x vs h mid pipe?

[SVTSnak]

Hey all,

Been looking through the searches here about exhaust. I've noticed some people go with an X mid pipe and some with an H mid pipe. What's the difference? Is it just the manufacturer that makes the difference (one makes H, the other X) or is there a difference in sound quality, performance, etc?

Someone here suggested the BBK H pipe a while ago and I'm considering getting that, but was keeping my options open. Right now my exhaust is completely stock (96 Cobra). I was going to go Flowmaster cat back, but someone mentioned that replacing the stock H pipe would be more beneficial, so that's why I'm looking into that first.

Any help is appreciated. :-)

Mat

[Firme]

H pipes might be a little cheaper than X pipes. X pipes are worth a couple of extra horsepower, but ultimately, the biggest factor is sound. They produce different sound. One way to generalize it would be H-pipe= more throaty sound, X-pipe = smother exotic sound. YMMV

The rule of thumb is if you get chambered mufflers, H pipe goes better. Straight through design mufflers work better with X-pipes.

I think x-pipes are more commonly found on Mod motors than H, but you need to find the sound combo you like best to make your decision.

If you get Flows(they are chambered), they historically mate better with an H-pipe.

[Lumpydogs]

I don't know about power but here is my experience.

I swapped out stock mufflers for Magnaflow straight through mufflers. The car sounded great but had a real bad exhaust drone inside.
On the advice of others I swapped out my stock H-Pipe for a Magnaflow X-Pipe. This resulted in a reduced drone.

This probably doesn't answer your question but I hope it helps some.

[nckissfan]

an x will give you more of a exotic sound at WOT, while the h will keep that low tone

[SVTSnak]

Thanks all! I appreciate the info.

I'm more of a deeper, throaty sound guy myself, so it looks like I'm going with the H mid-pipe. I'll throw that on for now (with stock manifolds & stock mufflers) and then will eventually put in some flows or something in the back.

I'll probably have to decide between the Force II (3 chambered) or American Thunder (2 chambered) setup though. I really don't want a ton of drone or it being wicked loud and tickin' off anyone in the cul-de-sac. LOL

But, again, I appreciate the info about the x vs h mid-pipe.