Exhaust question? X, H pipe or neither?

[sourkraut]

I am soon going to be installing a new exhaust system. It will be used on a 350 and 5 speed setup. The exhaust will be 2.5" and have block hugger headers. My question is what have you guys found to be the best set up for performance? I have heard several different sides to each but most of all just smoothing out the exhaust tone(flow). I have used h pipes before and have noticed a big difference in of idle acceleration, whether it just smoothed everything out or added a little more performance I am not sure. I have never used a x pipe and have considered this but what to hear some of your options first. The proof is usually in the puddin' and just wanted to see if a x pipe is the way to go?

[68_chop_top]

I don't have the reference but it was from a Chevy Hi Performance magazine or similiar but here is my 2 cents.
H pipes are good for bottom end torque and the X pipe is better for top end hp. Both are beneficial for performance.

[Ackattack]

I believe the X pipe is the best choice overall, however it's probably the most expensive too and can be a pain to install (ask how I know).

I got the pypes exhaust system for my 68 and it includes an X-pipe. I believe the magnaflow system does too. Both systems are stainless also.

The X pipe will change the exhaust tone too. On my vette, the stock exhaust uses an H-pipe and the magnaflow system I put on it uses and X....it has more of an "exotic" sound....but still real aggressive.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

I just had new exhaust put on my truck. I had an H pipe and went to an X pipe and 50 series Flows( same mufflers only new). I like the X better, it just seemed to have a better tone and more responsive. just my 2c

[big_al_71]

I just re did the exhaust on my truck and did not do any of the two choices....My truck runs, sounds, idles, cruises and accelerates like a bat out of hell....Have had diferent set ups on all my vehicles and in all reality I never could tell any difference other than the sound. On a fuel injected vehicle "Maybe" just not in one of our buckets I dont feel it is necessary..

thats just my .25 cents worth

[sourkraut]

Thanks for all your responses, I have not decided what to do yet. My main goal is to get the best over all performance and a cool sound! I am useing Magnaflow round mufflers for a different sound. I have always used Flowmasters and love their sound but figure I would go with something different this time around.

[LuckyHenriksen]

I just had exhaust put on mine, 2.5in. pipe, and it sounds kind of rattle-y, especially under hard acceleration. I want to add an x pipe because I think it will make the tone deeper.

[sourkraut]

Originally Posted by LuckyHenriksen

I just had exhaust put on mine, 2.5in. pipe, and it sounds kind of rattle-y, especially under hard acceleration. I want to add an x pipe because I think it will make the tone deeper.

What kind of mufflers did you use?

[PanelDeland]

I would suggest you have the x 9r H pipes flanged and bolt them on.Usually they cause some interference when removing tranny or clutch.Might as well plan ahead as to have to redo them to replace a clutch.

[sourkraut]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

I would suggest you have the x 9r H pipes flanged and bolt them on.Usually they cause some interference when removing tranny or clutch.Might as well plan ahead as to have to redo them to replace a clutch.

Good idea I was planning on putting a locking flange like a turbo connection since it will be stainless. But did not think of doing it for later access to the tranny! You are pretty smucking fart! Don't say that backwards!

[LuckyHenriksen]

Ya thats a good idea. I am running Cherry Bomb extremes, shaped like flowmasters with less stuff inside them