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On the factory setup, I see the H pipe, and quite a few members have replaced it with an X pipe. Is the only reason to do this is to have a smoother exhaust flow? Maybe I don't completely understand the theory behind this mod. What if you don't connect the 2 sides, and just let the exhaust from each bank flow to their own respective muffler?
I have one.....if I had to do it over againI would not spend the money....Xpipe and performance choice mufflers showed only 2hp gain on dyno.sounds good but not worth the money....just change the exhaust for better sound.
I had the X-pipe installed because after installing the A&A bypass, there was too much gurgling and popping for my taste. That's the only reason I did it. I left the stock H-pipe in place to keep the tailpipes aligned.
I recently read a tech sheet on dyno results for a straight pipe - H-pipe - X-pipe comparison. Both the H- and X-pipe modifications helped/increased the power band and the exhaust note was "cleaner" to those involved. The x-pipe had a slight edge in power increases but not significantly. The main point of the article is to add an H- or X-pipe modification to your V/8 to notably increase your power band.
Two different styles. One is a weld in, smaller and not stainless steel but works the same at a lower price. 4 cuts and 4 welds- 1 hour at a muffler shop.
The larger pipe by Corsa does not require welding. You pay for stainless steel and a longer product. Do it yourself model, no welding.
Both will:
1. Reduce popping and gurgling on decel.
2. Smooth the idle from the pump to a fan sound.
3. Knock off 10 % of the WOT sound.
4. Gain you 3-5 hp
They run from $105-$275, shipped, in the continental U.S.
The H-pipe connecting pipe is about the same size as the main pipes on the newer models and will not give you the motor boat put-put at idle as much as the older vettes. It's not worth changing from stock IMHO.
Also, the Corsa X-pipe that I put on added several pounds over the section that I cut out. :nonod:
97 01 and 02 have larger opening inside that h-pipe than did the 98,99,00 models. The 98,99,00 will get a different sound change than the 97 and 01/02 models.
The smaller weld in unit weighs about the same as the factory piece it replaces.
I took the H-pipe off my 02 Vert myself and discovered it had small holes in it. When I put X-pipe in my 01 coupe it had large holes in H-pipe. :confused: So it seems to me you don't know what you have until you take it off. :cheers:
RT, the benefit of this x-pipe "cross flow" is to balance the way exhaust gas exits. I know it sounds simple to let each pipe feed the respective muffler, etc.
But an engine will make more power with this "balancing" effect.
This is probably a dumb question, but if the X pipe is that much better than the H pipe, why doesn't the factory just use X pipes??
Anyway, after my exhaust mod, it does pop quite alot and I guess I'll have to consider the X pipe mod. I don't so much mind the decel pops as I do the in between shift pops... :flag