X-Pipe....yes, no, why?
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Team Owner
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X-Pipe....yes, no, why?
My '98 A4 has your basic bolt on mods (intake, etc). I have a Borla XR-1 catback, but the exhaust is stock other than that. My question is...what benefits would I see from removing the Borla resonator pipe and replacing it with an X-pipe. Headers are not in my plans for the future (too much $$$ for a leased car) I like my car loud. Its not a daily driver and I don't mind the snarling. Would the x-pipe make any more power, any more sound, both, or neither? Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Coral Springs Florida
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Drop_Top_Dave)
The off road x-pipe will give you a little more torque if your installing it way uo close to the header flange otherwise not much of a gain and it may even soften the growl you love so much...IMO:D
Install pics on my home page.......... :yesnod:
Install pics on my home page.......... :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (vstella)
The odd thing about the V-8 engine is that two cylinders in each bank fire in sequence. This tends to put a little more exhaust gas in the pipe and raises back pressure. The X-Pipe allows the extra exhaust gasses to flow into the exhaust pipe on the other side, thereby lowering back pressure. That's why the vstella says to put it as close to the headers as possible; trouble is the Cats are there first. The X-Pipe's gentle bends allow this flow better than a 90 degree H-Pipe. Others have reported sound benefits also. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
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From: Austin Texas
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (2kbluestreak)
Close--but no cigar!
The American V8s (and any V8 with a 90 degree crankshaft (AKA 360 degree)) has a cylinder firing order of LRLLRLRL or some permutation of that sequence. In comparison any racing V8 (or Ferrari, Lotus) has a 180 degree crankshaft that looks like a crank for a 4 cyclinder engine. Thses V8s have an LRLRLRLR cadence.
The Burble from the exhaust at idle, and some high RPM cylinder filling problems in the inlet track can be traced directly to the 90 degree crank.
An X-Pipe allows pulses from both banks to use both exhaust pipes so that there is lower overall back-pressure, and that there is a constant harmonic (LRLRLRLR) in both exhaust pipes. This constant harmonic is heard as a smoother engine at cruise.
An X-Pipe is simply a more efficient version of an H-Pipe. The H-Pipe (basically) quits working when the RPM gets to a certain rate leaving each side to fend for itself in finding an outlet tip.
The American V8s (and any V8 with a 90 degree crankshaft (AKA 360 degree)) has a cylinder firing order of LRLLRLRL or some permutation of that sequence. In comparison any racing V8 (or Ferrari, Lotus) has a 180 degree crankshaft that looks like a crank for a 4 cyclinder engine. Thses V8s have an LRLRLRLR cadence.
The Burble from the exhaust at idle, and some high RPM cylinder filling problems in the inlet track can be traced directly to the 90 degree crank.
An X-Pipe allows pulses from both banks to use both exhaust pipes so that there is lower overall back-pressure, and that there is a constant harmonic (LRLRLRLR) in both exhaust pipes. This constant harmonic is heard as a smoother engine at cruise.
An X-Pipe is simply a more efficient version of an H-Pipe. The H-Pipe (basically) quits working when the RPM gets to a certain rate leaving each side to fend for itself in finding an outlet tip.
Team Owner
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From: Swansea IL
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Drop_Top_Dave)
While I knew there was a great reason the X-pipe was designed I can only add that after the initial love affair with the Corsa Indy's all the popping, snapping and the gurgling at idle started to get on my nerves, not to mention the wives. So I got lucky and found a CF buddy selling his Bassani X-pipe already mounted. So all we did was swap assemblies. Took about 30 minutes once the car cooled. You can see the assembly by dropping in at http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=326619. The overall improvement in sound quality was tremendous. It SMOOTHED out the sound at ALL RPM's, eliminated all the gurgling at idle and eliminated about 50 to 75% of the popping etc. At WOT the car has a more exoctic sound. The car just sounds more mature rather than glass packs we all had years ago.
Tom
USAF Retired
[Modified by AFVETTE, 4:11 PM 6/25/2002]
[Modified by AFVETTE, 4:11 PM 6/25/2002]
Tom
USAF Retired
[Modified by AFVETTE, 4:11 PM 6/25/2002]
[Modified by AFVETTE, 4:11 PM 6/25/2002]
Melting Slicks
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From: Milton, West Virginia
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Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (PeterC)
I used the "magnaflow" on my 99 FRC..with the B&B PRT's it all but cured the "popping" & the exhaust is now louder at WOT! :D ...just turn the radio up ;) SOUNDS GREAT to me! :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Los Angeles Founder, West Coast Corvette Challenge
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (AFVETTE)
While I knew there was a great reason the X-pipe was designed I can only add that after the initial love affair with the Corsa Indy's all the popping, snapping and the gurgling at idle started to get on my nerves, not to mention the wives. So I got lucky and found a CF buddy selling his Bassani X-pipe already mounted... The overall improvement in sound quality was tremendous. It SMOOTHED out the sound at ALL RPM's, eliminated all the gurgling at idle and eliminated about 50 to 75% of the popping etc. At WOT the car has a more exoctic sound. The car just sounds more mature rather than glass packs we all had years ago.
with the following exception. Since installingthe Bassani x-pipe, I have not heard even one of those annoying popping sounds.
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Racer
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From: Oswego NY
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Drop_Top_Dave)
I just added the X pipe to my Corsa Indys, I didn't like the way the car sounded at idle.(Boat Motor Sound)The Idle sounds great now,The X pipe really mellowed the Corsa Indys across the board.They have a more refined sound now. :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Albuquerque nm
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Tom337)
The X-pipe with Corsa will calm the beast in decibils, power increase will not be noticeable. Add headers and you get loud at WOT, and deep raspy grawl through the lower power band. If you like loud and want to be noticed, this set up could be for you....
