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deciding on x-pipe

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Old Feb 6, 2016 | 10:46 PM
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Default deciding on x-pipe

So ive decided to shop around for an x-pipe for my 01 base c5. After doing some research i see that alot of x pipes require a certain header usually of the same brand. My exhaust is stock other than my SLP loudmouth axle back. Are there any recommendations for an Xpipe that would fit on to my stock headers and the slp axle back? I will also be purchasing long tubes in the future so that is another factor in the equation.

Or would a cat delete be a better option?

Thanks in advance!
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Old Feb 6, 2016 | 11:42 PM
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I would wait til you do the headers, I went with XS Power headers and X-pipe with high flow cats, that system was around 800.00 and I love the sound and performance !!!!!!
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by akapounder
I would wait til you do the headers
... nearly all of the popular longtubes for these cars come with an xpipe incorporated into the system... all of the xpipes I have seen that do not come with headers will require welding at the manifold side, so basically you would be wasting money and time doing that if you're going to buy a complete system later on
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 12:40 PM
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I agree with the others about waiting if you are going to install headers at some point. However, if you are going to stay with stock manifolds, an x-pipe is a good option. I have a 2001 coupe with a SLP Powerflow exhaust and a Borla x- pipe, both installed at the same time. The Borla x-pipe requires cutting the stock h- pipe to install. This x-pipe did not require welding and is leak free. If you follow the instructions it is an easy thing to do. I am happy with this system and would do it again. This system has been on my car for about 6 years. Hope this helps.

The Outlaw
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by paoutlaw
I agree with the others about waiting if you are going to install headers at some point. However, if you are going to stay with stock manifolds, an x-pipe is a good option. I have a 2001 coupe with a SLP Powerflow exhaust and a Borla x- pipe, both installed at the same time. The Borla x-pipe requires cutting the stock h- pipe to install. This x-pipe did not require welding and is leak free. If you follow the instructions it is an easy thing to do. I am happy with this system and would do it again. This system has been on my car for about 6 years. Hope this helps.

The Outlaw


I have done it both ways. I have one that has LG headers with their X pipe and another one had the stock manifolds/cats and I used a Corsa X pipe. With the stock manifolds cats I did not weld it either. Band clamps work well and it is an easy job.

Good luck.
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Old Feb 7, 2016 | 09:13 PM
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I agree that if you are going to do headers at some point, wait until then to get an X-pipe with the system. If you weren't going to do headers, I would recommend a Bassani X-pipe. Had one on my '00 and it was a high quality item.
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Old Feb 9, 2016 | 01:14 PM
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I used to have a Corsa X-pipe mated to my stock mid-pipe. It was a cut and clamp ... no welding required, and I never had any issues out of it.

But more recently my cats went **** up, so I replaced the entire midpipe with a Flowmaster setup which bolts to the stock manifold.
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Old Feb 9, 2016 | 05:33 PM
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What are your GOALS for installing an X PIPE??????

If its more POWER,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, SAVE YOUR MONEY! Anything that you do from the CATS BACK on a mostly STOCK engine will NOT add significant power!

If you removed the entire exhaust system from the car, you would probably only see 12-13 HP.

The X Pipe will change the exhaust note more than anything. You will see less exhaust gurgle and pop with an X pipe.

If you have to have one, just find one that will fit in where the old H pipe is now. Ease if installation is what you need to look for at this point.


Here is what your STOCK MID PIPE looks like with the poorly engineered H pipe: ( you may or may not have the PUP CATs)



This is what an XS Power header and cat back system looks like:





This is a Stainless Works entire system in 3" SS with a slip fit X pipe. Make sure that you get the correct dia X pipe if you install one on your system:






Im with the majority of the people who say,, Save your bucks and get a TOTAL Header, mid pipe and muffler system and get your car TUNED with a purpose built system. You will thank us later.
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