X-pipe
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Navigator
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 9
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From: Sarasota FL
X-pipe
First time Vette owner so apologies in advance for asking a question I'm sure has been asked before (and I searched but couldn't find exact answer).
Considering buying an X-pipe and seeing significant difference in prices between manufacturers. Does it really matter which one you get? They look to be very similar in pics.
Recommendations welcome!
Considering buying an X-pipe and seeing significant difference in prices between manufacturers. Does it really matter which one you get? They look to be very similar in pics.
Recommendations welcome!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 768
From: Lindenhurst, IL
Some of the less expensive pipes are grade 409 stainless steel, which is what the stock exhaust system is made from. It will get some light surface rust over time.
The more expensisve pipes are typically grade 304 stainless steel, which will not rust at all. It will however turn a brownish color.
But, in the end, they're all just pipes. I've never heard of anyone having significant fitment or quality issues with any of the more popular x-pipe options out there. Buy the one that has the design that you prefer & don't worry about it.
The more expensisve pipes are typically grade 304 stainless steel, which will not rust at all. It will however turn a brownish color.
But, in the end, they're all just pipes. I've never heard of anyone having significant fitment or quality issues with any of the more popular x-pipe options out there. Buy the one that has the design that you prefer & don't worry about it.
Scientific Negotiator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,729
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From: USA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
There are two functionally different types of Xpipes. The first removes the “cold cats”, but leaves the primary cats in tact. These make a pretty dramatic change in sound and volume, but are more expensive and harder to find since many of the manufacturers were stopped by the EPA. An example here was the Borla 60547.
The second has you cut the stock pipe behind the cold cats and retains them. These pipes are much less expensive and easier to find, but make far less of a difference. The Borla 60548 is an example of this type.
Hope that helps a little, below is my Borla 60547 pipe (the first type). Pretty huge difference and I think a bigger overall sound change vs a muffler swap.
The second has you cut the stock pipe behind the cold cats and retains them. These pipes are much less expensive and easier to find, but make far less of a difference. The Borla 60548 is an example of this type.
Hope that helps a little, below is my Borla 60547 pipe (the first type). Pretty huge difference and I think a bigger overall sound change vs a muffler swap.
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Thanks for the explanation.
