Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Header/X-Pipe Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 11:02 AM
  #1  
peteinpa's Avatar
peteinpa
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 799
Likes: 160
From: Landenberg PA
Default Header/X-Pipe Question

Hi CF, I have a 2000 vert, considering headers. The previous owner had replaced the h-pipe with an X - the cats appear to be the stock ones. I have no idea who the manufacturer of the x-pipe is.

Was wondering if I could use the stock cats and x-pipe with a set of Long Tubes or do I have to replace the cats and X to ensure fitment.

I have a Corsa Axleback which mated up fine with the X-Pipe if that at all matters.

Thanks
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 11:51 AM
  #2  
RVETTE42's Avatar
RVETTE42
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 471
Likes: 69
Default

I don't think there is any way you could use Long tube Headers with stock cats and the stock cats if you could would kill any extra benifits of having Headers.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 12:16 PM
  #3  
grantv's Avatar
grantv
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Default

Although AFAIK the stock cats flow plenty well, they would at the very least have to be moved with most LT's. For this reason (and age) I'd opt for some new (I used MagnaFlow 3") cats.
P.S. A pic would help us identify if your cats are factory or not.

Last edited by grantv; Mar 30, 2017 at 12:17 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 05:47 PM
  #4  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,439
Likes: 2,184
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Most Headers come with a x-pipe made for them so it matches up with any Cat-Back system. I installed XS Power headers with high flows cats with x-pipe for under 900 dollars and I love the system !!!!
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 07:00 PM
  #5  
peteinpa's Avatar
peteinpa
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 799
Likes: 160
From: Landenberg PA
Default

Thanks folks. I will try and take a pic of the cats this weekend. Car is lowered with side skirts so I need to raise it up to get access.

Pounder how was the install? I was thinking to go with Kooks as everything I read they are the easiest install.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 08:29 PM
  #6  
Mr Russ's Avatar
Mr Russ
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
From: Chandler Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by peteinpa
Thanks folks. I will try and take a pic of the cats this weekend. Car is lowered with side skirts so I need to raise it up to get access.

Pounder how was the install? I was thinking to go with Kooks as everything I read they are the easiest install.
Mine has Kooks, came with the mid pipes and high flow cats that connect to the axle backs (stock or after market). They also did not need extensions for the O2 sensors. I would not try to cobble together something that uses your stock cats and added x-pipe. Wouldn't save you much money anyway. You might even be able to sell old one with the added x-pipe.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 09:28 PM
  #7  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,439
Likes: 2,184
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Originally Posted by peteinpa
Thanks folks. I will try and take a pic of the cats this weekend. Car is lowered with side skirts so I need to raise it up to get access.

Pounder how was the install? I was thinking to go with Kooks as everything I read they are the easiest install.
easy !!! easier than spending twice as much for Kooks !!! IMO
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 09:36 PM
  #8  
ZigZag's Avatar
ZigZag
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
Default

Originally Posted by Pounder
easy !!! easier than spending twice as much for Kooks !!! IMO
What he said.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 11:13 PM
  #9  
00__Vette's Avatar
00__Vette
Racer
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 298
Likes: 9
From: Prince Frederick Southern Maryland
Default

I wouldn't try to piece it together.. just buy the headers with the new x-pipe and cats. There are lots of great systems out there! TPS & XSPower systems are both very popular and VERY well priced.

I wouldn't spend the money on other brands that are twice as expensive when they all do the exact same thing. HP gains are going to be very similar between all systems as well.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 08:48 AM
  #10  
peteinpa's Avatar
peteinpa
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 799
Likes: 160
From: Landenberg PA
Default

You guys convinced me, going with a package is the best route to take. Thanks for all the responses. Just need to squirrel away a few more pennies, need to include install cost. I don't think this is a job I want to take on myself...
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 10:53 AM
  #11  
tombrammer's Avatar
tombrammer
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 670
Likes: 55
Default

I know it is somewhat subjective but how much louder is the high flow cats system than the stock when you also add headers?
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 11:02 AM
  #12  
grantv's Avatar
grantv
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Default

Originally Posted by tombrammer
I know it is somewhat subjective but how much louder is the high flow cats system than the stock when you also add headers?
If you measured the sound level of aftermarket "high-flow cats" to stock cats, I doubt there would be much if any difference, as the stock cats flow quite well.
Adding headers will increase the sound level somewhat, but depends on what else you do. If you also install an X pipe in place of the H, it pretty much evens things out IME. I installed TSP headers, Magnaflow cats and X, and I'd say at idle it is the same volume. Maybe 15-20% louder at WOT? But also sounds much nicer!!
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 07:40 PM
  #13  
tombrammer's Avatar
tombrammer
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 670
Likes: 55
Default

Is that TSP or texas speed headers? How were they to install? Their prices seem very good.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 09:24 PM
  #14  
grantv's Avatar
grantv
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Default

Originally Posted by tombrammer
Is that TSP or texas speed headers? How were they to install? Their prices seem very good.
Sorry; TSP = Texas Speed (and Performance).
I've done 4-5 header installs, always alone, this one was maybe a bit tighter than most, but nothing bad.
The tubes hang a bit low, seen others with the same, and others not. Never bottomed out.


Biggest issue was my flanges were crazy warped, had to have them milled, but haven't heard anyone else have the same. And mine were 3+ years ago.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 10:12 PM
  #15  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,760
Likes: 24,682
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by peteinpa
You guys convinced me, going with a package is the best route to take. Thanks for all the responses. Just need to squirrel away a few more pennies, need to include install cost. I don't think this is a job I want to take on myself...
Very good choice IMO. Best of luck with the install when you get ready.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Header/X-Pipe Question





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:14 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE