My exhaust is getting done this thursday, but I'm still undecided if i'm gonna go with an x pipe or H pipe...i'm running dual 2.5's dumped before the rear axle...the guy just did a x pipe setup same as mine on my buddy's iroc, and it turned out alright i guess...he said the ground clearance would be the same if i went x or h pipe...he said it wouldn't matter...but he did my buddy's without having the car started up, and he said on mine he was gonna paint the pipes then cut them where it stopped burning..so then the x pipe would start exactly equal on both sides...because i read that somewhere, from the end of the header to the center section of the x pipe, the lenght has to be identical...is this true? because my car isn't gonna be running for the exhaust either, so i dunno which route I should go...can you guys help me out??

 

There is some discussion on where it is best to place the X-pipe or H-pipe. An X-pipe is the way to go if you have the room, it gives the exhaust a different sound I can't describe plus it has been shown to make slightly more power than the H-pipe setup.
I did not have an exhaust shop make mine though, to get the most out of it, it would be best to purchase the X-pipe kit and consult with the manufacture to determine the best size and shape for your engines build etc...I went with Dr. Gas, they ask several questions and they make the pipe a certain size and the hole in the X is a certain shape and length tailored to your engine. They were easy to deal with and the price is comparable to other generic brands.
My father also had Dr. Gas make his X-pipe system for his 69 GTO, it ended up being 3 1/2 inch pipe from the headers, into the X-pipe, then coming out of the X with 3 inch into Straightline shootout mufflers and then 3 inch Torque Tech tailpipes. What an awsome sounding system that I can't describe and his car runs the same with open headers or through the exhaust, very good system. So I went to Dr. Gas when it came time to do the system on my Chevelle. What ever you decide I would definately go with the X-pipe over the H-pipe setup. I think it sounds better too. Just my experiences, hope this helps Larry.

 

yea i know the x pipe gives you a bit more power over the h pipe...the guy doing my exhaust bought a x pipe kit, i just don't know which one...it took like 2 weeks to get...know he has it, so its time to put it on...he said it doesn't matter where i start the x pipe, and I could have swore i've read somewhere it makes a big difference if it isn't placed right....i'm kinda in a bind here...i dont' want him to do it, and then find out its wrong...