BenCasey

Hi.

WTF is a x pipe? Is that literally just the pipes between the headers and the "cat back"?

The only reason in the world to buy one is:

1) You already have headers and an exhaust
2) You live anywhere but California and your "x pipe" doesn't have cats

Am I right?

So everyone in California, I take it, can ignore any/all threads concerning "X pipes" then?

Depressing.

The "cat back"; is that just the exhaust? From the back 1/3 or so, including the mufflers? Is there term "cat back" accurate?

What are the exhaust options for a californian? Here in the socialist republic of CA, am I limited to only cat-back systems and perhaps headers?

Thanks guys. Appreciate it.

C8Jake

BenCasey

Ah ha! Thanks dude. Also, Corsa looks like the winner there.. assuming diameter matters.

So, totally irrelevant for all californians.

Don't move here if you love cars and guns, unless your love for breasts and sun is stronger. Luckily mine is.

JerryU

Don't know what CA allows but you can have and X or H pipe benefit while retaining the Cats. This is what they do:
"Both X and H pipes serve a similar purpose, they provide an area for the exhaust gas pulses to expand into as they move down the exhaust pipes. They use somewhat different methods to build power and also provide a distinctive sound."

I fabricated an H pipe for the exhaust in my ’88 Vette when I changed to low restriction mufflers. There is an ideal location where they should be placed that if I recall correctly can be estimated by finding a hot spot in the pipe.




Both X and H pipes increase performance.

Kracka

Borla X-pipe part # 60548 retains the secondary cats. #60547 (pictured above) removes them. Neither requires a tune or cause a check engine light.

Here is my write-up on them: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-vs-corsa.html

sxeC7

Has anyone used the Agency Power catless X-pipe on their C7 and how does it compare sound-wise?

Kracka

Agency Power products generally fit like crap in my experience. I would be interested in hearing the feedback from someone who's installed one though; I didn't even realize they released anything for the C7. I see that you're local to me, if you want help sourcing and installing it just let me know, I'd love to add feedback and specs to my X-pipe comparison thread.

http://www.agency-power.com/catalog/...k2a79npuqnvib7

Interesting design though; similar to the Borla, but 3" in diameter like the Corsa. It appears they're using resonators in place of the cats. At $400 MSRP, this is the cheapest replacement X-pipe on the market, and can likely be had for $350-375 if you look around.

Adevice

I haven't seen any CARB approved headers yet, I think the only headers that will be able to get approval will be shorties, something about mid and long tubes overheating the cats.

Cat backs are fine. Used to be we could order "high flow" cats, but the state put a stop to that.

If the stock system already has an "X" what are we gaining with the aftermarket?

Kracka

Some ported, uncoated, exhaust manifolds are what you need to fly under the radar in CA since they appear identical to stock externally, yet show positive power gains.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...manifolds.html

RFBHD

wait!!!!!! i thought they were resonators.... what happened to the guy with the diary cats???? and the 13.4 hp gain wires..... hes gone that fast??? just when it was getting fun

sxeC7

I happened to run across Agency Power's X-pipe on eBay and it's definitely cheaper than the others. Figured I'd go for it after the Holidays. Definitely could use a hand and a lift on install.

C8Jake

for a few extra bucks...1st choice would be Corsa Double Helix

MikeLsx

my problem with corsa is the double x pipe. that will smooth out the sound to much.

Kracka

Sure thing on the additional hand! I don't have a lift, but easily did the install in my garage (alone) with a jack and hand tools which I'm game for again.

Gio's C7

California owner here, I have the Corsa X-pipe on mine and I couldn't be more happier than what I'm with it.
It removes the second cats/resonators whatever you want to call them, but no lights or codes.
Unfortunately here in Cali everything seems illegal on headers alternatives but you won't need to smog the car until 5 years.

MikeLsx

comes down to this.

What exactly is being tested? because the car wont have any codes. IMO they cant see you are missing the secondary cats because of the heat shield blocking it. They will be able to see the primaries are intact.

you will pass the visual and ECM test.

Now if they are doing a tail pipe emissions tests. its my opinion that the secondary cats only help with start up pollution. Meaning that the primary cats (the ones with the sensors) are doing most of the work when they are heated up. I think you will pass a emission test if you primaries are hot enough.

97C5driver

Just put my borla x pipe on last week and deleted the secondary cats. Sounds great and no codes, no lights.

PLRX

Im a Californian, Republican, love tts, big butts, Im a gun owner, and have an X pipe.

OP, what's your problem?

only9balls

The good news is Ben, if you decide to remove your cats, you have 6 years from the date of car purchase untill you need to put them back on to pass a smog test. So put on that Xpipe, put those cats in the shed for 6 years, and then they will be like new when you put them back on for that pesky test

For the guns, move up to ElDorado County, we will welcome you with open arms and boxes of ammo! It's a different world up here!

MikeyTX

Does the o/p live in the bay area ?