Exhaust X-Pipes vs. H-Pipes and Differences Between Them

Learn the basic differences between the most common exhaust crossover pipes-H-pipes and X-pipes-including the performance benefits gained by using each type. This video also touches on the role of backpressure and exhaust scavenging in the decision to choose an X-pipe or H-pipe exhaust kit. www.summitracing.com/redirect?...
We appreciate your comments. If you are looking for application suggestions please tell us:
First, Please visit our site, many late model applications have limited offerings and you might find that you don't have a choice due to under chassis ground clearance.
What do you use your vehicle for. Street, Street-strip, full race, off-road, other.
Will you need to connect to your existing exhaust system?
Are you looking for a complete system from the engine back.
Does it have to meet California emissions standards, C.A.R.B. legal?

[@jamesvwalker268]

X Pipes Are More RASPY Sounding H Pipes Are DEEPER!!

[@StillDragin]

Just spoke to one of the representatives at summit.. Too notch, answered all my questions, help me out with multiple vehicles and if he couldn't answer it, sent me in the correct direction to find what I needed.. Great work, top notch... Definitely be shopping here for my exhaust needs and then some from now on..!!!

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Dimented Illusionz, Thank you so much for your kind words. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us! Customers like you are the reason we love coming to work everyday!

[@RainManFights]

Just spoke to tech department what a great description of pros and cons thanks a lot for the help!!

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

I already made one change under the car so the ground clearance going to be great! Thank you very much!

[@SummitRacing]

Thank you for watching, Skye!

[@TexasGunslinger9]

Great video. Been debating on whether or not to get a Ford Racing X-Pipe for my new V6 Mustang and this finally gave me the push I need

[@timmarshfield5795]

Thanks for the response. If I go with the x-pipe should I also consider moving from shortie headers to long tube? The car is not lowered and I don't have any plans to lower it.

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Allison, it really comes down to usage of the vehicle. If it will be more of a street driver, an H-pipe will get the job done just fine and will be easier to fabricate if it is an earlier body car. Now, if the car will be run in the higher RPM range more often such as a race application, an X-pipe really shines there! Good luck!

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Michael, It is conceivable that by increasing the exhaust speed (or velocity), that not only will you achieve a greater scavenging effect, but the exhaust note may increase as well. Of course all of this is affected by the muffler, pipe diameter and pipe length you chose! Thank you for watching!

[@SummitRacing]

Hi HellBent, Nice! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@SummitRacing]

Generally speaking, in a low RPM application, H-pipes do work well, and in high RPM applications, such as racing, the X-pipe works well. Unfortunately, due to EPA regulations, it will be difficult to apply either to you particular application. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for watching!

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Great explanation! I think I know the answer but I would appreciate your advice. 88 Trans Am GTA with Scoggin Dickey's 350 TPI crate engine and long tube headers?? Thanks!

[@OutspokenNaysayer]

I find your videos very helpful and informative. I'm trying to get headers for my 95 Mustang GT 5.0L and had not even considered that longtubes will have less ground clearence. Might have to go with shortys so i can get in and out of my driveway. Or maybe I'll move out!

[@DeathbeforeSumo]

On god

[@BurnseysRT]

Thanks!! I know its a tough question to answer because each vehicle reacts differently to exhaust mods but I am thinking of removing my stock mid muffler and installing an H-Pipe in its place. Would you think there would be a huge increase in overall volume in the exhaust system and would an H pipe setup be more prone to drone? Currently the Super Turbos i installed don't done or have very little drone in most driving conditions. I am guessing the H pipe will have a deeper tone to it. Thanks!

[@SummitRacing]

Hope we helped! Thank you for watching!

[@BurnseysRT]

Thanks. What do you think would happen for both performance and sound if I remove my mid muffler(which does act as a cross over) and just run strait pipes in its place (Running my system without a cross over)? Could there be any benefits in doing this or would I be better off sticking with my current setup?

[@3UZFE]

Nice clip guys. Although I think you should have discussed the sound differences between and X and H pipe, I think for most road users finding the right tone of their exhaust is more important than a few extra HP at peak RPM. I've always found I like the true dual v8 sound with or without an h pipe - X pipe offers a different more 'racey' tone again which I like too but not as much.

