X pipe Info / opinions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: New York
X pipe Info / opinions
As some may have read in an earlier post of mine, I have had a problem with my 98 coupe's exhaust welds breaking repeatedly. I am now considering installing an after market X pipe for better welds and construction. I am looking for opinions on the various X pipes (Corsa, Borla, Bassani) from people that have them. Fit & finish, installation, price and were you satisfied with the product. I seem to be leaning toward the Corsa at this point but am open to all.
Thanks,
Klammer
Thanks,
Klammer
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
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From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
Before I went with the LG Street Headers, I had a Bassani X-Pipe, stock headers/cats, and Z06-TI's at the back, didn't have any problem at all. Bought the Bassani used from a forum member, I believe $135. there about. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 242
From: Hillsboro OR
Just a thought...
Try loosening all of the headers bolts. They might be cocked with respect to each other. The combination of that, with acceleration stress rocking the engine, could be snapping the welds. Is the H-pipe hard mounted or attached with a rubber insulator?
Try loosening all of the headers bolts. They might be cocked with respect to each other. The combination of that, with acceleration stress rocking the engine, could be snapping the welds. Is the H-pipe hard mounted or attached with a rubber insulator?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
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From: New York
I will check the mounts when I get home this weekend. It has been about 4 years or so since I have had the H pipe off. I think it is hard mounted as I recall. The first weld that broke was the flange on the H pipe to the right exhaust. It broke while jacked up. The second break was to the R/muffler flange when my wife was driving down the road. She got it to a Midas and they were able to weld it but said after looking at it that it would break again. Third brake was to L/muffler flange as she accelerated hard to pass. I have heard that the early C5's had a problem w/the welds, That is why I'm looking for an X pipe and used (but newer) set of mufflers that I will have reinforced. Anyone have a good used X pipe for sale?
Klammer
Klammer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: H-Town Texas
I just purchased a CORSA x-pipe and TPiS Headers, I'll let you know how the install goes, but USED the X-Pipe looks in really good shape and would recommend them for your situation. Do you still have the stock exhaust?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: New York
Yes, I will be using stock exhaust or Zo6 exhaust if I find one.
Klammer
Klammer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: H-Town Texas
You should have no issues with fitment either way...I would suggest having them welded up to the cats and using clamps for the rest. This will be the route I am going and will let you know after the process. My install is set for th 15th of August and I can't wait!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
The Corsa pipe is two pipes mated together with the overlap removed. The Corsa will stop the popping and gurgling and it's a whole bunch better than your stock setup, but doesn't provide the same scavaging effect as a true X pipe. Take a look at some pictures of the Bassani, Magnaflow, or Dynamax X pipe and compare it to the Corsa. Whether the scavanging effect is that important or not is up for discussion, but NASCAR runs the true X pipe version so they must think it helps.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
One band-aid way to relieve stress on the flanged junction just ahead of the rear axle is to run two gaskets rather than one, and don't over-tighten the bolts. This allows a bit of give when the systems twists and flexes under engine and chassis load.
The gaskets won't leak enough to notice, if at all. Of course, be sure everything is bolted up with no stress, and spring/rubber mounted as intended.
DG
The gaskets won't leak enough to notice, if at all. Of course, be sure everything is bolted up with no stress, and spring/rubber mounted as intended.
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 6,903
Likes: 6
From: Long Valley NJ
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'08,'11 thru '17, '21
One of the flange welds broke on my original pipe several years ago. I installed a Corsa x-pipe (I have a Corsa exhaust) & have had no problems yet. It did smooth out the sound noticeably.
I used the free Autozone loaner chain cutter to cut the pipes forward of the original H section. Measure twice, cut once!
I used the free Autozone loaner chain cutter to cut the pipes forward of the original H section. Measure twice, cut once!
