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Hands down install a X vs H pipe both will lower the Db's and gain you a few more hp like 5-12 hp with an X on a 400 hp motor.
There are dyno tests to prove this I have run across on the net.
I will have to check and see if the muffler shop can make a X pipe or if I need to buy a X pipe kit. I have heard that the X's make more hp then the H's do, but wasn't sure.
RapidRuss.. Is the 3.73 gears the best all around gears for an automatic? I am looking for either a factory posi or a aftermarket posi for my truck, but not sure of the gear I need. It is like a 3.20 now and that's way to high for my motor setup.
The X is more labor intense to install, around town or under 2,500 you won't feel a difference until above 3,500 to your redline. Your motor will pull harder and not taper off as you reduced the backpressure at higher rpm's. Sure cleans up the exhaust pulse sound. To really help your system have the headers to the X ceramic coated inside and out to hold the exhaust gases at high temps for high gas velocities, better scavenging, lower under hood temps and longer service life. This is good if your in the salted road states.
From my experience, I like the "H" better than the "X". The H seemed to give a better sound and more torque. Granted this is on my dads 91 mustang with a 302, but we didn't like the x-pipe he got.
I like my 390 with 2.25 duals into 18" long glasspacks and a dump right after the cab. It drones a little but I like the sound.
I like my 390 with 2.25 duals into 18" long glasspacks and a dump right after the cab. It drones a little but I like the sound.
My dad has 2.50 duals with like 34" glasspacks. It sounds good, but a little to quiet for me. I had the same setup as you 77ford, but without the turndowns and it sounded good with the stock 360. Now I'm thinking I will have a little more air flowing through those pipes and it will be too loud. I could be wrong about that, because when I recorded my motor running on the stand it was hooked to a set of 18" cherry's and sounded good. This stuff is confusing.
Talked to the muffler shop and they told me they can't do a X-pipe but could do a H-pipe. I have seen on Summit that you can buy X-pipe kits and do it yourself. Muffler shop also told me they wouldn't install my cutout's." Its Illegal">>>>> That really stinks!!!!
In your state on the right coast i'm surprised they wouldn't bother you running a resonator only. As far as not installing cutouts for you, they are not illegal if your capped up. A street strip truck? Go to another shop that one sucks and doesn't want to work with you.
On a H it's a joke on how the gasses pass two 90 degree bends under a shearing action at the openings vs an X that scavengs. Many people and shops don't want to spend the time to install a X as 2 or 3 quick hash jobs bring in more money. This is why I do my own exhaust, no slag and bird crap welds resrictions and misaligned pipe joints. A few members know by my photos.
Look into Vibrant's SS extra quiet resonators, they are a straight thru with SS packing.
Too your Q about the 3:73's.....I liked them on the roads here in VA...with 33x12.50x16.5 BFG's Rpms were about 2500 as I remember at about 60mph..which was great..
But with another build going in ...In some time from now..I now run 4:56's in the back and will only be running a 30" tall tire...So I suspect gas mileage will go all to hell...LOL.. but the Motor is not being built for Economy anyway!! LOL..
With 3.54 vs 3.73 your another 5% less or 130 rpm's, a lot depends on torque converter slip. I prefer a custom low stall tight converter with minimal slip and 3.54's for the highway mileage. With todays gas prices high 14 mpg is rewarding it still can spin those 33 x 12.00 16.5's with a 414.
Depends on how you build your truck and its intended use.
Not to worried about gas mileage, it's just a weekend driver. I built the motor to mild specs mainly for riding around and spinning a tire every once in a while. I don't want to high of gear to the point I have to stay away from the interstate, but with the cam I have I need something in the middle. This is what comp recommends, but they are not specific to gear ratio. "Street/strip use, 9.5:1+ with headers, intake, low gears and 3000 stall. Racy idle." It is a 292H cam and the specs are 292 duration .560 lift. I have a Hughes 3000+ stall installed in a C6 if that helps.
Sorry gear stuff off topic, but helpful!!
Last edited by pbear6969; Sep 27, 2006 at 11:18 AM.
Well That cam is a wild one for the street.....But not as bad as I have run..with a street cam..or Race cam on the street!! I love it!!
My lasyt Chebby build....was a 402ci.....and I put in a Melling 306* plus at only a .515" lift..and that thing launched like all hell.. But I had a Coan 8" converter that was set-up for the 2200lbs Altered in it...And it was way loose in the 4500# truck..
But dam at the track running Old blue lines..it hit hard!!! LMAO..Old Memories!! Jeezzz!!
My uncle has lots of 9" hogs heads from 3.00 to I think something like a 4.56. Stuff picked up over the years. I am going to see how it does with the gear in it now, but I'm sure it will be a waste of time being in the 3.20's. Hopefully if my dern AC drier gets here tomorrow I can get the thing running again and find out how it does. I will make the neighbors mad with the open headers but who cares!!! LOL
I guess some of you have the X-pipe installed? I looked under my truck and there isn't much room under there. Just wondering if it will fit. If you have any pictures that would be nice too.... I know I'm asking for alot.