[@SummitRacing]

Hi saftysteve, Thank you for watching. Did you have specific question on Y pipes?

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Subjct4Change, Your car was factory equipped with an H pipe, so we know that works quite well. If you will be adding components such as a performance camshaft, cylinder heads, Intake manifold & throttle body, an X pipe would be a good choice. Thanks for watching!

[@Greenmonoluche]

Hello summit I have a 95 silverado 350 TBI and I installed your sum-k1102 camshaft along with shorty ceramic headers and true dual exhaust with(2) summit street and strip chambered mufflers and I noticed i lost a bit if low end power which is what I expected but I'm not running any x pipe or h pipe. Would adding a h pipe help make more backpressure or would it help any for low end? Or what about the the summit turbo mufflers do those make more backpressure than the street and strip chambered mu

[@torquemaxwell1034]

The explanation at 1:25 through 1:50 is exactly why I prefer a properly sized single exhaust over a pair of duals. This is good stuff though very helpful for many.

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Torque Maxwell, Thank you for your comment and for watching! Let us know if you have any video suggestions, even additional exhaust videos, that you think could benefit other viewers!

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Brandon Broome, An X pipe will aid you in your goal but you may need to change the mufflers as well depending on how deep you’d like the new tone to be.Thanks for watching!

[@TheBlueF0x]

Hello, I've been researching some on which to get for my Mustang, and what you're saying lines up with what I've found. Everyone says that the H pipe setup will have a bit better low-end and deeper exhaust note whereas the X pipe setup will normally have a couple more peak horsepower but will sound more raspy than the H pipe. Overall, most people seem to like the H pipes that I've seen. The horsepower is only 2-3 in most cases, and truthfully, that's not enough to notice.

[@MrRICKJAMESJR]

Hi. Just put magnaflows with x pipe assembly on my 78 tbird. Sounds and runs great. You mentioned back pressure. Could this be why my car shuts off when I stump it at low rpms? Or do I have other issues?

[@joebiddy3699]

I just had an X pipe put in the exhaust system of my '78 Suburban, GM crate 454 HO. Was this a good choice? Thanks

[@3star2nr]

dude you were right up until you said back pressure. it's not because of lack of back pressure it's because your piping is too large for your target power band.. once you go too large you aren't generating enough exhaust to fill the pipes with each pulse to generate enough suction effect when the exhaust wave leaves. scavenging is filling the pipes up and getting the exhaust pulsations close enough that the low pressure area created by one pulse helps suck the new pulse out when the valve opens. every system will have a sweet spot that they run at. and you xan feel it while driving. The larger your system the higher your engine has to rev and the higher your exhaust flow must be for the scavenging effect to be beneficial. it has nothing to do with back pressure back pressure is always bad for a 4stroke engine. The only engines where back pressure matters are 2 stroke because it helps create the vacuum needed to pump the fuel and it helps increase the compression pressure. come on dude. I know y'all are trying to explain it in simple terms but don't get tempted to to use terms like back pressure. stick to the facts

[@goheat77]

3 inch is too big

[@crazyfvck]

Say what you will, but my personal experience shows otherwise. On the 2000 Audi A6 that I used to own (NA 4.2 V8,) I removed my cats, as well as the rear mufflers. I replaced them with straight sections of pipe the same size as the stock exhaust tubing. The only remaining stock component, besides the pipe, was the center resonator. So it was essentially an open exhaust from the exhaust manifolds to the back of the car. Sounded great, but there was a noticeable DROP in low end torque.. It was bad. It definitely had better power at the upper rpms, but that's not where I drive my car 95% of the time. Before I sold the car, I reinstalled the factory mufflers which were fairly restrictive (also huge and heavy.) After the shop welded them back in, I took the car for a drive, and the engine behaved like it used to with much more low end grunt.

[@jojomama4787]

goheat77 thinking that's what she said!

[@tonyevans1933]

Truth! I came to comments to say the same and you beat me to it. These guys don’t realize they lose all credibility with one wrong word. It’s not “backpressure” it’s you lose “scavenging”.

