H-Pipe vs X-Pipe
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
H-Pipe vs X-Pipe
Correct me if I'm wrong, (I know you will) Does an H-Pipe "lightly blend" the exhaust streams, while an X-Pipe "crosses" the exhaust streams more harshly? Which is best for performance and/or sound quality?
I just found this Motortrend article. Shoulda searched the net first...
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/x-...for-your-ride/
I just found this Motortrend article. Shoulda searched the net first...
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/x-...for-your-ride/
Last edited by RetroGuy; Sep 12, 2021 at 10:19 AM. Reason: I found an article regarding this:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Everything you ever wanted to know about X and H pipes.... The biggest difference is really sound with the X pipe producing a more high pitched exotic car sound while the H pipe produces a deeper traditional hot rod type sound. Also the H pipe produces its power down lower in the rpm range and the X pipe profits up higher. The H pipe will usually produce a little more torque, while the X pipe will usually produce one or two more HP, than the H pipe. Bottom line is both systems are just eliminating the exhaust logjam that occurs in your exhaust system. The Motor trend article you linked to is really good and well written.
For 99% of Corvette owners what is most important is getting the sound you want. On a Corvette I prefer the sound of the X pipe, but that's a personal taste, kind of like some guys prefer blonde to brunettes.
For 99% of Corvette owners what is most important is getting the sound you want. On a Corvette I prefer the sound of the X pipe, but that's a personal taste, kind of like some guys prefer blonde to brunettes.
Last edited by Iceaxe; Sep 12, 2021 at 10:42 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Had H, X, straight cant feel a bit of difference between em.
Put what you like and can afford on there. One day this X is going in the trash and dual straights with no crossover is going back on.
Put what you like and can afford on there. One day this X is going in the trash and dual straights with no crossover is going back on.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
That shouldn't really be a surprise as not many people can feel a 3 or 4 hp gain, which is about what either system will give you. Probably the only way to see the true gain is on a dyno.
The bigger question as far as this forum goes is which sound did you prefer and why?
The bigger question as far as this forum goes is which sound did you prefer and why?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 490
From: South Florida
You’re not really going to see power gains going from an H to x pipe. MAYBE you would on a maxed out blower car, possibly. I did headers with no cats and the stock h pipe on my c5, then went to an x pipe. I personally think the H pipe sounded better, more base more echo. The x pipe was definitely more exotic. I might have some videos on YouTube
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 913
From: Baie-D'Urfe, Quebec
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Correct me if I'm wrong, (I know you will) Does an H-Pipe "lightly blend" the exhaust streams, while an X-Pipe "crosses" the exhaust streams more harshly? Which is best for performance and/or sound quality?
I just found this Motortrend article. Shoulda searched the net first...
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/x-...for-your-ride/
I just found this Motortrend article. Shoulda searched the net first...
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/x-...for-your-ride/
Pro
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 610
Likes: 79
From: Fallbrook SanDiego county
There are two types (maybe more?) of X pipes! There are what I would call traditional X-pipes that are just joined together in a small patch where the two pipes touch together, this type mostly just change the sound a bit. Then their is a true X pipe that most all of the exhaust gases crossover to the other side, I just installed this type on mine & without any scientific testing the but-O-meter say more power. My car has always spun a bit (A-4) but now it spins so badly that T.C. will kick in and completely nose the car over. This is what I welded in https://howeracing.com/products/exhaust-x-pipe-3
I am really impressed with the quality of this part, the tolerances are spot on!
I am really impressed with the quality of this part, the tolerances are spot on!
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