Question: C5 Exhaust

[XLR8]

I'm planning to swap the B&B exhaust system from my 98 (to be sold eventually) to my 'new' 03 shortly after the holidays.

My question is this: when changing things around, would it be beneficial to swap the stock pipe for an "X-pipe"? And if so, please 'school' me on the reasons why. I'm just curious.

Thanks in advance!
Jane Ann

 

[LLC5]

When I had Borla Stingers put on my vehicle with the OEM H pipe left intact there was a slight gurgle/pop at times at idle which is normal. I replaced the stock H pipe system with a Borla X pipe only because the OEM pipe had a crack on the flange that could not be repaired. The noises are identical on my vehicle at idle with both the OEM H pipe and the Borla X pipe and also identical under acceleration and cruising speeds. If your OEM H pipe is in good condition I would leave it in place, the reason X or H pipes are installed is to equalize exhaust pressures between the two cylinder banks, and either of the systems will do the job properly. Good luck with either choice.

 

[XLR8]

. . . . either of the systems will do the job properly. Good luck with either choice.

Thanks for the explanation!

 

[Toms007]

Corsa, and many of my acquaintances, claim the burbling is reduced or eliminated with the x pipe. I kind of like the burbling, so I left the H pipe in there.

 

[Hib Halverson]

The reason X-pipes have become popular is that when they were first developed by NASCAR racers and drag racers, the design of the X-pipe, as compared with a "traditional" H-pipe or crossover, was such that there was a performance increase. That increase can be easily documented on a dynamometer.

The reason an X-pipe works better is the lower level of turbulence in the exhaust flow as it moves thorough the area where the two sides of the exhaust join. Further evidence that X-pipes are better than H-pipes is that GM finally went to X-pipes in Z06 and ZR1 exhausts in 2009.

My '04 Z06 has the stock Ti muffler set. I replaced the stock center section, which had an H-pipe, with a CORSA X-pipe and noted both a small increase in performance and a significant change for the better in the sound of the exhaust. The CORSA X-pipe was fairly easy to install and works with the stock mufflers.

I went with the CORSA X-pipe but kept the stock mufflers because I like both the sound and loudness of the mufflers and the weight reduction in their titanium construction.

Subjectively, the stock ti exhaust with the X-pipe is quite a bit less noisy than a B&B system. I think, if you add the X-pipe, you may see a slight performance increase and the sound quality may change a bit, but B&Bs are already loud, so I don't think the X-pipe will make it any louder.

 

[timfitz63]

Jane Ann:

You wouldn't happen to still have the original stock driver's side muffler/pipe section from your '98, would you? In case the one on Aztec Gold #15 can't be repaired, I'm going to be looking for an original muffler/pipe from an early C5 (i.e., one without the chrome tips on the exhaust).

 

[XLR8]

Thanks for the insight Hib. As I've never noticed any 'burbling' even on my 98, it sounds as though the X-pipe is an unnecessary expense - unless of course I come across a great deal I can't pass up.

Tim - sorry, but my 98 already had the B&B exhaust installed when I purchased it from a dealer in Texas, and the original exhaust was not available.

Jane Ann

 

[timfitz63]

... Tim - sorry, but my 98 already had the B&B exhaust installed when I purchased it from a dealer in Texas, and the original exhaust was not available.

Kind-of figured. Usually the OEM exhaust is just discarded when an aftermarket exhaust is installed. Oh, well; didn't hurt to ask. Thanks, Jane Ann!

 

[XLR8]

Kind-of figured. Usually the OEM exhaust is just discarded when an aftermarket exhaust is installed. Oh, well; didn't hurt to ask. Thanks, Jane Ann!

 

[jrose7004]

I have found that the X-Pipe evens the sound out and makes the C5 sound less like a motorboat.

 

[Chick B.]

timfitz63......may be replacing my stock exhaust on my '98 coupe this summer. Am not 100% sure I will but if I do.....stay in touch............you're more than welcome to the ones that come off. And, yes, they are not chrome or stainless tips. All black.

 

[timfitz63]

timfitz63......may be replacing my stock exhaust on my '98 coupe this summer. Am not 100% sure I will but if I do.....stay in touch............you're more than welcome to the ones that come off. And, yes, they are not chrome or stainless tips. All black.

Thanks, "Chick!" Please do keep me apprised of the plans for your '98's stock exhaust!