Do I need an X Pipe?

[CROOPS34]

So this will be my biggest DIY project so far and I know it's not a big deal but I have 1 question before I get started.
I have Dynatech LTs w/high flo Cats, and the Flowmaster American Thunder cat back system sitting in my garage ready to go. I took everything out of the box last night and made sure all the parts are there so I'm pretty much ready to go.
So here's the question:
The cat back has a section of both pipes that are cut and welded into each other just after where the cats will be as you can see from the picture I have included. To me this looks a lot like the idea of what an X Pipe is supposed to be, so is it a sort of "built in x pipe" or should I be looking at installing another one?
Any explination or sugestions would be much appreciated.

[CamaroSpike23]

your exhaust has an H-pipe. its essentially the same as an Xpipe, just different packaging

[5GSS]

Read this:

http://www.boyleworks.com/ta400/psp/exhaust3.html

A crossover, which is an interconnection between both sides of a dual exhaust system somewhere in front of the mufflers, has been used by automotive manufacturers to reduce sound levels and increase performance. A crossover lets the constantly changing pressure in both pipes equalize by letting each half of a V-type engine simultaneously use both sides of the dual system. In other words, the crossover helps minimize the negative effects of back pressure. Most crossovers look like an "H"; however, another type of crossover has been recently introduced that looks like an "X".

By reviewing the data in figures 8-10 (below), it can be seen that when comparing the H and X types, the X crossover not only reduced 60 foot times and quarter mile times but increased trap speed as well. Functionally, the difference between the X and the H is, the X type forces the exhaust to cross between both sides. Based on the performance increases we noted with the X crossover, the scavenging forces created by the gasses crossing over in this way appear to be stronger and more effective across a wider range of engine speeds.

[CROOPS34]

Thanks guys. I was asking mostly because I was going to originaly take my car in to a performance shop to have the work done as part of a package but to save a chunk of money, and to have a bit of fun doing the work myself I picked up all the parts. The shop's package included all the parts I got, and an X Pipe. I was thinking maybe they cup the factory H Pipe section from the Flowmaster and replace with an X Pipe? Thoughts?

[5GSS]

Flowmaster calls it an X pipe on their site.

http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/index.php?page=86

Using tried and true Flowmaster Classic Two Chamber mufflers, the kit is a true bolt-on exhaust system for the new 2010 Camaro SS with 6.2L V8 and features a 3.00" Scavenger X-pipe assembly for mid range torque improvement.

From the picture, it doesn't look very exaggerated, though. It may just be the angle of the picture. I think you'll be fine.

[SilverSS3108]

It is an Xpipe. Its just not as agressive in the bends as some others. IMO this should cause better flow than the xpipes that are bent to the point of being shaped like an X because the straighter the pipe the less the turbulance the better the flow. Just my 2cents

[JSC81]

Yeah when I got mine at 1st I thought it was an H pipe. If you really look at it.. It is sort of both imo. They sound GREAT!

[caverman]

Originally Posted by CROOPS34

I was thinking maybe they cup the factory H Pipe section from the Flowmaster and replace with an X Pipe? Thoughts?

I wouldn't. I don't think your going to see any performance gain at all. You'll basically be wasting your time and money.

Stick with what it came with. It's a good cat-back. No reason to change it.

[forplay]

If they call that an x pipe than they are working off their own alphabet...lets try it...xand me txat hx

[calbert1999]

Originally Posted by forplay

If they call that an x pipe than they are working off their own alphabet...lets try it...xand me txat hx

Don't think that's an x-pipe. I have an x-pipe on mine and it looks like an X, and I believe some of the exhaust flows along the pipe crosses over to the other pipe and that's the whole purpose of the x-pipe. At least that's what it looks like. If it doesn't do that, then I don't think it would be considered a true x-pipe. But, I'm not an expert on the topic.

[JSC81]

The pipes are so close together it may not look like an x pipe but it is. If you havent physically seen one I can understand why you would think it isnt. As I posted before it looks to me almost like a both combined since the pipes are so close together. It doesnt need the huge x that say you would just buy seperate and imo probably flows better.

Dont make fun of my horrible paint skillz.. lol

This is how I saw it, because even I questioned which of the two it was before I installed it.

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by JSC81

The pipes are so close together it may not look like an x pipe but it is. If you havent physically seen one I can understand why you would think it isnt. As I posted before it looks to me almost like a both combined since the pipes are so close together. It doesnt need the huge x that say you would just buy seperate and imo probably flows better.

Dont make fun of my horrible paint skillz.. lol

This is how I saw it, because even I questioned which of the two it was before I installed it.

That is an H. There isn't enough of cross flow to call it an X. Sure you can draw an X, but it's hard to imagine how in that configuration much flow if any is able to cross.

[ABM/IOM]

You should cut the pipe open and take pictures man. Just kidding. I actually saw a cut away version of this before buying my flowmaster system and it is an x-pipe inside, just doesn't look that way from the outside. You won't be dissapointed with the sound, it's awesome. The install is cake too. shouldn't take you more than 40 mins.

[axis]

It's not like it makes much if any difference. As long as there is a connection between the pipes, you're ok.