Purpose of an X-pipe
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 0
From: Houma, LA
Purpose of an X-pipe I' m trying to explain why people use X-pipes in a true-dual setup to someone. I must not be explaining it correctly, because he' s still lost. So can someone please give me a nicely detailed explanation?
well i believe that the X pipe and straight pipes flow the same and there really is no difference there, but most of the time you dont hear about F-bodies with straight pipes since ground clearance issues and stuff like that, plus straight pipes you would have to put hangers up front to keep it from rattling around and stuff like that while the X pipe is sturdy enough to hold itself.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 0
From: Houma, LA
Originally Posted by motoxlifer
They equalize back pressure from side to side and improve scavenging.
Trending Topics
Originally Posted by Darth Z
I believe that' s along the answer I' m looking for. He' s arguing that no X or H pipe is the best way to go.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Originally Posted by Z28LS1camaroguy
What are you tryin to explain?? how much better they flow than a Y pipe? the reason people use X pipes are they flow good and give that aggressive exhaust tone that they want.
Originally Posted by Z28LS1camaroguy
well i believe that the X pipe and straight pipes flow the same and there really is no difference there, but most of the time you dont hear about F-bodies with straight pipes since ground clearance issues and stuff like that, plus straight pipes you would have to put hangers up front to keep it from rattling around and stuff like that while the X pipe is sturdy enough to hold itself.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Originally Posted by motoxlifer
Well I guess he's right. Open headers with no exhaust would be better, but dual exhaust with no H or X pipe is not better.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Originally Posted by Darth Z
I' m trying to explain why people use X-pipes in a true-dual setup to someone. I must not be explaining it correctly, because he' s still lost. So can someone please give me a nicely detailed explanation?
If you want a more technical write up click the link in my sig Induction/Exhaust. Post 6 is about headers and worth reading. Then skip down to post 13 by David Vizard, there is a lot of info there, but if you scroll down there is a section dedicated to mid pipes.
Originally Posted by 300bhp/ton
What's the difference between open headers and duals? If the duals have no mufflers or mufflers which flow sufficently then performance would be the same?
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Originally Posted by motoxlifer
Several feet of restrictive exhaust tubing, which probably contains bends and curves and changes in I.D. if it's not mandrel bent. How could a full exhaust system flow as well as open headers?
2.5" duals flow at zero loss of flow for over 500bhp. Beyond that they won't suddenly choke the motor loosing half the HP it will be a gradual decrease.
A bend will not impede flow to any noticable amount and any car for the street will see no difference IMHO.
Tech Resident
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
an x pipe simply increases scavenging. the way the exhaust gases flow around the bends increases the exhaust velocity. the faster the gas exists the better it moves/flows. x pipes do not really outscavenge a y pipe either so i've heard. y pipes scavenge very very well, they're just limited to a single tube versus an x pipe's 2 tubes. the best x pipes are the ones that start out like y pipes then bend into an x. i forget the proper term for them...
it ain't all about flow rate. it's about exhaust velocity. faster exhaust > slower exhaust.
it ain't all about flow rate. it's about exhaust velocity. faster exhaust > slower exhaust.
Originally Posted by 300bhp/ton
Nope not at all. An X flows no better than a like for like Y pipe!
Tech Resident
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
Originally Posted by Z28LS1camaroguy
How do you figure that, X pipe you have two pipes that dont merge into eachother, the exhaust can escape faster through two seperate pipes rather than two that go into one. There would be more backpressure with the Y pipe and it doesnt make sense that straight pipes will flow just as good as open headers, open headers the exhaust goes out fast while straight pipes would be alittle more restrictive than open headers not letting the exhaust escape as soon.
MORE FLOW DOES NOT EQUAL MORE HORSEPOWER. FASTER EXHAUST VELOCITY EQUALS MORE HORSEPOWER.
say that with me. flow is not the end-all-be-all. faster exhaust velocity is the end-all-be-all. flow rate is just a step toward faster exhaust velocity, not the final goal.
Originally Posted by Darth Z
I' m trying to explain why people use X-pipes in a true-dual setup to someone. I must not be explaining it correctly, because he' s still lost. So can someone please give me a nicely detailed explanation?