I just installed a set of GHL Bullet's and I am quite pleased with the results. However, I will be adding either an H-Pipe or an X-Pipe in the near future but was wondering what would work best. Any suggestions and or anwers would be greatly appreiciated.

 

Planning on that myself and perhaps headers , was told by many that have done it to go with the x pipe , makes it more true duels and better airflow. I am not a wrench so I am relying on others , I was also told that not all x pipe are true duel flow .Ps I have the ghl bullets as well

 

You have an H-pipe now.
Save your money for long tube headers...they come w/X-pipe.

 

That's what they come with...will give you more popping and sounds rougher. X-pipe = smoother sound


Might as well go for the entire exhaust.

 

I installed the Bassani x pipe which makes a fabulous gurgling sound.
Also added a Corsa Indy Pace Care exhaust which I love.

Only install the x-pipe if you are NOT going with Long Tube Headers.
I believe all the aftermarket headers come with their own x-pipe.

 

Which headers would you guys go with and why?

 

after installing my corsa x-pipe i noticed a much deeper exhaust note. you should still get plenty of pop and gurgle on decel with ghl bullets. my setup is b&b shorty headers, corsa x-pipe and bypassed ti's, and i still get plenty of it. seems a bit louder too.

 

 

A X-Pipe will stop the motorboat sound and popping on decel.

 

You should get the X pipe, it'll add 500 rwhp vs the H pipe which will increase cholesterol and angry mother-in-law phone calls.

 

I had the American Racing Header kit installed which included the x-pipe. You won't believe the difference! And yes, the stock exhaust has the h-pipe.

 

Just to clarify,,the factory H is, for all practical purposes, nonfunctional!! There is only a 1/2" hole in the sidewalls of the main pipes. Been told it is more of a pipe brace than a crossover pipe. If you are just going with an X,,any of them will function fine,,they will do a MUCH better job than the factory pipe. It will make your system (regardless of make) sound better!!

 

Just remember... eventually you want an integrated setup that works well for you (air intake, exhaust manifold, collectors, cats, X or H pipe, mufflers, and performance tune?). Decide up front what you are looking for: power? acceleration? sound? track setup? WOT sound vs. highway driving sound? It doesn't matter how many, or few, mods you do... you just need it all to work right for you. Recommend talking to your installer or tuner (or forum folks) for ideas and a game plan. I have Vararam, American Racing exhaust (LT headers, cats (no pre cats), X pipe) and Corsa Touring mufflers on my MN6 02. I put the Corsa Touring on first, anticipating the other stuff in the future and the expected strong increase in sound. New setup sounds and performs great at WOT, especially at the track (4 times/yr). However, I now have some huge popping sounds at certain RPMs and decel conditions (normal driving). I've changed my driving style to accomodate. But, will probably change the mufflers to get a more healthy gurgle sound when decelerating, vice the sometimes explosive popping noise (no popping at the track - sounds fantastic there). I think GHLs are recommended by my tuner/installer to compliment the otherwise complete package they put on for me. Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

It is in fact only a 1/2" hole, provides structure and maybe a bit of pressure balance but that's all. I put the Corsa X pipe on my vert when I installed the Pace Car System. LOVE the sound!! Wifey thinks I'm daffy for replacing an exhaust system that for all practical purposes was new... They just don't get it!!

 

What are the point of those pipes anyway? Why do the pipes between the exhausts need to be connected at all?

-Alex

 

not all headers come with x-pipe. I have TPIS and have had a custom x-pipe made right behind the collectors before the high-flow cats.

Alex - the x creates a situation where the exhaust pulse from one cylinder bank scavenges the next pulse etc - better flow overall.
Works best the closer it is to the engine.

the x and high-flows made a big sound difference too.

 

 

Dynatechs, LG's, American Racing Headers. I believe these all come with high flow cats and an x-pipe. And the why, because they give you more HORSEPOWER! Seriously though I chose the above mentioned because of their high quality, their stainless steel, and because so many people on here have them and are generally spoken highly of. I personnaly have the Dynatechs and am very pleased. Do save your money though on the x-pipe though. Especially if you might consider the longtubes with included x-pipe.

 

I also would like an explanation of the pipes .

 

Factor H is mainly structural rigidity. Exhaust is a rapid SERIES of pressure wave pulses. It was learned a long time ago that you gain maximum HP/torque when there is a path for these pulses to help even the pressure. Ford has had crossover pipes on V8's since the 60's to the best of my recollection.The X is just a modern out growth of the H,,smoother blend,,no 90 degree bend/openings to disturb the flow. We're not talking major gains here..just a few,,as stated,,just makes the most of what you have. The new firing order of the LS ,with the basically straight through individual pipes lend itself to the odd put-put or motor boat idle sound when louder/free flowing mufflers are added(stockers mask it).An X gives a smoother blend of the pulses,,smoothing out the sound for aftermarket mufflers,,gaining a little bit of torque (mostly) and HP to boot. It also relieves most of the crackle-pop on deceleration as well. The most benefit would be seen with a set of long tubes and an X as close as practical to the header collectors. The main benefit for non-modded cars is sound improvement,,with a bit of efficiency thrown in the bargain. Hope this helps clarify the muddy waters a bit.