So after some searching on threads here last spring it seems that a de-accel "rattle" I've been getting is from my stock H-pipe. Many have noted that a new aftermarket X-pipe will help with my issue. I've looked around and it seems there is a MagnaFlow, Borla and Corsa X-pipe available. They all are stainless steel and seem to require about the same amount of work for installation however there is nearly a 200 dollar difference from the highest to the lowest. The lowest is the Borla and I was wondering if anyone can come up with a reason why I shouldn't consider the Borla product. - Thanks

BTW: my existing setup is 2001 Vette 6MN Z51 with stock cast iron exhaust manifolds, single cats (upgraded to a mid pipe without the pup cats) and the Ti Z06 exhaust out back.

 

No reason at all. When it comes to X-pipes, there won't be any significant advantage between the brands. Just make sure you buy stainless steel and from a reputable manufacturer.

 

I was in the same situation with the X pipes as you are. I did the research that you have done and came to the same conclusion you did. About a $200 difference in price. Then I started looking at photos of the pipes and discovered all the pipes but Magnaflow have holes cut in the sides of the pipes then welded together. The Magnaflow is a true X Pipe! Look at photos online for all of the pipes and I think you will see the difference. I just ordered mine from Hinson Motorsports (Forum Supporter). He had the best price at the time. I have an '04A with stock headers and ti exhaust. Hope this helps make your decision easier.

 

Thanks I did notice that fact about the "true X" vs the pipes coming together with a hole cut between them. Part of me was wondering if that made a difference but I guess in a way that is what I'm trying to avoid now by getting rid of the OEM design.

Sterling - How does your Vette sound and run now? I know it's all subjective but just wondering your thoughts.

 

I've had my 04 for 16 months now. The mods are VaraRam CAI, Z06 to mufflers, mail order tune by East Coast Supercharging and the X pipe. Before the X pipe at idle it sounded like an outboard motor. At WOT it had a bark that would get your attention but not overly loud. You couldn't hear it in the cockpit. After the pipe the outboard sound was gone, just a quiet but strong rumble. At WOT it is somewhat louder but not objectionable with a louder bark. Hope this helps in your decision making process. Call Chris at Hinson Motorworks for a good price! As far as running, each of the mods made a difference. 3 of the mods made a significant change, the other not so much in performance. The X pipe was the least noticeable improvement. I did that primarily for the sound.

 

Hmm, interesting... I'm a fan of a louder exhaust but I'm not a fan of the rattle I have on de-acceleration now. I'm not really interested in making the vette any quieter so now I'm not sure what to think about the whole deal.

 

I. Really think you will eliminate the rattle with a cross pipe. I've heard that same sound too and didn't care for it either. Perhaps I was unclear about the sound. It is somewhat louder at WOT but you can drive through town and not disturb the natives. If you want louder you may have to go with either a Magnaflow, Corsa or Borla or any of the other axle backs with the X pipe. You can install the X pipe then add the axle back of your choice later. Or you might try the bypass pipe mod. I think I would try the X pipe, listen, then decide if you want to go louder. Try to find some Vette owners in your area and listen to various set ups before you spend a lot of money on something you may not like... Whatever you do, purchase a stainless steel system from a reputable dealer. Avoid offshore products like the plague! JMHO

 

I have a B&B X-pipe. Bought it in person from a forum vendor that has a storefront. Looked at it side x side with the Corsa and the two were completely identical, but the B&B was less expensive so I bought it.

To me, the Magnaflow looked more restrictive. I like the design of the pipes gradually coming together instead of a short, hard angled X-design like the Magnaflow.

I removed the stock H-pipe with B&B Bullets and installed the B&B X-pipe with Callaway Double D exhaust. It's much quieter, no drone, and a very smooth exhaust note.

 

Visually I agree the Corsa and Borla pipes look smoother. To me it comes down to a question that I don't 100% know how to answer. Is the idea of the X-pipe to just allow the difference in pressure between the two pipes balance against each other or is it to actually have full flow capability from one side to the other before the tailpipe exit.

I always thought it was just a balancing game but this is just my basic opinion not based on any facts that I have read or researched. I'm still a little in the air and my big thing is I just want to fix the rattle noise hoping that solution also improves the HP level, even if it's just a fraction.

Thanks to all, either way I have to pick one soon.