[@ronyeahright9536]

@@goheat77 I'm embarrassed by my 3 inch pipe

[@alfredibarra8526]

hi i want to do a thru dual exhaust on my 04 dodge ram 5.7 liter. do you recomende to go with the x pipe or with out. i want to keep the cat converter just after that thru dual . but what i am afreid is about poping noise and. and also what kind of muffler performe better in my truck thanks

[@allisonolson4691]

Ok thanks again I was just looking on where to put it and I was thinking I would like to just keep the pipes I got now just connect them they run down the frame so it would have to be almost as wide as the truck so that would be ok?

[@DanielRicany]

Hi I have a 1985 Corvette, I had straight pipes before with hedman long tube headers and a mild cam, it was a stock but modified exhaust system, y pipe into a gutted catalytic converter, out to another y pipe to the tips. I replaced it with a catless true dual dynomax exhaust that went from the headers into two stainless steel dynomax ultra flo mufflers because it was too loud for a daily driver. It lost a lot of rumble and has a lot more drone. Which is better to regain that rumble? Thanks.

[@gregsheboskyjr.3434]

Do you think after I get the axle back muffers that I should get an x-pipe or an h-pipe for the deep loud sound I want?

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Daniel Ricany, Muffler choice has everything to do with the exhaust sound of a vehicle. Simply adding some sort of cross over pipe may help to tune a particular sound, but it will not change it dramatically. Install an X-pipe first and see if that gives a sound you like. After that you will have to choose a different muffler or no muffler at all to get what you need!

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Budoo6, H pipes are beneficial to the car that is mostly street driven around town and the driver would like to see a power increase in the low to mid RPM range. X pipes really shine on mild to highly modified cars in the mid to upper RPM ranges where the driver is more concerned with performance. Thanks for watching!

[@khalidmadi5045]

I have a w210 99 e55 .. what kind of pipes do you suggest for me considering the back pressure and a hours power ... I'm lost .. waiting for your help .. thanks

[@tjknight13]

Any suggestions for a fully stock 2001 ford mustang v6 as far as exhaust systems go? I'd like to make it a dual exhaust but am realizing there are a lot of different ones to choose from. Any suggestions?

[@littlerooster99]

i have stock 2002 gmc sierra with a 5.3 only mod is a k&n air filter going to put on a exhaust cherry bomb glasspacks witch would be better for it a x pipe or h pipe thanks

[@carledward1968]

What is the best Detent cable to use for the 700r4 and how can you tell if you have the 27 spine or the 30 spline

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Travis Cashmore, Due to the emissions equipment on that truck, there is currently no way to install either an H or X pipe.

[@ivorton23]

I got a question. I have a 74 chevy truck and want to run true duals with flowmasters. I was thinking whether to an h pipe or just run them straight from them manifolds back to the mufflers. will it make any difference where power is concerned?

[@SuperBubba360]

@summit racing Does adding an x pipe affect how an exhaust sounds? Thinking of adding a flow master american thunder axel back exhaust to my 2012 v6 camaro. Wondering if it would make it louder or quieter or help out with drone if needed

[@6KHwy]

I'm looking in to getting a mustang exhaust for my 93 T-Bird with a 5.0L. Which would be better as in power wise for it? For found I'm gonna go with flowmaster 40's maybe..

[@neb242]

I have a 66' 327 with a mild cam, holley 750 dblpump and straight duels in a 1986 chevy c10 swb Silverado, what do you recommend? Thanks for any help

[@Bipolarxj]

I have an 02 f150 4x4 with a stock 5.4 2v that i use for towing a trailer with a jeep cherokee on it. looking to do a custom exhaust soon and want to know which one would be more benifical to me to gain more low end torque? Thank you in advance.

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Jordan, The “Decel Pop” referred to here is an issue experienced by Corvette owners and due in part to the closed throttle programming in the computer. There is no guarantee that you would receive the same result!

[@edwardazemas2782]

I'm looking at purchasing the header back dual exhaust 2.5" system for my 72 Olds Cutlass with a rocket 350 engine. I don't want a loud sounding system. Is this a good system for me? I was trying to find someone on here with that system to here how it sounds. Any suggestions?

