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X pipe worth it???????

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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 01:30 PM
  #1  
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Default X pipe worth it???????

Can anyone provide solid proof this is worth the investment expense? Some are saying gains of 12 hp and torque??? I have shorty headers and a straight pipe now. Do you keep the H cross over too or eliminate it. TIA
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 02:55 PM
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Well, it's really hard to quantify 12hp.
That's almost in the realm of normal variation.
I surely couldn't feel the difference, but the change in the sound
was the most obvious thing.
I think I really got about 12hp, because I had a couple of dynos right at 326 RWHP with just a Blackwing and catback.
When I removed the cats and installed the Bassani, I later dyno'd at 338.
After tiring of the smell and getting nervous about the legality, I
took the Bassani off, and added a Z06 intake manifold.
As a result I lost 2 RWHP. The guys say the Z06 intake is good for maybe 10 hp, so the math makes sense.

I guess it's kinda like buying a $800 catback, and getting 4 HP; of course the HP gain is not worth it, it's all about the cool sound and look. If you have a sound you like, you probably wouldn't want to de-cat it for 10-12 HP. If you want more growl, the 12HP is just a bonus.
I won't argue the legality and smog aspects, but I guess it made me personally feel a bit guilty, even though my neighbor drives an Excursion. But that de-cat smell can get real old after awhile.


DG
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 03:02 PM
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For technical reasons I won't get into here, it is my opinion that it only helps if you have equal length headers.

There have been several theads on this topic here.
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 04:02 PM
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Why wouldn't your headers be of equal length?
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 04:11 PM
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I really didn't notice a difference in the hp or torque on my car when I installed my x-pipe, but I didn't do it for that reason anyway. I was having a lot of resonance in 6th gear and lots of popping when letting off the gas. After installing the X-pipe, I'd say 95% of that went away. That was good enough to justify the purchase.
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Nulltime
Why wouldn't your headers be of equal length?
He mentioned that he had a set of "shorty" headers. Oftentimes those are not equal length.
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Nulltime
Why wouldn't your headers be of equal length?
Equal length refers to the length of each of the 8 individual runners. When fabricating headers, it can be difficult to make each of the tubes the same runner volume, due to various bends in the tubes.
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 04:43 PM
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i havnt dynoed my car or anything, but I did install a bassani x pipe (rear one | there are two a front and rear x pipe) the sound was different. It was more quiet than before IMO.. but i did feel an increased throttle responce.

I only paid 180 new and shipped so it wasnt a big 'risk' if it didnt do much as far as power gain/loss.
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by muncie21
Equal length refers to the length of each of the 8 individual runners. When fabricating headers, it can be difficult to make each of the tubes the same runner volume, due to various bends in the tubes.

Thanks Thanks to Robvuk as well
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Old Nov 10, 2006 | 07:05 PM
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I have the corsa x and there are minimal hp gains, but you will definately notice reduced popping and droning.
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Old Nov 12, 2006 | 06:26 PM
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It gets rid of the popping during (Decel) & Improves flow. They give anywhere from 4-8HP or so. I'd say It's worth It.
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Old Nov 13, 2006 | 09:57 AM
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Thanks for the replys. What brand would you go with??? Price????
TIA
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