Purpose of X-Pipe
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 218
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From: Plano Texas
Purpose of X-Pipe
I spoke with a guy that strictly does muffler work and has for years and years (not sure how many:) ), I had mentioned I was thinking about doing an x-pipe and he told me don't waste my money.
Basically he said that using an x-pipe takes me from a dual exhaust to a single exhaust because of the cross in the middle and I won't really gain anything except quiet my exhaust. He also said he didnt think you would really gain performance because of the way the pipe would perform under high RPMs.
Anyone have an opinion? They way he explained it made alot of sense so wondering why are people installing them?
Basically he said that using an x-pipe takes me from a dual exhaust to a single exhaust because of the cross in the middle and I won't really gain anything except quiet my exhaust. He also said he didnt think you would really gain performance because of the way the pipe would perform under high RPMs.
Anyone have an opinion? They way he explained it made alot of sense so wondering why are people installing them?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 10,961
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From: Dawsonville Ga
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (tkemory)
What he doesn't know is you have got a "H" pipe now that crosses the gasses from the left and right banks. It just does a poor job because the opening inside the pipe is about 3/4". An aftermarket xpipe will open the crossover up and provide a balance flow. I do not know the science behind this but you can achive more lower end torque and a mellower exhaust note by doing this. The racing world has been utilizing xpipes for a long time. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,531
Likes: 1,943
From: Austin Texas
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (tkemory)
That muffler-shop-guy is pulling your leg. A V8 with a 360 degree crankshaft (like LS1) has a firing order of LRLLRLRR. The double firing on the left and right banks causes two exhaust pulses on that side, and saturates the flow of the exhaust system on that side. The job of an X-pipe or an H-pipe is to provide a path for the imballance to the other exhaust pipe. An X-pipe is just a more efficient version of an H-pipe (without the high RPM cutoff that the H-pipe has).
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,976
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From: Herndon Va
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (MitchAlsup)
I believe dyno tests have shown the X pipe on an LS1 to be worth a couple of hp and it also reduces the popping on decel on Corsa's [/b] which I like :D so no X pipe for me[/b] .
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 146
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From: Pittsburgh Pa
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (ghost.rider)
Sometime last year Drag Racing Magazine did an article on the use of an "X" pipe on a early 70's Olds 442 stocker. The installation of the "X" pipe made a modest improvement in E.T. and Trap Speed.
There is reasonable evidence from Fourm posts that slight dyno gains can be seen when adding the "X" pipe with a C-5 aftermarket system. The pipe also quiets popping on de-acceleration.
I have Corsa Indy exhaust and a Bassani X-Pipe. I like the setup over stock, but I never experimented with/without the X-pipe.
One thing bugs me though. If the X-Pipe has the apparent advantages that it does, why did the GM engineers put the "H" pipe in the C5 system- and leave openings the size of a quarter from the crossover pipe to the exhaust pipes rather that full i.d.? I realize that many of the design features of the C5 were "mass market compromises" (like restrictive intake for noise and water ingestion minimization)- but this one does not make sense.
Any thoughts on this out there?
There is reasonable evidence from Fourm posts that slight dyno gains can be seen when adding the "X" pipe with a C-5 aftermarket system. The pipe also quiets popping on de-acceleration.
I have Corsa Indy exhaust and a Bassani X-Pipe. I like the setup over stock, but I never experimented with/without the X-pipe.
One thing bugs me though. If the X-Pipe has the apparent advantages that it does, why did the GM engineers put the "H" pipe in the C5 system- and leave openings the size of a quarter from the crossover pipe to the exhaust pipes rather that full i.d.? I realize that many of the design features of the C5 were "mass market compromises" (like restrictive intake for noise and water ingestion minimization)- but this one does not make sense.
Any thoughts on this out there?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids IA
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (BIGMAC2)
...
There is reasonable evidence from Fourm posts that slight dyno gains can be seen when adding the "X" pipe with a C-5 aftermarket system. The pipe also quiets popping on de-acceleration.
...
One thing bugs me though. If the X-Pipe has the apparent advantages that it does, why did the GM engineers put the "H" pipe in the C5 system- and leave openings the size of a quarter from the crossover pipe to the exhaust pipes rather that full i.d.?
...
There is reasonable evidence from Fourm posts that slight dyno gains can be seen when adding the "X" pipe with a C-5 aftermarket system. The pipe also quiets popping on de-acceleration.
...
One thing bugs me though. If the X-Pipe has the apparent advantages that it does, why did the GM engineers put the "H" pipe in the C5 system- and leave openings the size of a quarter from the crossover pipe to the exhaust pipes rather that full i.d.?
...
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (Bigtoe)
On my 2002 Z06 the H-pipe is as big as the exhaust pipe, for the money, I don't think an X-pipe is worth the HP and I love the deaccel pops, that's how a high compression enginge sounds.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 737
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From: Richmond VA
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (CPT Z06)
Everything you ever wanted to know about X-pipes but were afraid to ask from the X-pipe Guru: http://www.drgas.com
And I believe even though the H pipe on the z06 matches the main pipes outside diameter, I believe the actual hole cut into the main pipe is smaller.
:cheers:
And I believe even though the H pipe on the z06 matches the main pipes outside diameter, I believe the actual hole cut into the main pipe is smaller.
:cheers:
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,730
Likes: 270
From: VENTURA Ca
Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (vstella)
I've had many C5 exhaust apart , including the Z06 and they all have a very small hole inside the H Pipe.For those not wanting to spend a bunch on an X Pipe, we have them for under a hundred bucks.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Dallas TX
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Re: Purpose of X-Pipe (Andy@AandACorvette)
The holes in the 97, late 00's, 01's and 02's have roughly the same size opening, yet not at the limit of the exhaust pipie itself. The 98,99, and most 00's, have a hole the size of your ring finger. More pop and burble on decel is noticeable with the smaller hole cars from my experience.:)
RG
We offer this one that welds in;
...as well as the Corsa Stainless X-pipe that bolts and clamps in;
[Modified by RG in Dallas, 11:15 PM 4/2/2002]
RG
We offer this one that welds in;
...as well as the Corsa Stainless X-pipe that bolts and clamps in;
[Modified by RG in Dallas, 11:15 PM 4/2/2002]
