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What are some of the x pipes options you have run? I've been searching for some different set ups but they mostly come up with 3" inlet on the header side and 2.5 on the exhaust side or 3" header side to 4" exhaust side. Then when I find 3" to 3" some say it wont fit while others say it will.
Current set up is a 396 stroker with hooker headers 2151hkr 1 3/4" inlet to 3" collectors then it was mashed into a larger pipe and welded (this is where the cat once was and then it shoots out to two 3" exhaust pipes that run to the mufflers. At cruising speeds the car drones SO BAD I find myself turning the radio down when it's not even on. It's obnoxious and now is the time for a new set up after replacing/rebuilding engines/ replacing every part pretty much on the car except the exhaust over the past 11 years lol.
I hear an x pipe could reduce the drone and then some say that's not the case. What have you all found out to work best for great sound at idle and acceleration but low drone while cruising? Is an x pipe the answer or is there something better? Not looking to spend $2k on this but need to do something. Any info would be great!
A good muffler shop with a pipe bender should have not problem making what you need. Only problem would be lack of cat converter, so you want to call a head. They could make it for you and leave it for you to install.
The X pipe will certainly reduce the drone but not eliminate it completely. To reduce drone you will need a set of mufflers that work on "pressure wave cancellation" rather than sound absorption.
IMHO stick with 2.5 pipes out the back rather than the 3 inch. With headers you will have already pulled most of the exhaust advantage out of the engine. The X pipe will give an ever so small "scavenging effect" and the pipe size will have very little (very little) effect on you engine unless you are running super high HP and at the upper RPM (5.5k and above). And the gain will be minimal (5hp-ish)
The biggest down side of the 3 in pipes will be fighting clearance issues under your K frame. Yes, many have successfully done this with no issues, but an equal amount will have the pipe tap-tap-tapping on acceleration and driving. If you think drone is bad couple a healthy drone with a metallic tapping noise. That will drive you bat **** crazy.
This is my clearance with a 2.5 Corsa system. Imagine another half inch?
Last edited by billschroeder5842; Dec 8, 2018 at 10:54 AM.
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Originally Posted by littleredcorvette88
Hi All,
What are some of the x pipes options you have run? I've been searching for some different set ups but they mostly come up with 3" inlet on the header side and 2.5 on the exhaust side or 3" header side to 4" exhaust side. Then when I find 3" to 3" some say it wont fit while others say it will.
Current set up is a 396 stroker with hooker headers 2151hkr 1 3/4" inlet to 3" collectors then it was mashed into a larger pipe and welded (this is where the cat once was and then it shoots out to two 3" exhaust pipes that run to the mufflers. At cruising speeds the car drones SO BAD I find myself turning the radio down when it's not even on. It's obnoxious and now is the time for a new set up after replacing/rebuilding engines/ replacing every part pretty much on the car except the exhaust over the past 11 years lol.
I hear an x pipe could reduce the drone and then some say that's not the case. What have you all found out to work best for great sound at idle and acceleration but low drone while cruising? Is an x pipe the answer or is there something better? Not looking to spend $2k on this but need to do something. Any info would be great!
Thanks!
Car is a 91 coupe
I had a serious drone issue on my '69. I welded up a removable H pipe between the header reducers (the most efficient placement). Five bucks worth of materials (and a bit of my cheap labor). Made a very noticeable reduction in drone noise (and an improvement in driving enjoyment). Still get compliments on how good (and comparatively quiet) the engine sounds at WOT. Cheap, easy, and effective.
Since you already have a unique setup, I'd suggest a custom muffler shop too. Have them make a X-pipe or H-pipe that could be temporarily installed (muffler clamps, not welded) to see/hear if it makes a difference. Then get the one that works welded-in.
Not sure if you are looking for some quieting, but dynomax has an ultraflow dual 3" in and out muffler with an internal x pipe. I was thinking of installing one on my car to replace the b&b 3" resonator when I redid my exhaust (never got to it)
Not sure if you are looking for some quieting, but dynomax has an ultraflow dual 3" in and out muffler with an internal x pipe. I was thinking of installing one on my car to replace the b&b 3" resonator when I redid my exhaust (never got to it)
Magnaflow makes a similar internal X-pipe type resonator that could work.
I made a home made 3in exhaust on my car, works pretty decent and hasn't hit anything yet. I think it is even quieter at cruise than my original 2in exhaust that the car came with. Summit has a bunch of x-pipes that work. I don't have an x-pipe, but it wouldn't be to hard to make. If you want some pics, I could snap off a few, but looks very similar to Bills. I don't run any mufflers under the car, just 3in flow masters at the rear. I also have headers on my car.
The X pipe will certainly reduce the drone but not eliminate it completely. To reduce drone you will need a set of mufflers that work on "pressure wave cancellation" rather than sound absorption.
IMHO stick with 2.5 pipes out the back rather than the 3 inch. With headers you will have already pulled most of the exhaust advantage out of the engine. The X pipe will give an ever so small "scavenging effect" and the pipe size will have very little (very little) effect on you engine unless you are running super high HP and at the upper RPM (5.5k and above). And the gain will be minimal (5hp-ish)
The biggest down side of the 3 in pipes will be fighting clearance issues under your K frame. Yes, many have successfully done this with no issues, but an equal amount will have the pipe tap-tap-tapping on acceleration and driving. If you think drone is bad couple a healthy drone with a metallic tapping noise. That will drive you bat **** crazy.
This is my clearance with a 2.5 Corsa system. Imagine another half inch?
I currently have the 3" but if that's not needed for HP then I agree the 2.5" would be easier to fit. Does your system include an x pipe?
Since you already have a unique setup, I'd suggest a custom muffler shop too. Have them make a X-pipe or H-pipe that could be temporarily installed (muffler clamps, not welded) to see/hear if it makes a difference. Then get the one that works welded-in.
Any idea which setup would be better for HP and sound X vs. H?
I made a home made 3in exhaust on my car, works pretty decent and hasn't hit anything yet. I think it is even quieter at cruise than my original 2in exhaust that the car came with. Summit has a bunch of x-pipes that work. I don't have an x-pipe, but it wouldn't be to hard to make. If you want some pics, I could snap off a few, but looks very similar to Bills. I don't run any mufflers under the car, just 3in flow masters at the rear. I also have headers on my car.
So is your set up - headers, straight pipe to mufflers in the rear? Any drone at all and is your engine built or stock?\\
Yes mine is straight pipe to mufflers in the rear. No drone. Stock LS LQ9 with rev limit to 6000 rpm. It gets loud once I press the throttle to the floor.
I took the 3" off my 398 and had them step down from 3" collectors to 2.75 all the way, mandrel bent. That did make a noticeable difference, but the drone is bad at part-throttle cruise. I think an X or H is the only way to reduce further.
I have two xpipes, it helped with the drone quite a bit.
my exhaust is 3in, brand of the entire system w/headers is melrose, then flow master 40's for the mufflers...
the xpipes give it a bit of an exotic exhaust note.
I have the following Magnaflow internal X-pipe resonator/muffler: #12568. It has dual 2.5" inlet/outlets. They also make a 3" inlet/outlet same design. Also see their "Accessories" heading on the site for true X-pipes: www.magnaflow.com
Yes mine is straight pipe to mufflers in the rear. No drone. Stock LS LQ9 with rev limit to 6000 rpm. It gets loud once I press the throttle to the floor.
I took the 3" off my 398 and had them step down from 3" collectors to 2.75 all the way, mandrel bent. That did make a noticeable difference, but the drone is bad at part-throttle cruise. I think an X or H is the only way to reduce further.
I have two xpipes, it helped with the drone quite a bit.
my exhaust is 3in, brand of the entire system w/headers is melrose, then flow master 40's for the mufflers...
the xpipes give it a bit of an exotic exhaust note.
Awesome! Where is the 2nd x pipe located? Does it still drone at all at highway cruise speeds or has than been wiped out with the 2 x pipes? Is the motor built? Wondering if that would rob any hp running a double x?
3" x pipe options
