X-Pipe question

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by RPX5

I went to the shop with full intent to have them install Magnaflow, they said, we usually fabricate our own to spec for the car. next thing I know they're fabricating this wild x-pipe, it came out very cool and yes, it cost me less than if i were to install a magnaflow. It fits perfectly, no overlapping seams and everything it flush and strait. magnaflow is a good "brand" and someone can have a proven design, but I'm happy with mine.. i should tell you that i went to a very well known and trusted shop with highly skilled craftsmen, not some corner meinekete, although, i'm sure if you went to mienekete with a magnaflow x-pipe, someone there could help you out.

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

Also, there's no real need to have anything custom made unless its going to be cheaper than a mass produced unit.

I'm sure your X Pipe was worth every penny spent and I dont doubt the craftsmanship of the shop you had the work done at. There is nothing wrong with a custom made unit, I personally just wouldn't see a point in spending more than necessary for this mod. Thats all.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by TowX

I went with the x-pipe and the small Magnaflow resonators on the recommendation of a couple of folks here. My goal was a bit more power but still quiet. The resonators are much smaller than the big moster piece from factory so there's absolutely no reason the car should have lost power with supposedly less restriction. But rather than spend more bad money to try the x with out the resonators, which would have meant more custom pipe work, I just went to the h-pipe crossover. Tried and true technology and easier to fab up than another x-pipe. Perhaps the x by itself might have worked but I wasn't going to take the chance.

Reason why I'm assuming the resonators might have been the issue is because of their placement in the exhaust system. With the resonators placed after the X pipe, the air flow might have been restricted due to the size of the resonators. They have to be sized up correctly according to the engine and exhaust system. Its not as easy as choosing a reduced size resonator and expecting it to work in perfect harmony.

An H-pipe, X pipe, and straight pipe design have all been tried and proven to be performance additions. Each system has their pros and cons. I'm not sure how an H pipe was any easier to fab up than an X pipe, but my post isn't intended to argue that point. From my understanding, an X pipe forces the exhaust gas to cross between both sides , unlike an H which just equalizes the flow of exhaust between 2 pipes. The smoother transition of exhaust flow will reduce the noise levels in comparison to straight and H pipe setups. I wonder what the difference in sound is between the two on an e53 would be?