 

So a link from the corvetteforum I found tonight answered my question from a couple of weeks ago. The full X-pipe allows for a re-distribution of exhaust flow to each pipe ensuring full balanced and smoother flow to each side. (left and right side) The H-pipe or X-pipe with just hole cut in the side of the pipe just attempts to balance the flow but doesn't reduce the exhaust "pulses" from the engine to the left and right side pipes. For many of us there really isn't that big of a difference but if you plan to race or live life in the higher rpm's then the full X-pipe should be a consideration. Just my two cents from reading.

 

Bassani is also a full X pipe

 

If you decide to go with Borla I have a brand new X-pipe. I ordered it about 3 weeks ago and then went with a complete exhaust package from LG. I would sell it to you for 200.00 plus shipping. Just send me a message if you are interested I am in Florida.

 

Well despite what you've read, I can tell you firsthand that a Corsa X-pipe (hole type) completely eliminated both my motorboat idle sound and the cruising drone that I got after installing B&B Bullets. There's only so much crossflow that you actually need under 99.999% of your driving conditions.

 

So you can see from the thread that I was back and forth on the whole X-pipe thing. I actually planned to bite the bullet and spend the extra money on the Magnaflow X-pipe which was "true" X vs. two pipes merging together. I called around and found out that Magnaflow has discontinued their X-pipe so that whole plan went out the door. I picked up the Corsa X-pipe instead and I'm very happy with the pipe appearance and quality. I installed the pipe about two months ago and I will say the instructions where correct and everything went together with ease.

The main reason I installed the X-pipe was to remove the "rattle" from the exhaust during down shifts and deceleration. The rattle noise is gone so that is a big plus and in my eyes worth the upgrade. The down side is the car is now much quieter, so much so that I'm starting to shop around for a louder exhaust. The Z06 Ti exhaust has been nice but I want something that might wake the neighbors. I'm either considering the Corsa Extreme or using my original stock stock exhaust pipes to build my own exhaust with some bullet race mufflers. - Stay tuned.

One last lesson. A few years back I removed my mid-pipe to install a tunnel plate. I removed and re-installed the rear O2 sensors at the time. When I installed the O2 sensors again I did not add more anti-seize to the threads and that cost me on this project. The threads on the driver side O2 sensor where toast. I needed to buy a thread tap and a new O2 sensor for that side so please use your anti-seize and save yourself money and trips to the parts store later.

- My two cents

 

I'm in a slightly different camp. The siamese X-pipe design (I think that's what you mean by the 'one with the hole in it'?) allows the exhaust pulses to go where they're naturally heading, as opposed to forcing them down the true X path. Exhaust system design is a science if you're looking for every last drop and I am not an expert - only a student - but this is what I've learned so far. The guys at Burns Stainless and LG are pretty sharp in this area.

The location / distance form the collectors of the X-pipe no matter what platform would also determine the best design and is typically part of an entire system review.

No flames please, just trying to help.

 

I love my Borla X pipe.

 

Thanks Paul and Flash for your reply's... For me the X-pipe design is dead issue as I've made my choice and I'm fine with the results, besides wanting a louder exhaust which I think would be the same for all X-pipes. I only wanted to post as a follow up to my experience so someone looking over my original questions could see and learn (good or bad) from my choices.

While I will always welcome more HP and therefore be interested in the best X-pipe design the real reason for the change was to remove the rattle noise from the exhaust when I was "off throttle" and that issue is now gone.

 

Totally agree SKF. Good info for a future search and glad it worked out for you!

Now what's the discount code for the HD race bearing? I'll take two

Cheers,

 

I know you are joking about the bearings but for clarification I'm an applications engineer for SKF working on industrial compressors. I've been with SKF for 15 years so I can answer just about any technical bearing question but I don't have direct access to our sales or inventory. Over the years I have taken our spherical rod end bearings and made sway bar end links and used our other SKF bearings for the wheel ends on a number of my cars but these are bearings I've had people at SKF find for me over the time.

If you or anyone has questions about a bearing on their car I'll be happy to assist but technical knowledge is about the most I can offer.

 

This made me doubt my information for a moment, so I double-checked and we are only discontinuing the Tru-X pipe kit that comes with four pipe extensions (looks like this).

However, we are still offering and will continue to build our Tru-X pipe transitions. You can find the whole list of them here. As always, let me know if you have any questions about this, either here or via PM.