When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Are you thinking of installing a catless or catted x pipe? Either way, if you’re retaining the factory manifolds and axle back, you’ll likely notice little to no difference. Your exhaust note will change a bit (especially if you ditch the cats) and there MIGHT be a few ponies freed up, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort unless you’re upgrading more of the system and considering a tune. Even a mail order tune would help versus doing nothing.
The stock "H" pipe is a bit restrictive. There are a few threads on this subject.
And to echo what wscott62893 said, a quality x-pipe would improve exhaust flow, but by itself, with a stock system, probably wouldn't be worth the effort or expense.
I recently put one on my car, but it was one of those "while I'm in there" type deals. If I was not in that situation, I would probably wait until I had to change my clutch or something like that.
If you do go with an X-Pipe, look at the Magnaflow. It is a true X-Pipe. That's what I got and the exhaust note is a little different. Different, but I would not consider it better.