LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Whats the difference between an H-pipe and a X-pipe?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-06-2009, 04:07 PM
  #1  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (18)
 
AAK z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Macomb, Michigan
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Whats the difference between an H-pipe and a X-pipe?

I was wondering what the difference between an H-pipe and a X-pipe is when using true duals? any performance difference or just for sound?
Old 01-06-2009, 04:40 PM
  #2  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
96LT1355Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Holden, MO (KC)
Posts: 838
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

H pipe resembels the letter H. your dual pipes run parallel under the car and along the way the are connected by a perpendicular pipe. An X pipe looks like an X. dual pipes run the same as above but they bend and merge together then seperate again. The X pipe is supposed to make more power as the two side work with each other.

Pics for reference:

H pipe- http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

X pipe- http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Hpoe this helps!
Old 01-06-2009, 11:41 PM
  #3  
TECH Enthusiast
 
RoAdRaGe912's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's not nearly as simple as that. The difference in them really stemmed from fitment issues. Not every vehicle can effectively fit an H-pipe.

I am far from an expert, but there are a whole lot of REAL discussions on this subject by people much more qualified than any google search or forum search here will net you.

Those experts seem to recommend an H-pipe if you are able to fit it. To put it extremely simply, exhaust has a lot to do with harmonics. I won't explain, but this means placement of exhaust means a lot. The placement of certain components has much more effect than simply "an x-pipe is better."

96LT1355Z28- I'm not sure what you mean by the X-pipe banks working together, that the H-pipe banks do not. Are you referring to the angle?

Last edited by RoAdRaGe912; 01-07-2009 at 12:50 AM. Reason: removed name
Old 01-06-2009, 11:53 PM
  #4  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (88)
 
the_merv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: The Beach...
Posts: 19,261
Received 63 Likes on 54 Posts

Default

One looks like and H, and the other looks like an X..lol
Old 01-07-2009, 12:44 AM
  #5  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
96LT1355Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Holden, MO (KC)
Posts: 838
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

The way it was explained to me was the X has a scavenging (I may be using the wrong term) effect much like the individual pipes in a header collector (when setup for it) and the H just equalized exhaust pressure. I'm not postitve on how to expalin it which is why I didn't go into detail. I'm def. not an expert when it comes to air flow research/dynamics so if I'm misinformed please correct me so I'm not passing on bad info and looking like a D-bag!
Old 01-07-2009, 12:59 AM
  #6  
On The Tree
 
LT_WON's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: FORT WORTH
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

my x pipe required crushing of the drivers side under the drivers seat be prepared for this.or fab
Old 01-07-2009, 01:09 AM
  #7  
TECH Enthusiast
 
RoAdRaGe912's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's quite a complicated subject, that I am still new to. I just wanted to point out that it's not near as cut and dry as most people believe.

It's kind of funny, because these past couple days I've been having a conversation about exactly why the optimum placement of a crossover pipe is where it is, and what the effects are. I didn't take any fluid mechanics and haven't read much of it on my own, so I'm having to learn as I go.

So far, I believe the placement (and therefore harmonics) has a lot more to do with anything than a scavenging effect between banks, but that is pure speculation.
Old 01-07-2009, 01:18 AM
  #8  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
96LT1355Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Holden, MO (KC)
Posts: 838
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

It sounds like you've researched it more than me! After all I have neither one, oh well I tried!

To the OP Sorry
Attached Thumbnails Whats the difference between an H-pipe and a X-pipe?-img_3058.jpg  
Old 01-07-2009, 01:47 AM
  #9  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
ZMONSTER!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fresno, California
Posts: 1,985
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by RoAdRaGe912
It's quite a complicated subject, that I am still new to. I just wanted to point out that it's not near as cut and dry as most people believe.

It's kind of funny, because these past couple days I've been having a conversation about exactly why the optimum placement of a crossover pipe is where it is, and what the effects are. I didn't take any fluid mechanics and haven't read much of it on my own, so I'm having to learn as I go.

So far, I believe the placement (and therefore harmonics) has a lot more to do with anything than a scavenging effect between banks, but that is pure speculation.
From what Ive seen your right, placement seems to be key.
Ive been told a good way to figure placement is to fab up the pipes and then draw a line on them in grease marker. Fire the car up and where the grease melts is where you want to put your balance tube, that way its at the hottest part and therefore the best place.
Have I ever done this or talked to anyone first hand? No, not so much.
Old 01-07-2009, 02:28 AM
  #10  
TECH Enthusiast
 
RoAdRaGe912's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Old wives tale. Pipemax is a much better solution.
Old 01-07-2009, 02:53 AM
  #11  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
ZMONSTER!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fresno, California
Posts: 1,985
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by RoAdRaGe912
Old wives tale. Pipemax is a much better solution.
pipemax?
Old 01-07-2009, 03:01 AM
  #12  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (71)
 
lemons12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Winchester, TN
Posts: 11,088
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

xpipe is supposed to make a few more horses... only like 3-5..

hpipe sounds more like and older muscle car sound... deep and throaty...

xpipe sounds more like a race car... more high pitched..


xpipe has zero to no rasp... im not sure about an hpipe on that...
Old 01-07-2009, 03:19 AM
  #13  
TECH Enthusiast
 
RoAdRaGe912's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ZMONSTER!
pipemax?
computer software that the creator calls a "header design program," but does much more
Old 01-07-2009, 03:34 AM
  #14  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
ZMONSTER!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fresno, California
Posts: 1,985
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Wow I just did a search for pipemax and it lead to the advanced engeneering tech section-then to an article in chevy high performance. Man exhaust tuning looks like its WAY more complicated than standard (intake) tuning.
Old 01-07-2009, 06:56 AM
  #15  
SRZ
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (14)
 
SRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: FL
Posts: 1,168
Received 11 Likes on 9 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 96LT1355Z28
It sounds like you've researched it more than me! After all I have neither one, oh well I tried!

To the OP Sorry
That has got to be loud but I bet it sounds good.

Old 01-07-2009, 04:51 PM
  #16  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
96LT1355Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Holden, MO (KC)
Posts: 838
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by SRZ
That has got to be loud but I bet it sounds good.

Yea it makes some noise, but it's actually not as bad as you'd think. Def. not what I'd want for a DD though!



Quick Reply: Whats the difference between an H-pipe and a X-pipe?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:13 PM.