Longtubes + x-pipe a must? Some Help?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 209
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From: Logansport, IN
Longtubes + x-pipe a must? Some Help?
I'm at the point of purchasing a set of long tubes for my 99 vert MN6 put don't fully understand the difference between the utilization of an x-pipe vs. stock H-pipe with a set of long tube headers? Is an x-pipe mandatory for the switch or can the long tubes be used in conjunction with the stock pipes? What about shorties with the stock H-pipe? My focus is going to be street driving with no track usage for quite some time.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Amityville ny 631-608-1986
Seth, With regards to an ARH system, we highly recommend that the system be used as a unit. Our X-pipe, and most importantly it's location, is an integral part of the overall system. Installing headers and then altering the balance of the system could present unfavorable results. Keep in mind that our system is also 304 S/S which should pay off with many years of corrosion free use. If you'd like to get into it in more detail please feel free to call me at 631-608-1986. Thanks.
Nick
Nick
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
Pretty much, and you will most likely want to buy high flow cats at the same time. The smell may be too much for a street car from what I hear.
Each set of long tubes are different, so the x-pipes will not match up, i.e. not interchangeable between manufactures or models. Cutting and marrying the stock is a lot of work, the end of the long tubes will be in the area where your stock cats are located. Talk to the maker of the long tubes as each will be different. My LG streets ended near the end of the stock cats, but still would have been a PIA to use the stock H-pipe, I figured it was cheaper to buy the x-pipe.
Each set of long tubes are different, so the x-pipes will not match up, i.e. not interchangeable between manufactures or models. Cutting and marrying the stock is a lot of work, the end of the long tubes will be in the area where your stock cats are located. Talk to the maker of the long tubes as each will be different. My LG streets ended near the end of the stock cats, but still would have been a PIA to use the stock H-pipe, I figured it was cheaper to buy the x-pipe.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
I agree, might as well do it right, and get all the power and minimum hassle by using the matching midpipe.
But, shorty headers just bolt right up to the stock midpipe with no mods. You must buy the correct year shorties however.
There are some LT headers that can utilize the stock cats and h-pipe, because they do not have as long runners as, say, the LG's. The TPiS and Bassani are a couple. But, you must still cut off your h-pipe just ahead of the cats, then weld, push, hassle it all into place. And you surely leave some ponies on the table vs a good hi-flow-cat x-pipe.
DG
But, shorty headers just bolt right up to the stock midpipe with no mods. You must buy the correct year shorties however.
There are some LT headers that can utilize the stock cats and h-pipe, because they do not have as long runners as, say, the LG's. The TPiS and Bassani are a couple. But, you must still cut off your h-pipe just ahead of the cats, then weld, push, hassle it all into place. And you surely leave some ponies on the table vs a good hi-flow-cat x-pipe.
DG
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 458
Likes: 4
Seth If you are planning to do the modification with a budget in mind then you can go with our part number 6102 these are our 1 3/4 by 3 C5 headers. Then what you can purchase is the Stock cat hook up's. They are part number 6114s we design these for GM performance so there was no need to remove the factory Catalyst converters. To keep the vehicle emissions legal. Then if you chose later down the road to do the x pipe it would be a direct bolt in. If you have any further questions please feel free to call us toll free at 1 866 586 KOOK. Good luck in your quest for more power.
George Rumore
General Manager
1-866-586-Kook Ext. 308
GeorgeR@Kookscustomheaders.com
45 Years of Racing and Engineering Experience
George Rumore
General Manager
1-866-586-Kook Ext. 308
GeorgeR@Kookscustomheaders.com
45 Years of Racing and Engineering Experience
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
Few seem to realize that it's the enitre system that matters, not just an individual component. Whenever you upgrade a part, there's always another one that's now the weak link.
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