Do we really NEED the X pipe?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 204
From: Kern County CA
Do we really NEED the X pipe?
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?
Thanks,
RT
Thanks,
RT
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 11,530
Likes: 0
From: New Bloomfield Pa
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'10
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (Rapid Transit)
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.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 22
From: Newark CA
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (Rapid Transit)
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.
Instructor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Salem, Oregon OR
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (joeflyer)
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.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Elite Member
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (Rapid Transit)
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.
RG
Small Exit 28 pipe:
Corsa Stainless pipe:
[Modified by RG in Dallas, 12:46 PM 2/20/2002]
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.
RG
Small Exit 28 pipe:
Corsa Stainless pipe:
[Modified by RG in Dallas, 12:46 PM 2/20/2002]
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids IA
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (Rapid Transit)
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:
[Modified by tjfees, 12:36 PM 2/20/2002]
Also, the Corsa X-pipe that I put on added several pounds over the section that I cut out. :nonod:
[Modified by tjfees, 12:36 PM 2/20/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Elite Member
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (tjfees)
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.
RG
The smaller weld in unit weighs about the same as the factory piece it replaces.
RG
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (RG in Dallas)
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:
Jim
Jim
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (Rapid Transit)
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.
But an engine will make more power with this "balancing" effect.
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Reading PA
Re: Do we really NEED the X pipe? (Iboomalot)
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
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
