I'm about to buy one for my car, could i install it myself? or would i need to take it to a shop?

 

oh and which would be louder? X or H? both O/R

 

Yes you can do it yourself. I put mine on with the car up on ramps in front and jack stands in rear. You'll need a couple socket extensions, swivel, and a 15mm midlength socket for the passenger side manifold. I cut a deepwell down to have clearance for it to fit.

Off-road is always louder either way.

 

About six months ago one of the Mustang Magazines ran a multi-page article on exhaust dynamics. The idea is that each header manifold feeds each pipe as it exits the engine and the pulse occurs on separate phases. So, having "true duals" or straight out on each side gives you a distinctive "blat, blat, blat" from the pulse being heard. This is typical of 4x4 with the lift kits. Next is the "H" pipe which will use the cross tube to balance the harmonic. The smaller the cross tube on an "H" the less harmonic dampening and thus a smaller "H" is louder and more "blat, blat". Continuing that idea, and "X" allows free flow of both pipes and has little restriction. This uses the pulse charge of one bank as a vacuum pulse for the beginning of the charge pulse from the other side. This essentially lessens the sound, increases the flow, and improves overall power. You get more of an F1 "whoosh" from an "X" than other options.

Ultimately I have no idea about O/R parts as I work to keep my vehicle completely legal. I'm certain that they are tuned to be a bit louder and more effective than smog legal parts.

My personal preference is an "H". I'm NA and not worried about flow as my BHp is below 420. If you are going for power and sound, maybe an O/R "X" is your best bet. I have the stock "H" on my 06 and it sounds pretty good. The cross pipe diameter is probably 1 3/4", but you may want to look into the diameter of any "H" you are interested in.

 

does it have a deeper tone that slp's? i have flowmasters on now BTW
are slps still louder?

 

since you have flows go with the x-pipe get one from Flowtech or Dr.Gas they have the x-section right behind the bellhousing which supposedly makes more power than one at the drive shaft plus they are noticeably louder than the other x-pipes


Dr. gas



Flowtech

 

you going SLP's in the future? If so, I'd go with the X. H-pipes sound like *** when paired with a straight thru muffler

 

oh nah, i was either gonna go x pipe and flows or a loudmouth catback.
i couldnt make up my mind.
thanks for all your imput guys!