First, the never asked (at least didn't find it): does forcing an exhaust pipe into place cause vibration? The passenger over-the-axle pipe on my route66 had the flange that connects to the stock exhaust welded a little crooked, and had to force it hard to locate the muffler in the right place. This left the stock pipe about 1/16" away from the heat shield. The car has a booming sound at very low RPMs, like from 1200 to 1500. Could be the pipe touching the heat shield, a vibration from the forced-bent, or just the H-pipe's booming sound the car made since new. All I remember is this exhaust (the mildest available, I was told), was only a tad louder than stock, and a little deeper. Also cleaned up the burbling sound significantly. Opinions?

Second is about the H-pipe: Does an X-pipe quiets the car inside? Even since I bought the car, I could hear the booming sound coming from the H-pipe, not the mufflers.

Now the good news: called B&B directly yesterday, and they sent me another passenger side over-the-axle pipe immediately; no questions asked. Man, I call that service, and standing behind their product (thanks Mike). Anyway, I wsa wondering if I should install an X-pipe when I replace the piece of pipe, as I'm getting tired of the booming sound, which very well could be the pipe hitting the shield. I wouldn't mind a little quieter cabin anyway, although I'd hear the damn wind leaks more :cry. Which is the best X-pipe?

Thanks in advance for your opinions and comments on the subject.

JC