I've had the (expensive) pleasure of having both an X pipe and an H pipe on my 2006 V6 within the last week and a half, so I thought I'd write a short review and clear up any uncertainly for those of you trying to decide on a dual exhaust.
Car is a completely (performance-wise) stock 2006 4.0 X pipe made by FRPP H pipe made by JBA Borla Stinger (straight-through) mufflers
When I mention the Y pipe, I'm comparing this to my pre-dual setup, which was a single Flowmaster AT axleback. I don't really remember what the car felt/sounded like with the stock muffler on it, so my comparisons to "stock" are assuming you have some kind of single aftermarket muffler.
I had the H pipe and Stingers on for about a week, and due to some fitment issues decided to change over to the X pipe with Stingers.
So:
Sound: H pipe is definitely nicer sounding. It's got somewhat of a deep growl to it, very aggressive muscular sound, and quite loud. The X pipe, in my opinion, sounds very similar to the stock Y, but louder. The tone doesn't change very much, just the volume. The H pipe, on the other hand, changes the tone of the sound quite a bit. However, I did notice that with the H pipe, there was a bit of popping (backfiring, I suppose) when I let off the throttle during slow shifts. The X pipe does not do this as much.
Performance: Despite what many on here have said, there is a difference in performance. With the H pipe, my car seemed to be a bit slower off the line, which I assume is due to a slight drop in torque. It's nothing major, but it is noticable. This might have been magnified by the fact that my mufflers are straight-through rather than chambered style, but it was certainly present. With the X pipe, there is no similar feeling of lag when you're launching with your car. It doesn't feel any faster to launch or drive than with the stock Y pipe (and aftermarket muffler), but I don't feel a loss at the low end like I did with the H. So, if you're considering going with a supercharger or turbo in the future, the X will probably be the most beneficial from a performance point of view.
So there you have it, H pipe sounds better, but performs worse at the low end (with straight-through mufflers, at least.)
So my question is does anyone have what most people call "true duals" or straight pipes from cats to mufflers without any crossover? Unfortunately this is what I have. I'd bought some GT takeoffs and was so excited to get them installed but a) the drivers side cut was sloppy (I'll have to clean up with a dremel...at least it's in the right place which was my biggest fear) and b) they didn't put in any crossover like I thought they were gonna do. I thought I'd paid for an H-pipe. I admit I feel no lag or loss of low end power but it sounds R-I-C-E-Y!!! :(
So my question is does anyone have what most people call "true duals" or straight pipes from cats to mufflers without any crossover? Unfortunately this is what I have. I'd bought some GT takeoffs and was so excited to get them installed but a) the drivers side cut was sloppy (I'll have to clean up with a dremel...at least it's in the right place which was my biggest fear) and b) they didn't put in any crossover like I thought they were gonna do. I thought I'd paid for an H-pipe. I admit I feel no lag or loss of low end power but it sounds R-I-C-E-Y!!! :(
So quick question about the H's loss in power how will it compare to the stock set up? currently i've got a single gt takeoff and i definitely notice a gain, will putting the H with two gt takeoffs be less power than a single gt takeoff?
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2006 4.0 V6 Automatic Performance White
MMR Cold Air Intake 93 Performance tune by VMP Ninosport Duals w/ GT takeoff
So quick question about the H's loss in power how will it compare to the stock set up? currently i've got a single gt takeoff and i definitely notice a gain, will putting the H with two gt takeoffs be less power than a single gt takeoff?
That's what it felt like to me comparing between my Stingers/H-pipe and my stock Y-pipe/single Flowmaster AT.
It wasn't anything major, but there definitely seemed to be a small loss of torque when I launched with it. The car felt a little more "fluffy" off the line, like it wasn't pushing quite as hard.
Of course, your situation might be different, since you're using two chambered GT takeoffs, compared to my flow-through Stinger mufflers, but you might still feel a slight loss in torque.
It doesn't make the car less fun to drive or anything because it sounds so good, but if I was looking to make my V6 into a racing machine with a supercharger or whatever later on, that might be a concern since it feels like a very slight drop in performance when launching.
< Message edited by raubt -- 4/23/2008 8:11:24 PM >
sounds awesome man, i was set on the pypes x set up, but now i think i may go with the jba h set up...not looking to be a racing machine, just a fun car to drive that'll sound decent...plus it's my dd so i wanna keep it manageable, thanks for the info
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2006 4.0 V6 Automatic Performance White
MMR Cold Air Intake 93 Performance tune by VMP Ninosport Duals w/ GT takeoff
Great review. I have GT exhaust installed by dealer when I bought my stang but it is straight thru no X or H. It sounds good at start up and while driving, however, when at idle after it has warmed up it kind of bubbles, will the X or H solve this?
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'08 Performance White 4.0 V6 5-Speed, GT Duals w/Rear Fasia, 8" Shorty Antenna, Eleanor Light/Grill, CAI w/Bama 93 Performance Tune still to come 3.73's and suspension
I found this review helpful as well. My frpp duals kit is awaiting install, i can get passed the fact that it won't sound like a muscle car or even as good as the H pipe but looks and power is my concern....so i guess the question is, since there is a good gain from stock to a single GT muffler (which I currently run) how will the power/ torque be affected in going from that to the frpp kit? Same?
< Message edited by King Taco -- 4/24/2008 11:25:02 AM >
The H pipe will definetly help with that ricey sound or at least it did on mine. I had Flowmaster American Thunder duals on mine and it just sounded a little oriental when you put your foot in it so I took it back and had the H pipe installed and it fixed it right up. Now my car has that deep growl when idling and sounds great running down the road.
I am REALLY excited to get my new exhaust set-up installed in a few weeks (Pypes Cats, Pypes X, Cut-Outs, Bassani Mufflers).
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2005 Torch Red V6: C&L intake, X-Cal 2, Zabteck Throttle Body, ASP U/D Pulley, Coil Pack, Livewires, MAC Headers, MAC Prochamber, Bassani Mufflers, PowerHouse Driveshaft, 4.10 Gears, T-Lok, and a bunch of other stuff... (Best ET: 14.312)
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X Pipe vs. H Pipe (my review) - 
