Hpipe Xpipe difference
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 0
From: Prescott AZ
No matter the firing order...V8's have two cylinders that fire sequentially in one bank or the other. That said, from what I have read the X pipe is preferred to generate a bit more power than the H pipe. The H pipe then is more for noise reduction. The C4 came stock with X pipes so it is a bit strange that the C6's did not at least initially (like my 2006).
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
I had a '09 LS3 w/NPP option. It did NOT have x-pipe. Even early production 2010 Z06 does NOT have factory installed x-pipe. That did not come until very late 2010 MY production on Z06 (oil cooler change as well).
If your planning to buy a take-off from someone, remember that 2012+ will NOT work on 2005-2011's....
If your planning to buy a take-off from someone, remember that 2012+ will NOT work on 2005-2011's....
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Jan 9, 2013 at 11:04 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 8
From: Littleton CO
I believe the H pipes improve torque in the low to mid range, while an X pipe is more of a improvement for horsepower.....at least that is what one of the cable performance automotive shows said. 2 cylinder motorcycles have used balance tubes..basically an H pipe...for many decades to increase torque.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 106
. Both have identical dimensions. Here's a pic when I swapped them:
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
This isn't like having a Y pipe that's split.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 8
From: Littleton CO
I guess I'm going by the "stinkin thinkin" of the exhaust system manufacturers for motorcycles...like Vance and Hines, Supertrapp, Rinehart, etc. They offer both a "true" dual and duals that have either an X pipe or a siamese connection and their systems that have those features aren't considered a "true dual" by them. All state that their systems with a balance connection of some type are the better performing of their systems. So that's my my and their" stinkin opinion" and were stickin to it! 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
I guess I'm going by the "stinkin thinkin" of the exhaust system manufacturers for motorcycles...like Vance and Hines, Supertrapp, Rinehart, etc. They offer both a "true" dual and duals that have either an X pipe or a siamese connection and their systems that have those features aren't considered a "true dual" by them. All state that their systems with a balance connection of some type are the better performing of their systems. So that's my my and their" stinkin opinion" and were stickin to it!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,457
Likes: 297
From: corpus christi Texas
I had a '09 LS3 w/NPP option. It did NOT have x-pipe. Even early production 2010 Z06 does NOT have factory installed x-pipe. That did not come until very late 2010 MY production on Z06 (oil cooler change as well).
If your planning to buy a take-off from someone, remember that 2012+ will NOT work on 2005-2011's....
If your planning to buy a take-off from someone, remember that 2012+ will NOT work on 2005-2011's....
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 8
From: Littleton CO
I probably shouldn't be using motorcycle (i.e. V-twin) exhaust systems in a discussion of automobile systems, so I'll agree with you. Harleys, which I've been involved with since the 70s originally had a 2 into 1 exhuast system and the classic staggered duals were an option. Eventually they became standard on many models but with equalizer tubes like an H pipe, and now on the touring models, A siamese system incorrectly refered to as a 2-1-2 setup. The aftermarket started calling their systems that didn't have the equalizers, "true duals". I will try and remember which forum I'm on for future discussions. Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 66
From: San Luis Obispo, California
What's the sound difference between an x & h pipe, all other variables being equal? Does the h-pipe give a V8 a more 'old-school' sound vs; the x-pipe's more blended V8 sound?
The x-pipe offers improved exh gas flow & performance(?), but does it sound less 'muscle car', is it quieter or louder?
The x-pipe offers improved exh gas flow & performance(?), but does it sound less 'muscle car', is it quieter or louder?
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 8
From: Littleton CO
I haven't ever compared the 2 systems, but would imagine since the X supposedly has better flow it would also be louder...but then it's still directing the flow through 2 mufflers so maybe the less efficient H pipe would be louder as it is closer to the old style non connected dual systems where each muffler handled one bank of cylinder's exhaust. I personally think the mild cams don't give much off a muscle car sound in the Vettes. My old hotrod 1950 truck with a 355 cuin. motor had a lot more cam than the Vette.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 8
From: Littleton CO
Don't all the LS3s have an X pipe? If so, it must be the difference in the Z exh. over the stock...think I read/heard that only the ZR has the larger 3" pipes leading to the mufflers, so are just the mufflers different and maybe the manifolds?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
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From: Bay Area CA
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 34
From: Massachusetts
Great picture ELPJC. I have. Corsa X pipe for a 2011. I looked under my 2013 tonite and to my surprise I saw the changed exhaust. Anyway in your eyes should that 2011 X pipe fit on the 2013? Why did Bowling Green add two small exhausts?