I was just wondering what would be the difference in installing an X-Pipe or just cutting off the resonators and running straight pipes. What would the difference in power be and sound? What do you guys recommend? Thanks

I have not done the X pipe but from reading Hotrod etc, the X pipe allos the engine cylinder banks to share the total capacity of both pipes when one bank is firing and the other isn't. This is supposed to improve torque and HP.

Straight pipes are old tech and better than 2 to 1 but for better performance on the street most are going to at least H pipes and for a little more the X pipe appears to be the hot ticket.

I am not sure, but while crawling un the LS a few weeks back, I thought the LS might have a variation of an Xpipe setup. But that was my one and only trip under the car since I just got it a couple months back and I wasn't looking for that specifically.

Just what I read,

Jim Henderson

The sound difference with the resonators removed will be pretty loud. I don't know if taking the x-pipe out would help much in the lines of performance. It would certainly make it louder. You would probably lose some low end torque by taking the x-pipe out. Are you trying make a custom system?

I am not sure, but while crawling un the LS a few weeks back, I thought the LS might have a variation of an Xpipe setup. Jim Henderson


The LS uses a H-pipe. striaght pipes will be louder but not as good as x-pipes at higher rmps.


good article:
http://www.stangnet.com/Tech-Articles/Exhaust-Headers-and-Mid-Pipe-Breakdown-5.html

Yes I am trying to make a custom system. I'm thinking of installing the dual twin XX pipe sold by lincoln motor sports which does not have any resonators and then installing some dynomax or flowmaster mufflers. What do you guys think of this set up? Should I keep the resonators on?

The sound difference with the resonators removed will be pretty loud. I don't know if taking the x-pipe out would help much in the lines of performance. It would certainly make it louder. You would probably lose some low end torque by taking the x-pipe out. Are you trying make a custom system?

cut them out - you'll hear a better note and gain a little hp.

I could hardly tell a difference with the resonators on or off, x-pipe on or off. Performance or sound.

the 03+ had a much improved exhaust stock - that's why magnaflow newer release a 03+ version - they could bearly squeeze out 5hp from it.

so what is the best???? looks like the x pipe is to me.

I'd go with the X and no resonators.