c4gone

whats the main advantage of an x pipe? when my exhaust was off I gutted the cats and it sounds a whole lot better, poppy and just great. but looking at the overall, other than the catalyst chambers, whats the real difference?

also, whats the advantages/differences of gutted factory cats over off road xpipe?

because right now everyone says it sounds amazing but I need knowledge from my corvette guys. thanks everyone!!!!!

imgn tht

First things first, we need to clear up your thoughts of the cats from the H-pipe. Yes they are connected, but when you replace the H-pipe with an X-pipe, the cats don't come with it. You could almost consider the exhaust as 4 separate components: Headers---> Cats---> X-pipe---> Axle Back.

If you're comparing gutted catalytic converters to off-road straight pipes in their place. Probably not much difference.

If you're asking about an H-pipe versus and X-pipe, then the sound is only a side attribute that comes with the territory, not the main reason you replace it. The biggest difference I am aware of is the better flow of exhaust gases. Rather than hitting the "H" and sort of impeding the flow, the "X" allows a more natural flow that helps expel the gases and smooth out the exhaust for less back pressure.

Vetteman Jack

That is my understanding too. And if you have drone or popping on your aftermarket catback system, a good X-pipe can help reduce those symptoms. Sure worked well on mu '00 when I installed a set of B&B Route 66 catbacks.

onlyavette

I think he likes it "poppy".

calivette805

You can still run a x pipe and cats . My x got rid of the exhaust ticking

Hombre

The purpose, the real purpose of an X pipe or an H pipe is the same. They are there to even out the pulses created in the exhaust in any V8 configured engine. In the smoothing out of these pulses due to some science there is much less back pressure, back pressure is a power killer up to a certain point. There is not a lot of difference in the two-H or X pipe. However due to the way they work the H pipe is better at lower RPM up through the mid-range, at the higher RPM's is where the x pipe really goes to work and is the better choice in that RPM range. In the real world the difference is so small as not to matter a lot and either one is a big plus. The sounds difference between the two--and they do sound different-- is just a side not to the reason to run one or the other.

RS

c4gone

well I personally do like the popping sound, so from what im reading an x pipe will lessen the pop? if the lessened pop comes with better performance then ill buy one but is that the case?

Pirateslife4me

I have Corsa Extreme system with Xpipe. I have my stock cats (not gutted) and other than that engine is stock. Mine definitely has a poppy/gargle sound to it when I downshift.

Narco944

Same here. If I'm running fast in 3rd and let off to slow down I get some popping also

c4gone

i personally like the popping and the billy boat bullets make it sound scary.

always1961

Question: If you gut the cats, won't that cause problems with a smog check?
I know out here on the Left Coast they are pretty strick

zagger

One additional plus of a well designed X-pipe is that it creates better scavenging effect. You can do a simple test with compressed air. Place the X-pipe on a table. Lay a tissue next to one end of the inlet and blow compressed air into the other. You will see the tissue will get sucked in and blown out the other end. It is a venturi affect like the one air paint sprayer uses. The effect is greater at higher air velocity hence it works better at higher rpm.

RedZMonte

Xpipe is supposed to promote better scavenging and be more efficent as stated above.. the gains are very minimal in power/tq.. it does altho smooth the exhaust sound and make it less "motorboaty" as stated above as well.. most guys do it for the sound or because it comes with the headers. adding it in for power alone will not gain you much (1-3hp) which is not noticeable but will change the sound especially if you have aftermarket exhaust. the 505HP C6Z06 has a H and the C6ZR1 has a X.. for sound.