Prototype X-pipe test fit (pics)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Prototype X-pipe test fit (pics)
As most of you know, I've been trying to get some "direct-fit" X-pipes manufactured for about 6 months now.. I received the initial sample pipe for test fitting, pics and install notes below:
This is the actual "resonator replacement" X-pipe as removed from the box.
And how it looks as installed...
The actual install was pretty straightforward, and it fits like a glove in the place of the original resonator. The rear seals up tight with EZ Seal band clamps, but I had to weld the front joints, as the pipe coming off of the converters is slightly smaller. I informed the manufacturer of this prior to the production run, to tweak the slip joints so it should seal up with clamps. There's not a lot of "meat" to clamp to with the OEM pipes, but there is enough...the key is to carefully measure before cutting.
Interior resonance is greatly reduced with it in place and the high-RPM sound is simply incredible in comparison to the OEM setup.
These are in production now, and I expect to have them ready to ship out by late January/early February (keeping my fingers crossed).
This is the actual "resonator replacement" X-pipe as removed from the box.
And how it looks as installed...
The actual install was pretty straightforward, and it fits like a glove in the place of the original resonator. The rear seals up tight with EZ Seal band clamps, but I had to weld the front joints, as the pipe coming off of the converters is slightly smaller. I informed the manufacturer of this prior to the production run, to tweak the slip joints so it should seal up with clamps. There's not a lot of "meat" to clamp to with the OEM pipes, but there is enough...the key is to carefully measure before cutting.
Interior resonance is greatly reduced with it in place and the high-RPM sound is simply incredible in comparison to the OEM setup.
These are in production now, and I expect to have them ready to ship out by late January/early February (keeping my fingers crossed).
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
resonsnce is down compared to what? stock resonator? I want to install a X pipe but don't want the resonance many have talked about.I installed some magnaflow mufflers and that created a little resonance but I can live with that much, just don't want to make it worse 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
The X pipe should make it better, not worse.
What size pipe are they made out of?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Flame me, but Id have to see in person the X being quieter than the resonator. I dont believe it.
Edit: general statement, not directed at your car at all.
Edit: general statement, not directed at your car at all.
Last edited by cv67; Jan 2, 2007 at 08:04 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 62
From: South Lyon MI
Gee smoothing out airflow and losing some back pressure... Man I dont know how that would create power.
Who makes such hanus assumptions! C'mon lets give the guy some credit for working on something we all can benefit from. Good job and keep up the good work!!Al
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City CA
...... ,,,,,,,
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I give you props for backing this effort, looks like a cool option for the guys who like bolt-on stuff, but that last statement baffles me. It probably will pick up power, you should do a dyno comparison eventually.
Anyhow, I figured GM added the resonator so they could create resonance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Robert, what kind of mufflers are you running? From what I can see, the rest is stock. I have long tubes feeding into the stock exhaust, no cats, and magnaflow mufflers. I am wanting one of your x pipes so that all of my exhaust will be at least 2&3/4. Now, the bottleneck is the resonator. My only concern is, will the noise level be liveable? And thanks for bringing this new product to us.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 4
From: Hinckley Ohio
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
In order:
Resonance is reduced with the Magnaflow mufflers I have installed already.. (2.59 equipped cars are the worst, and mine has 2.59's)
The diameter is 2-3/4", the same as LT1 and LT4 original equipment.
No dyno results are simple - my shop doesn't yet have one (purchase is in the works since PRI), and the one I use was not available (closed over the holidays). I wanted to get the piece fitted to expedite production, since I've been trying to get them to market for 6 months now. My thoughts on dyno numbers as an "end all be all" as related to our cars still stands...dynos are tools, nothing more, nothing less. The ultimate dyno is the racetrack and always will be. That's the reason for my statement of "we don't drive dynos".
But to set your mind at ease, I do plan to use a production piece with a "before/after" comparison, as I don't belive in using a prototype for results.
As stated before, I'm using Magnaflow mufflers (I'm a dealer, I have them on everything but my Harleys...I believe in their product).
To those of you calling
... that's your opinion, and you're entitled to it. The C4 market is limited as it is, and after jumping through all the hoops, etc., I can see now why the major manufacturers are leaving it and moving forward.
To LT4Bud and those others I can't remember offhand... thank you for your support, it means a lot...
I sell those EZ clamps, btw..
Resonance is reduced with the Magnaflow mufflers I have installed already.. (2.59 equipped cars are the worst, and mine has 2.59's)
The diameter is 2-3/4", the same as LT1 and LT4 original equipment.
No dyno results are simple - my shop doesn't yet have one (purchase is in the works since PRI), and the one I use was not available (closed over the holidays). I wanted to get the piece fitted to expedite production, since I've been trying to get them to market for 6 months now. My thoughts on dyno numbers as an "end all be all" as related to our cars still stands...dynos are tools, nothing more, nothing less. The ultimate dyno is the racetrack and always will be. That's the reason for my statement of "we don't drive dynos".
But to set your mind at ease, I do plan to use a production piece with a "before/after" comparison, as I don't belive in using a prototype for results.
As stated before, I'm using Magnaflow mufflers (I'm a dealer, I have them on everything but my Harleys...I believe in their product).
To those of you calling
... that's your opinion, and you're entitled to it. The C4 market is limited as it is, and after jumping through all the hoops, etc., I can see now why the major manufacturers are leaving it and moving forward.To LT4Bud and those others I can't remember offhand... thank you for your support, it means a lot...
I sell those EZ clamps, btw..
Last edited by RacerX70CC; Jan 3, 2007 at 09:01 AM.
