initially built to. Mine didn't have Z51 in the list, but NPP, and other bits. It's actually pretty amazing how customized the cars can be, at the price point.
Just re-read the first post, and it sounds like you currently have an H-pipe - which is why you were asking about switching to an X-pipe. Maybe the factory just used whatever they had on hand in the moment - since just that won't change much either way. Not likely, just typing out loud in an attempt to understand the differences in models of the same year.
Just re-read the first post, and it sounds like you currently have an H-pipe - which is why you were asking about switching to an X-pipe. Maybe the factory just used whatever they had on hand in the moment - since just that won't change much either way. Not likely, just typing out loud in an attempt to understand the differences in models of the same year.
10-18-2016, 06:17 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Is the one in the 2nd photo called an X-Pipe? Because that looks the same that came off my 08.BTW: I got the 08 with '0' miles on it.Note: Neither of those are H-pipes.
Last edited by Cherokee Nation; 10-18-2016 at 06:21 PM. Reason: add
10-18-2016, 06:23 PM
#12
Well - I'm an idiot. I started up my 2008 base coupe - (love that sound!!), backed up on the Race Ramps. Grabbed my flashlight, and clearly I have an X-pipe, too. No idea why, for sure, I thought I had an H-pipe, but that was my opinion before looking again just now. Even with the Race Ramps, there still wasn't much room to really get a good look, or take a picture without getting the puck and jack out to raise the front. Silly me - sorry for the confusion I added to the discussion with my my assertion of an H-pipe on a non Z51, but NPP car. Still not sure how I got that in my head. 
Last edited by Midnight08; 10-18-2016 at 06:26 PM.
10-18-2016, 06:28 PM
#13
10-18-2016, 06:30 PM
#14
Drifting
Thread Starter
Both the one on my car and the one I have in the garage look the same to me. Well, a bit different, but both look like x-pipes. Not sure why the one on my car is different than the 08 NPP x-pipe though.
10-18-2016, 06:54 PM
#15
Maybe just from different sources. I'm sure GM orders a pile of these for a few different vehicles over a variety of years. As a matter of business, one always aims to reduce cost of parts where possible, without compromising function/performance.
10-18-2016, 07:25 PM
#17
10-18-2016, 07:36 PM
#18
Drifting
Thread Starter
10-18-2016, 07:48 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
10-18-2016, 09:13 PM
#20
Le Mans Master
Well - I'm an idiot. I started up my 2008 base coupe - (love that sound!!), backed up on the Race Ramps. Grabbed my flashlight, and clearly I have an X-pipe, too. No idea why, for sure, I thought I had an H-pipe, but that was my opinion before looking again just now. Even with the Race Ramps, there still wasn't much room to really get a good look, or take a picture without getting the puck and jack out to raise the front. Silly me - sorry for the confusion I added to the discussion with my my assertion of an H-pipe on a non Z51, but NPP car. Still not sure how I got that in my head.