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

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

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Old Jan 6, 2009 | 04:07 PM
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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?
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Old Jan 6, 2009 | 04:40 PM
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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!
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Old Jan 6, 2009 | 11:41 PM
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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; Jan 7, 2009 at 12:50 AM. Reason: removed name
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Old Jan 6, 2009 | 11:53 PM
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One looks like and H, and the other looks like an X..lol
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 12:44 AM
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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!
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 12:59 AM
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my x pipe required crushing of the drivers side under the drivers seat be prepared for this.or fab
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 01:09 AM
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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.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 01:18 AM
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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  
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 01:47 AM
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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.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 02:28 AM
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Old wives tale. Pipemax is a much better solution.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 02:53 AM
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Originally Posted by RoAdRaGe912
Old wives tale. Pipemax is a much better solution.
pipemax?
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 03:01 AM
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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...
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 03:19 AM
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Originally Posted by ZMONSTER!
pipemax?
computer software that the creator calls a "header design program," but does much more
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 03:34 AM
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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.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 06:56 AM
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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.

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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 04:51 PM
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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!
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