X pipe
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
assuming the pipes are the same diameter, hp wise it won't make much of a difference over an h-pipe but an x-pipe sounds a lot better to my ears
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 275
From: Wichita Falls Texas
I looked into an x pipe when I was trying to decide about my exhaust system. After doing a lot of research it seems to help the sound but I just couldn't see the point of spending so much money for an x pipe and an exhaust system.
I just went with the exhaust bypass. Cost me 60 bucks and my wife and I are very happy with it.
I would have done it if I was looking to add performance mods but I really had no plans for that.
Good luck!
I just went with the exhaust bypass. Cost me 60 bucks and my wife and I are very happy with it.
I would have done it if I was looking to add performance mods but I really had no plans for that.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 888
From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
An x-pipe will change the tone somewhat and will also do away with or significantly reduce the motor boat bubbling when backing off the throttle. It will also raise the note of the exhaust slightly over the h-pipe.
For those concerned with every last horsepower, because of the venturi effect, the x-pipe will pull exhaust out of the cylinders faster and generate AS MUCH AS 2-4 horsepower more (opps - not a big deal and this is probably well within the variance of regular dyno pulls). Whatever increase actually gained with the x-pipe will be in the upper rpm ranges.
So, really, as neutron82 said, it is about the sound. And some people really like the bubbling when they back off the throttle so the x-pipe is better for them.
Bottom line - go with whichever pipe configuration gives you the sound you want.
For those concerned with every last horsepower, because of the venturi effect, the x-pipe will pull exhaust out of the cylinders faster and generate AS MUCH AS 2-4 horsepower more (opps - not a big deal and this is probably well within the variance of regular dyno pulls). Whatever increase actually gained with the x-pipe will be in the upper rpm ranges.
So, really, as neutron82 said, it is about the sound. And some people really like the bubbling when they back off the throttle so the x-pipe is better for them.
Bottom line - go with whichever pipe configuration gives you the sound you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
I went from factory everything with Ti's to LT's, X, into same Ti's.
The X will give minimal power increase as it is a better flowing design, but no way it would be noticable IMO.
My experience and opinion on the sound, is it is more quiet than the H. With headers and X overall my exhaust is a bit quieter (I actually measured with a meter and recorded it) but sounds way nicer.
Honestly, wish it was a bit louder... but no biggie.
The X will give minimal power increase as it is a better flowing design, but no way it would be noticable IMO.
My experience and opinion on the sound, is it is more quiet than the H. With headers and X overall my exhaust is a bit quieter (I actually measured with a meter and recorded it) but sounds way nicer.
Honestly, wish it was a bit louder... but no biggie.
Last edited by grantv; Jul 28, 2018 at 02:37 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,749
Likes: 932
From: Orlando Florida
Engine Masters did A-B testing between straight pipes, true H pipe and true X pipe (or would that be A-B-C...). It's a fun video, the true H lost slight HP but picked up mid-range torque (yeah!) and then the X pipe kept the torque but picked the HP back up (double yeah!). That said, there are posts on here that note the factory H pipe is not a true H pipe, with the aperture in the H only about 1/2 inch in diameter.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5s8nr8
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5s8nr8
Last edited by redzg; Jul 28, 2018 at 07:11 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,291
Likes: 24,572
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
When I had my '00, I put on a set of B&B Route 66 exhaust. The drone and popping was unacceptable, so I installed an x-pipe. In that case at least, the x-pipe made a significant reduction in the drone and popping. It was money well spent. It also seemed to deepen the exhaust tone on the car.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer