What is the difference between H pipe and X pipe?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
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From: Shawnee Oklahoma
What is the difference between H pipe and X pipe?
Might be a stupid question but I want to buy some headers for my 2003 Z06. I've been told that the H pipe I have will produce more low end. Others on here all seem to want the X pipe with headers. Why?
Thanx.
Thanx.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
See the picture below. X pipe on the left, stock H pipe on the right. The X pipe equalizes the pressure between both sides of the exhaust, making it easier for your car to "exhale". Think of it as breathing. The better the air flow through the engine, the more power. Most long tube headers eliminate the pre cats or pup cats. Get the X pipe and high flow cats.
This picture shows TPIS LTs on the left and stock on the right. Notice the small pre-cats on the stock exhaust.
This picture shows TPIS LTs on the left and stock on the right. Notice the small pre-cats on the stock exhaust.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Well I would say scan through one's college Physics I textbook and one could evaluate the differences in pressure caused by one design over the other. The H design is relying upon a build up of pressure and vacuum to pass and attempt to equalize, where the X pipe promotes a smooth flow with no vacuum or low pressure needed. The slight bend of the pipe does not constrict the flow thus causing any drop in pressure.
But I'm sure someone will have some supporting data from tuners to justify the differences.
But I'm sure someone will have some supporting data from tuners to justify the differences.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Your funny. One would then ask why don't they put headers on from factory and then the figurative can of worms is opened for all kinds of questions as to why GM does what they do. My first response would be its cheaper and thus cost reduces the manufacturing cost increasing profit margin.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
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From: Belleville Mich.
Jusy do it!
Same reason they dont come w/ long tube headers from the factory. If your putting the LT's on for more power, then get the x pipe, & hi flo cats/ or eliminate the cats. Get a good used set of Ti catbacks. Now your done w/ the power end of your exhaust. Move on to the next mod . Good luck.
Last edited by bumble-z; Oct 3, 2008 at 04:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Shawnee Oklahoma
OK, going for the headers and X pipe
Same reason they dont come w/ long tube headers from the factory. If your putting the LT's on for more power, then get the x pipe, & hi flo cats/ or elinate the cats. Get a good used set of Ti catbacks. Now your done w/ the power end of your exhaust. Move on to the next mod . Good luck.
Thanks guys, I'll be saving for the LT headers and the X pipe.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
