Making an exhaust system - opinions?

[octane.music]

Hi all!

I'm just in the process of doing my own exhaust system. Something I've never done before (having to MIG it, excuse the workmanship!).

Rear section is done (nearly), one downpipe is done (from a Sanderson header) and only needs the V band welding on. Just awaiting delivery of my mini starter so I can make a start on the other downpipe.

Then, I just need to mate it all, which brings me to my question

H pipe, X pipe, or no merge at all?

As it stands it'll be on a stock 352ci, but it's being built for my future stroker motor that might get a torquestorm bolted on.

For reference, it's 2 x 3" pipes throughout.

[plovett]

I say put on either an H-pipe or an X-pipe.   An H-pipe should be easier to fit and will work well.  Power gains will likely be very small, but real.  Noise reduction and change in sound character will also be small but noticeable.   

I have an X-pipe on my car and I like it.  I would always put a merge point in, be it H or X.

JMO,

paulie

[plovett]

Also, x-pipes are easier to "mess up", in my opinion.  Sometimes two pipes are bent together, cut open on the sides and welded together.  That is okay but sometimes too much cross sectional area is lost in the process.  With an H-pipe it is not an issue. 

JMO,

paulie

I bought an x-pipe from here.

http://www.drgas.com/X-Pipe-Crossover-Junction-Only_p_37.html

Dang!  Those are expensive now. 

[octane.music]

Sorry, I should add, I have a stock of bends, so an X pipe would be pretty easy to do I think. Just a case of cutting and welding 2 'U' or 'L' pipes from the box.

[plovett]

Sorry, I should add, I have a stock of bends, so an X pipe would be pretty easy to do I think. Just a case of cutting and welding 2 'U' or 'L' pipes from the box.

Holy cow!  Yeah, you have plenty of parts.  My point is try not to cut too much off of the merging pipes if you are making an x-pipe. Too much loses cross sectional area.  That is what I think anyway.

paulie

[octane.music]

Holy cow!  Yeah, you have plenty of parts.  My point is try not to cut too much off of the merging pipes if you are making an x-pipe. Too much loses cross sectional area.  That is what I think anyway.

paulie

Yeah, I bought a large box to cover a car or 2's worth. Plenty more than I'll need, just in case I get it wrong.

[wowens]

X Pipe. Big sound difference, you will like it.

[338Raptor]

I watched a YouTube video a while back from Engine Masters.  I just tried finding it and couldn’t locate it. They tested H pipes and X pipes.  Their results showed the X pipe made 2hp more than the H pipe, plus the Xpipe sounded smoother under power and quieter at idle. I’m sure results may vary based on dozens of factors. 

[plovett]

I would say an x-pipe sounds more raspy and high pitched, like a buzz saw.  It accentuates the high rpm sound, makes it sound even higher.

[Stangman]

Jegs sells an X pipe that comes with front and rear pipes and I believe it’s like 100 bucks. It’s what I used it came out great. The three inch kit is 129 the 2 inch is 80. Part number for 3 inch is 30664. If you punch in universal X pipe system at Jegs you can see them all.

[64PI]

I just finished up my '86 F-150 with a 406 in it. I ran FPA Tri-Y headers, 3" exhaust, x-pipe(jeg's kit), thrush glass packs and tail pipes. I really like the sounds of the glass packs with an x-pipe.

[CV355]

I ran dual without a crossover at one point and hated it, so I strongly recommend a crossover even if the numbers are marginally different.  Usually, H-pipes are more throaty and X-pipes have a more "Exotic" and raspy sound.  I've run both, multiple times on multiple cars, and I can't specifically point to which one "sounds better" or "performs better."  We all know X-pipes have a slight advantage in the upper rpm range, but I doubt anyone on the planet can sense the difference without looking at dyno graphs.

Since you are going with 3" pipes, you may be able to find a used X-pipe system from an SN95 Cobra and chop the crossover.  I did something similar with a Bassani stainless X-pipe about 13 years ago.  It was a bizarre but unique setup and sounded excellent with an FI 334.  Otherwise you can buy the crossover as a component to weld in from Summit or Jegs for like $100. 

Fabricating an X-pipe crossover from scratch is more involved than just notching the pipes.  Lots of manufacturers have an upper half and lower half die-formed, then weld the seam rather than make them strictly from pipe. 

[machoneman]

Hi all!

I'm just in the process of doing my own exhaust system. Something I've never done before (having to MIG it, excuse the workmanship!).

Rear section is done (nearly), one downpipe is done (from a Sanderson header) and only needs the V band welding on. Just awaiting delivery of my mini starter so I can make a start on the other downpipe.

Then, I just need to mate it all, which brings me to my question

H pipe, X pipe, or no merge at all?

As it stands it'll be on a stock 352ci, but it's being built for my future stroker motor that might get a torquestorm bolted on.

For reference, it's 2 x 3" pipes throughout.

Whatever you do, just be sure you can yank the tranny/bellhousing later w/o cutting up your exhaust system! Strategically placed bolt-up flanges are your friends!

[octane.music]

Whatever you do, just be sure you can yank the tranny/bellhousing later w/o cutting up your exhaust system! Strategically placed bolt-up flanges are your friends!

I'll have a V Band at the bottom of the down pipes, then the mid / rear section will be removable as one unit (hence me welding them together with the little ladder bars (also to help make the system!)