[@timmarshfield5795]

I have a 92 Mustang 5 speed that has a 347 stroker motor .30 over. I currently have an H-pipe on the car. I had it dyno tuned last year and it's only about 320hp/340tq at the rear end. I'm thinking about changing it over to an X-pipe and possibly upgrading the Eldebrock heads to better breathing heads (AFR or TrickFlow) since I think there is a good bit of untapped power left in the motor.. Would the X-pipe be a better choice given the setup? The car is mostly street driven.

[@d-one-and-only]

Great video .... would de-catting the system improve performance? And while we are at it would a hybrid result in a "bedt of both ends?" or would an H Pipe combined with an X-Pipe cause interference so to speak?

[@chancerbob95]

i have a 98 f150 with the 4.6l v8 and im considering getting either an xpipe with dual glasspacks or dual straights. i want it to be as loud as possible without it sounding like crap. what do you recommend?

[@frankieolivieri841]

Hi. What would be the best for my 2003 Cobra, a non catted h or x pipe?

[@SpetsnazSS]

Hi guys thanks for the explanation. I got a lexus is 250 2.5 v6. At the moment i have a duel exhaust system that runs all the way through the car. this is after removing the middle box that joined the 2 exhaust flow. Should i have them combined with x or h pipe. I am looking to supercharge the car in the long run but want to start with a decent exhaust system. the car already been de-cat'd

[@realtreeford19]

im doing exhaust on my 94 f150 xlt extended cab 4x4 with the 5.0 302 in it with the high rise intake, i put long tube headers on it and im gonna put duel glasspacks on with duel pipes, i like the higher pitched rumble and cackle sound..where should i place the glasspacks?

[@lancebaker3821]

Thank you, very informative

[@SummitRacing]

Lower engine speeds such as in towing applications only need an H pipe assembly to be effective.Thank you for watching!

[@gregsheboskyjr.3434]

I just bought a 2014 mustang and wanted to make it sound deeper as well as get the most hp out of it. Would you recommend going with LT headers with a shorty x-pipe and then an axleback exhaust? Thanks in advance

[@RainManFights]

08 Mustang GT Stock Exhaust. Trying to decide between X and H. Want to change to LT headers Need to stay catted. My concern with the X pipe is I have heard rumors that I will suffer the loss of the traditional Mustang growl and low end torque. I plan to incorporate the Pypes Pype-Bomb Cat back system. Do you have any advice as to which way to go and which products you offer to accommodate my description. Oh ya the care is naturally aspirated with a CAI and BBK Throttle body. Thank you

[@Bandeeforlife]

So if i have a v8 ford and could probsbly fit either x or h and im going with a true dual system with headers i should go with an x pipe? I understand its tough to tell without knowing applicstion specifics but like 5.4 fords do, they have good low end torque. Do you think an x pipe would hurt the acceleration or performace in your honest opinion?

[@FLAWDAJAY2003]

Hey I have a 09 ford crown vic police interceptor.have afe cold air intake rear cats cut flowmaster 10 3 1/2 inch tips sct canned tune and all my piping is stock with a h pipe.looking this week to get x pipe.the way I see it the stock pipe is rusting might as well do aftermarketpipe and just do x pipe.my engine is pretty much mildly tuned will x pipe hurt.I have experience loss acceleration doing my cold air intake.better now with sct tune wondering if this would hurt acceleration and torque

[@WLAs_Finest3x]

I've personally found that the x-pipe is good when you want to quiet the exhaust down a lil bit, but the H-pipe adds more sound and definitely more "boom" in the exhaust note. Love both, but I prefer the H-pipe if you're running stock exhaust manifolds, X-pipe for long tube headers.