I have Corsa X-pipe and can't comment on others...... :cheers:
I have Corsa X-pipe and can't comment on others...... :cheers:
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
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From: Washington
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Drop_Top_Dave)
Added Magnaflow x-pipe to my Corsa Indys, and it really smoothed out the sound and made the idle sound like a V8 should. Some folks do like the sound without the x-pipe. I would try it first without. You can always add it later if it sounds too loud or edgy for you. :cheers:
[Modified by raygr, 7:15 AM 6/26/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Richmond Ca
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Drop_Top_Dave)
My '98 A4 has your basic bolt on mods (intake, etc). I have a Borla XR-1 catback, but the exhaust is stock other than that. My question is...what benefits would I see from removing the Borla resonator pipe and replacing it with an X-pipe. Headers are not in my plans for the future (too much $$$ for a leased car) I like my car loud. Its not a daily driver and I don't mind the snarling. Would the x-pipe make any more power, any more sound, both, or neither? Thanks.
Unfortunately the Borla Website is about as useless as teats on a boar hog so there is no information there. The question is "does the Borla resonator function as an xpipe?" I suggest giving the techs at Borla a call and ask them about what the guts of the resonator look like. If it's open and allows the exhaust from both side to mix before exiting, switching to an xpipe probably won't do much except "maybe" make it loder.
Good luck.
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Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (AFVETTE)
... The car just sounds more mature rather than glass packs we all had years ago. ...
If I wanted my Corvette to sound like a Ferrari, ... well, I'm not going there.
God bless America, where we can disagree and be different. And if we don't all have the same tastes, it helps keep things from being boring! :lol:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
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From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (MitchAlsup)
Hey Mitch, thanks for clearing up the V8 firing sequence you've shown -
"LRLLRLRL". That's 5 Lefts and 3 Rights, and always thought their were 4 cylinders on each bank. :seeya
"LRLLRLRL". That's 5 Lefts and 3 Rights, and always thought their were 4 cylinders on each bank. :seeya
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Prescott AZ
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Drop_Top_Dave)
My '98 A4 has your basic bolt on mods (intake, etc). I have a Borla XR-1 catback, but the exhaust is stock other than that. My question is...what benefits would I see from removing the Borla resonator pipe and replacing it with an X-pipe. Headers are not in my plans for the future (too much $$$ for a leased car) I like my car loud. Its not a daily driver and I don't mind the snarling. Would the x-pipe make any more power, any more sound, both, or neither? Thanks.
Save your money and get some headers
[Modified by Wicked C5, 6:02 PM 6/28/2002]
[Modified by Wicked C5, 6:03 PM 6/28/2002]
Le Mans Master
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From: Ex-SF Bay Area; now happily Denver area
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (savewave)
... Hmmmm ... Guess I'm still a kid at heart. :D I like the motor boat/glass pack sound! :yesnod: And when it starts popping on deceleration, my smile even gets a little bigger!
If I wanted my Corvette to sound like a Ferrari, ... well, I'm not going there.
If I wanted my Corvette to sound like a Ferrari, ... well, I'm not going there.
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Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (Tom337)
When I buy my exhaust, I'm just going to do the X-Pipe at the same time. 90% of folks here go on to get it anyhow. :crazy:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
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From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: X-Pipe....yes, no, why? (jfpilla)
jfpilla,
I found an old post of the LS-1 firing order, but haven't been able to verify it in a shop manual. It is: 1 - 8 - 7 - 2 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3.
After #3 fires, #1 fires again, so you can see the #2 & #6 on one bank firing in sequence, then the #3 and #1 on the other bank. I would think all street V-8's fire in this manner with the 2 in each bank in sequence. It probably has something to to with the 90 deg. throws of the crankshaft and the 90 deg. angle of the two banks. Of course different manufactures have picked different firing orders, and some even number the cylinders differently making it hard to compare. I've also seen that some aftermarket manufacturers of camshafts for the small block Ford change the firing order. The only adjustment the engine rebuilder has to make is switching spark plug wires on the distributor. Racing V8's with 180 deg. cranks are an entirely different situation. A steet V8 with a 180 crank would probably generate irritating vibration at idle and low speed, which is not a consideration in a racer.
For PeterC, what I've noticed with different priced X-Pipes is that the $ 100 units are simply an X that is spliced into the existing H-Pipe, while the $ 300 units completey replace the H-Pipe, from cats to the rear exhaust over-the-axle flanges. :cheers:
I found an old post of the LS-1 firing order, but haven't been able to verify it in a shop manual. It is: 1 - 8 - 7 - 2 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3.
After #3 fires, #1 fires again, so you can see the #2 & #6 on one bank firing in sequence, then the #3 and #1 on the other bank. I would think all street V-8's fire in this manner with the 2 in each bank in sequence. It probably has something to to with the 90 deg. throws of the crankshaft and the 90 deg. angle of the two banks. Of course different manufactures have picked different firing orders, and some even number the cylinders differently making it hard to compare. I've also seen that some aftermarket manufacturers of camshafts for the small block Ford change the firing order. The only adjustment the engine rebuilder has to make is switching spark plug wires on the distributor. Racing V8's with 180 deg. cranks are an entirely different situation. A steet V8 with a 180 crank would probably generate irritating vibration at idle and low speed, which is not a consideration in a racer.
For PeterC, what I've noticed with different priced X-Pipes is that the $ 100 units are simply an X that is spliced into the existing H-Pipe, while the $ 300 units completey replace the H-Pipe, from cats to the rear exhaust over-the-axle flanges. :cheers: