What size exaust pipes and what about h or x pipe?

[deesandvees]

I'm dropping the car off at the exhaust shop on Saturday and was wondering if somebody can tell me what a h pipe or x pipe does. I'm getting true duals on my '87, headers back. I think the header collector size is 3". I don't want to waste money by having two big of a pipe and don't want to small either. Also I've got Vortec heads on this 383.

Please no responses about legality because I am aware of all the laws. Let me just say I'm an international gentlemen and pleasure seeker and am protected by diplomatic immunity in all ways shapes and sizes

[silicon212]

Why, sure you are. Because you said so.

Use 4" collectors with 1.625" tubes. Keep the exhaust pipe in the 2.5" range and use an H-pipe.

[deesandvees]

What does the h pipe do? 4" collector? So upsize an inch from my 3" header collector?

Mine are Hedman's, something like this:

[beat88ls]

Originally Posted by deesandvees

What does the h pipe do? 4" collector? So upsize an inch from my 3" header collector?

Mine are Hedman's, something like this:

i was always told the X or H pipe will equalize the back pressure. and there are some out there who will tell you if you have an X or H pipe you dont have true dual exhaust... if i did a dual-dual exhaust i would use an X or H pipe...

[silicon212]

The H-pipe (or X-pipe) is also referred to as a 'balance pipe' and smooths out the pulses between the cylinder banks, thereby reducing back pressure.

As for the true dual statement, the balance pipe actually increases volume as it potentially gives EACH CYLINDER access to both sides.

The larger collector size will help with bottom-end while retaining the performance at higher RPM.

[GreyGoose006]

h pipes are inferior to x pipes though because of the sharp angles.
the BEST crossover is one that allows free flow in all directions at once.
i cant find a link, but it was basically an x pipe with a connection between the top and bottom of the x on either side

the best i can manage is this
|....|
|\_/|
|/..\|
|....|

ignore the dots, they are for spacing

[silicon212]

True, an H pipe doesn't perform as well as an X pipe does - but keep in mind that X-pipes or the hybrid that you speak of both require a lot of real estate, increasing the heat production (er, heat release) under the car. Also, remember that each connection on the exhaust system is a potential point of failure. In many views, the gain of the X-pipe over the H-pipe does not outweigh the potential downfalls.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by deesandvees

What does the h pipe do? 4" collector? So upsize an inch from my 3" header collector?

Mine are Hedman's, something like this:

there is a web site that details the correct location of the H pipe... its position is important to achive the maximum effect..