[@jbouchard4877]

Had a H pipe on my mostly stock 88 Mustang GT. Don't know what power increases. But it was a custom exhaust with no cats and basically 2 glass packs. Sound was amazing. Sure miss that car. I'll be putting H pipes on my Grand Marquis after I'm done rebuilding the 351W under the hood

[@BurnseysRT]

I have a 2008 Pontiac G8 with the 256 V-6.X Pipes seem to be the mod of choice but I second guess whether that is the right choice for our vehicle.There are some V6's that run CAI with X pipes with non restictive axle backs or mufflers and my car is faster at the track by 2-3 10th & they run slower 60' as well given similar DAs.I have the stock exhaust sytem minus Super Turbos. I also made an intake tube between my TB and Filter Box.Could an H pipe be better? Could I gain more low tq over the X

[@jjlazo23]

04 cobra 470rwh what would work better x-pipe or h-pipe? Thanks for your help

[@airconditioningrepairatlan2438]

Thanks bro! Just find out something new about hvac

[@MikeElliott25]

Should I get a xpipe on my 2018 nissan titan . I just put mufflers on it but wanted to know if a xpipe will be a nice addition.. thanks

[@arizona1105]

I have 67 mustang with 302 tri y headers what do you recommend h pipe or x pipe ??

[@ujuare]

which one would u recommend for my 2013 automatic 5.0

[@Stanging84]

For 1996 mustang GT, would you say that an X-pipe will be better then the H-pipe for more power? Thanks.

[@willig93]

I just got a 2013 5.3 gmc single cab what would be better for my exhaust y pipe or x pipe

[@pohldriver]

I have a 99 4 door Tahoe. Due to everything in the way on the driver side, my only option is a single tail pipe. Im not going to touch the stock cats because I don't want to mess with the emissions. I want to change to an intermediate pipe that exits into a single 3" and exchange the 2.75" tailpipe for the 3". But I don't know if I should go with the turbo or glass pack, or if the glass pack will even line up. Would there be a real world advantage to the glass pack over the turbo?

[@edwardazemas2782]

Will this system be as easy to install as the other. I was going to install it my self then have it welded by the professional. Someone at the Olds chat room told me the purchased the system and put it on with no problems and that is what I want to do. I just want a little grumble but I'm not into racing, I just want it for the look and a little sound cause it is a 350 in it. Thanks

[@demetrielenis40]

Have a 88 5.0 302, mods gt40 heads, cobra intake, 3.73 gears, 70mm throttle body, bbk shorty headers, would I be better with a xpipe or hpipe looking to pair one with a flowmaster catback

[@drizzels51]

i have a 2013 mustang v6 i was thinking of getting a h pipe with flowmaster 40s with no cats i want a deep sound what do you guys think would be better a h pipe or x pipe for my mustang!

[@marcogerges]

Good morning Sir. I have a 2011 Mustang GT and I got the Flowmaster Outlaw axlebacks installed. but quite frankly the car isn't as LOUD and not as DEEP as I wanted it to be. what do you recommend doing? I am so torn up between getting an SLP Loudmouth axleback or getting a JBA H Pipe from American muscle.com I wanted it to be much louder and much deeper, thank you!

[@allisonolson4691]

Hey I have a 289 bored .060 sleeved Hei ignition. High rise dual plane manifold longtube headers and edlebrock 600 cfm carb do you think I would benefit from an x pipe of an h pipe

[@tonyd8192]

Is there any advantage to adding a X or H pipe to a stock motor with stock exhaust manifolds? I'm referring to a stock 70 Plymouth 440. Thanks

[@ThEASbO]

Thank you for the informative video!!

[@SummitRacing]

Thank you for watching, ThEASbO888!

[@johnpauldemolet]

I have an 89 gt 5.0 mustang it has the factory manifolds im looking for more power and sound which would be better im going to put flowtech red hots on it also on a scale of 1-10 how loud will that be

[@SummitRacing]

Yes, typically there is a difference in sound between the two. The X-pipe will usually have a raspier sound where as the H-pipe will produce a deeper tone. We hope this info helps! Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

[@elisagore6775]

i have a 1968 chevelle with a355 patriot cylinder heads and headmen headers. do you think an x pipe or h pipe will make it any faster and if so which one??

[@gasteammarky8446]

I got a off road bbk h pipe on my 88 gt with super 10 singles chambers it's real gutless at low rpm you think if I put some 2 chambers on will I get some power back ?

