X pipe

[eants]

I'm seeing more and more people talking about how great an X-pipe is for performance. Is it possible to install one on a '76. BTW. The cat is already gone.

 

[81 Corvette]

anything is possible. some say that an H pipe fits better although its suppose to be slightly less effective.

 

[brusso]

I just removed the 2-1-2 system and had my custom exgaust guy put on straight duels and fm 40's. www.louscustomexhaust.com Flowmaster says that the H should be as close to the manifolds as possible to be effective or as close as possible to the header collectors to be effective. I don't have headers and kind of like the idea of being able to remove the starter without screwing around with the pipes. The system was expensive enough anyhow. With that being said, I do think that I got a pretty good deal $670 tax included. They had to weld bolts to the studs that broke (all six) and then try to heat the manifold and turn them out. 2 1/4" pipes and the 2 40's and 4 1/2 hours labor. Oh, and six studs.

 

[Ken]

I just came across the following while rereading John Lingenfelter's book "On Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines":

... increasing the length of a header collector often improves power below peak torque without sacrificing high rpm horsepower.

In terms of street exhaust system design, increases in exhaust "collector" volume can be achieved by the use of an exhaust cross-over or H-pipe (Note: "X" pipes are the current rage. Ken ) that adds volume without restricting exhaust flow. The proper size and positioning of an H-pipe has often proved to be not only worth significant increases in power but also contributing to sound level reductions as well.

Unless someone is familiar with your system and can tell you the best location, experimentation is the only way to properly determine position of the cross-over pipe. If you're not looking to squeeze every possible amount of power from your Vette, such as a race car, the positioning should have a noticeable effect on your power output, but the noise levels should, especially if it is placed as far rearward in the system as manageable.

 

[mvftw]

I have posted this before...I asked 3 exhaust pros and all said that C3's are better with an H-pipe because it will go closer to the manifold. I have a true dual 2 1/4", H-pipe, and S/S Flowmaster 50's.

 

[eants]

What is the major difference between H pipe and X pipe? I thought both equalize the pressure. Someone told me that an X-pipe actually creates a vaccum that will helps draw the exhaust out. :confused

 

[Ken]

The difference is just what it sounds like: an H-pipe looks like a capital "H" and an X-pipe looks like a capital "X". Both serve a similar purpose in scavenging exhaust; the pulses from either side will aide the flow of gas from the opposite side.

 

[76okievette]

OK, so what if you don't have a X or a H pipe? I have true dual's not Cat and no cross over at all. Both pipes go stright back to the mufflers, should I have somekind of crossover?

 

[Ken]

Not necessarily; it depends upon what you want.

 

[76okievette]

Great news because I just replaced the exhaust system and went with the set up it had, stright pipes back to mufflers, I really like the sound and look and am happy with the performance. Thanks