Stupid Question

[67cst]

i hear a lot of talk about "x", "y" and "H" pipes, can someone tell me what the diff is between them? and what kinda advantages they have over one another? this might seem like a stupid question but im still fairly new to some stuff..thanks guys

[Longhorn Man]

A Y pipe connects the 2 pipes coming off the 2 manifolds, and combines the 2 into one for a single exhaust system.
An H pipe is a small pipe connecting 2 seperate halves of a true daul exhaust.
An X pipe does the same as the H pipe, but it is 2 pipes installed and forms an X as viewed from underneath.
As for advantages, the Y pipe makes it cheaper to run exhaist in low power aplications, or when required by federal law for catilitic converters (whole new thread)
The H pipe ballances the exhaust pressure freeing up a few pounds of torque, while making the exhaust tone a little mellower.
The X pipe does the same as the H pipe, but does quite a better job of it. (I've never seen dyno testing on X pipes, but I'm sure it has been done)

[chevyman 68 C/10]

Another note to longhorns explanation is the location of the H and X pipes. The best location to have a crossover is where the pipes get the hottest, However that may not be the best place as for as transmision ,clearance and other factors.
The only way I know for sure to locate the hot spot is to spray paint down a hot exaust and note where it burns it the most. Maybe someone else has an idea that is better and is less messy.

[Longhorn Man]

That is the best way I have heard too.

[67cst]

thanks for the info guys...kinda figured that but it was sorta a grey area before..now its black and white

[1967LWBstepside]

Originally posted by chevyman 68 C/10
The only way I know for sure to locate the hot spot is to spray paint down a hot exaust and note where it burns it the most. Maybe someone else has an idea that is better and is less messy.

I've heard of using a grease pencil. I just located my X where the pipe bender could make it fit.

An X pipe changes the exhaust tone to a slightly higher pitch I've been told. The gasses reach a high velosity as they equalize than they do in an H pipe. The high velosity is supposed to increase torque a bit.

I don't have dyno numbers or much experience either. Just learning too.

[Dean23]

I've heard that an x pipe is for higher rpm applications, and a h pipe is fine for the street, you only need an x pipe if you have over 600hp. Most peoople say the h pipe is the way to go

[1967LWBstepside]

Originally posted by Dean23
I've heard that an x pipe is for higher rpm applications, and a h pipe is fine for the street, you only need an x pipe if you have over 600hp. Most peoople say the h pipe is the way to go

Dean23, from personal experience I would agree with you. I have nowhere near 600 hp (maybe 1/3 that ) and don't do high RPMs. I really don't think my X pipe is helping any more than an H would do. The pipe guy had one already made and didn't charge much extra to install it over an H. I thought it would be fun to try out. It's fun but overkill for my truck. It does raise eyebrows though!