[@jrsmith987]

Quick question, with regards to sound. I'm looking for a more deep throaty sound, which pipe set up will be more beneficial for me to obtain the deep throaty big cam sound I'm looking to enhance. X- pipe or the H-pipe? thank you.

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Rob King, If loud is what you want, you will surely get it with that combo and the X pipe won’t hurt a thing! Thanks for watching.

[@SummitRacing]

Hi Sean Bishop, Well, for “bang for the buck” you should look at the Dynamax system number WLK-39434. It is a cat-back true dual system. It uses the Ultra-flow mufflers which have a great sound to them. Good luck!

[@edwardazemas2782]

I just searched the part number and it didn't come up. Will this system work with my stock headers?

[@mattyb120]

Hiya, my rover 3.9 V8 uses a Y pipe, would it be beneficial to install/fabricate an X pipe?

[@SummitRacing]

Not having heard that combination of parts together, that is a hard call to make. There are many, many sound clips on the net that may possibly give you an idea of what your proposed combo might sound like! Good luck!!

[@SummitRacing]

Your car already has a factory installed H-pipe, so, unless you plan on increasing the RPM potential of the motor by installing larger camshafts and cylinder heads, you could focus on other bolt on modifications such as a “Cold Air Intake” (CAI), “Axle-Back” exhaust and a “Computer Programmer”! We would be happy to help you with any or all of these quick & easy modifications.

[@bluerings20]

Hi my name is Keith,I have a 2006 mustang gt,it currently has stock piping with flow masters mufflers,would I gain the most performance switching to an x-pipe and leaving the mufflers on or do a muffler delete with the x-pipe,I want it louder but not unbearable...I will not touch the cats....one last question,would converting to 2 individual pipes for each cats make it any more efficient in terms of more performance or is it a waste? thank you...

[@jrrapue2515]

Which would be better for my 1999 f-150 4x4 4.6 Triton? I have a cold air intake and I polished my intake manifold ports plus I’m installing long tube headers.

[@miamibitch305fl]

Hey I have a 94 LT1 with a ORY pipe and its cammed. Im looking for a system that produces not only a few more HP but something that sound high RPMish kinda like an american lamborghini. lol Should I get your guys X pipe or true duals?

[@plombierparis1561]

Super la video Merci! C'est juste ce que je voulais voir.

[@rodriguezluisu87]

So for my v6 4.0 sohc ford explorer what you recommend? X pipe or H pipe!

[@stephenurkel]

what would you recommend for a 2001 mercury cougar 2.5L v6?

[@Jharvard1123]

I have a 4.6 v8 f150 with throttle body and cold air intake with a flow master super 10 dumped would a x pipe with 2 flow masters sound good?

[@SummitRacing]

We are only showing the Dynomax Super Turbo cat-back system for your Thunderbird. The mufflers in the kit have polished tips and the factory hangars are installed. Our part numbers is WLK-17379 and the price is $288.95. There is even a mail-in rebate for an additional $50.

[@SummitRacing]

Installing the H-pipe setup in place of the mid mufflers will increase the flow capabilities of the system greatly but also will likely greatly increase exhaust drone quite a bit at lower cruise rpm's. Making this change will likely also make the exhaust tone deeper.

[@OffroadUnleashed]

best. video. ever....answered all my questions. like!

[@TrueSouthernPride]

what about true duals? no x pipe or h pipe but individual pipes coming off each header with mufflers and cats. is that better than x pipe and h pipe?

[@SummitRacing]

Hi V8AmericanMuscleCar, If your only concern is top end power, an X pipe is the correct choice. Keep in mind though that the 1988 F body cars do not leave much/if any room to run a true dual exhaust! Thank you for watching. :)

[@coltonruther3359]

I have an 04 GMC Sierra with a single in dual out Flowmaster super 40, and I want it louder will the X pipe make it louder by replacing my muffler with the X pipe, and having just dual pipes going in and then out?

[@sublimegt500]

hello, I purchased a 2017 Roush RS3. recommendations x pipe vs. H pipe?

[@mistreku]

does this still apply to inline 6's? or just V's?