A simple question for y'all....my '65 coupe with a moderately-built 289 has LT headers and straight back dual exhaust pipes to a pair of Flowmasters...no exhaust cross-over whatsoever. I'm interested in improving this some with either an "X-pipe" setup, or an "old-school" H-tube crossover pipe. I keep reading about the advantages of the X-pipe, and reference to a "unique sound". How exactly does the X-pipe alter the exhaust note in such a setup? And is it really better than the old H-pipe crossover?

 

Actually, that question is WAY more complicated than you realize, but here's the simple answer.

H pipe has the more classic American rumbley V8 sound. An x-pipe has a more high performance buzzy Euro race car sound.

On average, x-pipes (good ones, most are just wagged together) perform better but are more expensive. H-pipes work well, and are cheaper. Unless you're making decent power, you'll only notice a difference in sound. And even with decent power, you'd need a dyno or a track to notice a performance difference.

 

Yep the x-pipe is a lot more raspy sounding but does offer a bit better scavenging than the h-pipe.
I don't really care for the raspy sound the x has . I like the more classic rumble of the h.
Google some sound clips man there are a billion of them out there on youtube.

 

Ok...I think I'll go with the H-pipe crossover. I really like the "traditional" sound my car already has, and am only interested in improving scavenging and exhaust pulse equalizing. With my engine, (only about 300 HP), I wouldn't be able to note any real "performance" difference with the much more expensive X-pipe compared to an H-pipe, I suppose.

Thanks for all the input...!!

 

Hi,
I run an "X" but have from the beginning (10+ years). My system is 2.5" (mandrel bend) pipes, Tri-Ys, Spin-Tech muffs, and SS resonators. I have no mid-rage drone and it's a killer sound under power. Has a nice throaty rumble too. But then, I'm running a 331 making upwards of 375+ HP. But, I would not change out a perfectly working system running an "H" just for the what ever gains you may think you'll get. Just my take on it.
Good Luck with your project.

 

i asked about a x or a H when i had mine done and the old guy that did it said that if it was 2 loud for my taste to bring it back and he would put in a H pipe . but it will add nothing to the performance of the car so if you're trying to change the sound go for it if you're doing it for hp total waste of money

 

An x-pipe is only of value with headers tuned for the engine.