What does an x-pipe actually do?

 

Here is a quick google search for you to answer your question!

An X-Pipe is, you guessed it, shaped like an x, and allows the exhaust to flow down the path of least resistance. ... Both streams keep each other up to speed, which draws even more spent exhaust out the cylinders. Magnaflow X-Pipes provide a boost in horsepower and a higher tone akin to an exotic car.

It just smooths out the sound. Yes, the x-pipe will change the sound of your aftermarket catback or even stock exhaust for that matter.

X-pipes are generally raspier and louder than H or Y-pipes and have been shown to provide slightly more power than their counterparts. You are likely to see most of the power gains higher in the rpm band with an X-pipe. ... It does less than an X-pipe in the way of balancing exhaust gasses but still flows quite well.

 

You could write a book on the subject, but to put it in simple terms, X pipes provide an intersection to equalize the exhaust pulses and create a "scavenging" effect on the exhaust gasses. The scavenging occurs when one pulse traveling down the exhaust tube and passes through the X section, where it causes a vacuum effect on the other side, which helps "pull" the exhaust gasses out of the engine's head more rapidly. This makes for a more efficient exhaust system, and more efficient means more power. The sound and power benefits are why we choose to use X pipes in almost all of our catback systems!

 

On the C7 an x-pipe allows you to get rid of the secondary catalytic converters which are not being monitored. So no emissions inspection issues in most areas. This makes for a louder exhaust note. Borla made the sought after PN 60547 x-pipe, one of the few that does not lose power, but is no longer in production. Most others suffer a small loss in HP and TQ. The factory piece is also an x-pipe design. So unless you want a louder exhaust there is no benefit to replacing it. Hope this helps answer your question.

 

Does the corsa x-pipe trigger any codes since it deletes two cats?

 

no it does not.

 

I own a 2015 Z-51 and have changed out my stock mid pipe. I opted for what is referred to as an off road x pipe (racing x pipe) it eliminates the rear "pup" cats and provides better free flow of the exhaust system. The rear Pup cats are secondary catalytic converters that are not monitored by the on board computer diagnostic system...as the monitoring takes place way before these in the exhaust system for the C-7...so thus no codes ever show unless you cause an adverse (major) exhaust leak in changing the pipe out...AWE was my brand of choice for what were economical based and performance based along with the best review based information that I could gather here on the forum. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend yours...The sound is noticeable in volume but not too radical..I have since the added a Vararam cold air intake and intend to add the AWE touring axle back exhaust soon...numerous reports state that with these combined... I should expect 10 to 20 rwhp...without a aftermarket tune...for me..the car is fast enough and I do not want to track it or drag race it...just want it to sound like it should have from GM...you should also pay close attention to what you car has for options when choosing after market exhaust options...such as two valving options of the stock exhaust NPP and AFM...you will find these topics also available here on the forum...I hope that this information helps out!

 

I used a C7 X pipe section on my Z28 exhaust on my 2010 Camaro SA with long tubes an it sounds amazing an seems a lot stronger than the factory H pipe.

 

Wait - some of these actually lose power? Wasn't aware of that....

 

When we dynoed my and my friend's Z51 at the same dyno, his results were about 15 whp less than mine. The only difference was he had an aftermarket x-pipe and an exhaust (and mine was stock).

 

Here's a link for 3 x-pipe dyno's. It's a good watch as he does a baseline pull and then 3 different x-pipes. It's on a 2017 ZO6 so maybe more of a difference? All 3 x-pipes do show a rwhp(20+) and rwtq(15+) increase over overstock. No low-cost copy versions are tested.

 

Sound.

 

Wow. Can you say which x pipe and exhaust setup he had? Did he dyno before exhaust or just after?

 

I can ask, but Z06 video post after mine made me wonder if it's a potential loser on an LT1, while LT4 might benefit from most all x-pipes, since the superchargers enjoy less back-pressure? If there are those who know more about it (LT1 vs. LT4), please chime in.

 

Installed the AWE xpipe last week and all i can say is Wow, the car really sounds awesome in sports mode when you step on it and sounds same when you are crusiing in touring mode , i feel its revs smoother and car feels faster, not really sure if its really fast but feels like that

Special thanks to devnull who installed it in his garage, he is such a nice person and installed like a pro in 45 mins while i watched him in awe. Thanks buddy.

 

The Borla appears to be a very popular x-pipe. Why was it discontinued?

 

Environmental regs. Your are removing the rear cats which is a big no-no. The pipe said "off road use only" IE: for tracked cars, but everyone was putting them on daily drivers. Seems the government cracked down, likely because Borla is a big, well known company. I got mine right when the announcement was made. The question is how long before AWE becomes popular and gets shut down too? I love my Borla, it adds just enough volume to the factory NPP system without any drone. In Touring mode you can't even tell its there, but in Sport and Track it comes alive.

 

I heard because Borla HQ is in California they got cracked down on so they had to kill their proper Xpipe.

AWE is in Pennsylvania and unless that state has an issue with them selling their X pipe nothing's going to happen to them, and Corsa also.

 

Thanks guys..

 

Why would the car lose 15hp by swapping the pipe to get better flow, that doesn’t seem to make sense....anyone know for certain?

if that’s the case then I might as well spend a bit more and just swap the exhaust and get the bump there and leave the stock pipe alone