Exhaust questions...

[lab1702]

What's the deal with H-pipes and X-pipes? Why would you switch from H to X? Why do you want both sides connected instead of just 2 separate pipes from each header all the way back? And would there be any gain from removing the cats, replacing them with resonators or pipe while using the factory H?

:confused:

[Strtracer]

By connecting the 2 sides together, you balance out the exhaust pulses, which can help improve flow, and also change the tone of the exhaust. The H pipe is the original, and less expensive, design of this theory for street use(Nascar used/uses 180* headers). The x pipe improves on the idea by bringing both pipes together thru less radical bends, and for a longer time(the length of the cross of the X)

Modern Cats flow pretty good, and removal requires reprogramming the computer to shut off the MIL because the second set of O2s will trip off when the converters are removed. Id ask someone experienced with the swap(Lidio) about the cats

[redxtcy]

the X flows better and has alot less pop'in on deaccl, and sound deeper.

-steve-

[99SVTAddict]

In the end, I think it all comes down to sound preference.

There have been claims that H makes a few ponies more down low, while an X makes a few more ponies in the upper RPM's.

Removing the cats makes the car louder....it doesn't really add any power to the car. They make aftermarket cats that do flow better if you were to get a blower and still want the cats.

[357windsor]

the X flows better and has alot less pop'in on deaccl, and sound deeper.

-steve-

Maybe I'll go that route myself. ;)

[99SVTAddict]

I had an off road H...now have a custom made X....I like it much better. :D

[Crazzy_Al]

Motorsport headers, Bassani off-road x-pipe(no cats), Magnaflow Magnapack (no mufflers, just "bullet-style" resonators) cat back exhaust, here. Fuckin LOUD!! I like it. :D

[redxtcy]

Removing the cats makes the car louder....it doesn't really add any power to the car.

I have read that without cat's it is more simple to tune the car and allow more timing (so more hp). with out a tune is like 5hp.

[99SVTAddict]

I'm not sure....when I was talking to Lidio he said they don't make much difference. I can't imagine cats have anything to do with running more timing....I could be wrong though. :confused:

[Red514LX]

In the end, I think it all comes down to sound preference.

There have been claims that H makes a few ponies more down low, while an X makes a few more ponies in the upper RPM's.

Removing the cats makes the car louder....it doesn't really add any power to the car. They make aftermarket cats that do flow better if you were to get a blower and still want the cats.

I agree and have read the same. It's mostly a sound issue.

[Blade7764]

I'm pretty sure that removing the cats gives more horsepower.

[99SVTAddict]

I'm pretty sure that removing the cats gives more horsepower.

I would think so too, but Lidio swears that it's minimal. Maybe as a "business" he has to say that to protect himself. I don't know. I could never go back to cats now anyways as I'm running leaded 110 fuel.