Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
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Car: 92 Camaro
Engine: stroked 383(soon to be complete)
Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
I have a 92 Camaro that I have put a big cammed 383 into. I don't know what exhaust would be the best for the car. I have never done exhaust work, but I am an excellent welder. All my friends own little "rice-rockets," so they have no idea what to do or how to do it. I want the most power out of the car, (who doesn't,) and money isn't an issue because I want the best parts for my car; I'll save up the money for them.
I have never looked into exhaust, outside of the posts on this website, but I understand physics, so what I am wondering is would it be better to have each header go into a straight pipe back into their own muffler? That seems to be what an X-Pipe does except it has a curve in the pipes (forming an X) I don't know why this is done. I can only assume it's because of fabrication purposes or hanging purposes.
Also, why would you get a Y-Pipe if you could get an X-Pipe? (I understand that these may seem like very simple things to answer, but I'm new at this exhaust thing and I have NO idea.)
I have never looked into exhaust, outside of the posts on this website, but I understand physics, so what I am wondering is would it be better to have each header go into a straight pipe back into their own muffler? That seems to be what an X-Pipe does except it has a curve in the pipes (forming an X) I don't know why this is done. I can only assume it's because of fabrication purposes or hanging purposes.
Also, why would you get a Y-Pipe if you could get an X-Pipe? (I understand that these may seem like very simple things to answer, but I'm new at this exhaust thing and I have NO idea.)
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
X-pipes and H-pipes are just crossovers to balance pressures from each side of the engine. It helps scavenging and therefore performance. Some X-pipes work better than others. H-pipes and X-pipes are just different kinds of crossovers, arguments made seem to indicate that the X-pipe is better.
The crossover also brings down the noise level a lot.
A Y-pipe is done where you have 2 pipes into a single pipe because that's what these cars came with stock, and you can use the stock exhaust routing. This is good because you get to keep your ground clearance. And you can get a large intermediate pipe (The pipe between the Y-pipe and the muffler in the back) to make up for any flow losses.
The single pipe setup also scavenges very well just like an X-pipe setup.
The best flow is with giant duals under the car, but you sacrifice a LOT to do that. Ground clearance is severely limited because there just isnt any room under the car to put the pipes anywhere. THe best compromise if you want to cruise over speed bumps all day is the Y pipe setup.
The crossover also brings down the noise level a lot.
A Y-pipe is done where you have 2 pipes into a single pipe because that's what these cars came with stock, and you can use the stock exhaust routing. This is good because you get to keep your ground clearance. And you can get a large intermediate pipe (The pipe between the Y-pipe and the muffler in the back) to make up for any flow losses.
The single pipe setup also scavenges very well just like an X-pipe setup.
The best flow is with giant duals under the car, but you sacrifice a LOT to do that. Ground clearance is severely limited because there just isnt any room under the car to put the pipes anywhere. THe best compromise if you want to cruise over speed bumps all day is the Y pipe setup.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,895
Likes: 429
From: Pittsburgh PA
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: MWC 9” 3.00
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
duals can be done right on our cars, just have to take care of where you mount the pipes
i'm in the same boat as you tho, i got a pretty stout 383 on the way and am thinking about the exhaust at the moment.
Right now i'm thinking single 4inch or true dual 3. i dont want a true dual 2.5 since i already have alot of 3inch pipe around and on the car, and the headers will be 3inch collectors.
single 4inch will flow enough and true dual 3inch will be somewhat overkill but i do plan on nitrous and then maybe a blower down the road, so the 3inch dual could work
you can see my thread about the subject and some ideas i have as well as others have floating around.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exha...dvice-hot.html
i'm in the same boat as you tho, i got a pretty stout 383 on the way and am thinking about the exhaust at the moment.
Right now i'm thinking single 4inch or true dual 3. i dont want a true dual 2.5 since i already have alot of 3inch pipe around and on the car, and the headers will be 3inch collectors.
single 4inch will flow enough and true dual 3inch will be somewhat overkill but i do plan on nitrous and then maybe a blower down the road, so the 3inch dual could work
you can see my thread about the subject and some ideas i have as well as others have floating around.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exha...dvice-hot.html
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Car: 92 Camaro
Engine: stroked 383(soon to be complete)
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
Thanks guys for your posts, I don't plan on driving my car over speed bumps, and I live in IL so there is no such thing as a mountain over here, so the Y-Pipe is out.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
Look for pictures on "true duals". Many members have posted how they've done it, and where the pipes go.
I know MWnova66 has posted numerous times on his different true dual setups.
I know MWnova66 has posted numerous times on his different true dual setups.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,895
Likes: 429
From: Pittsburgh PA
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: MWC 9” 3.00
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
After looking at all the oics you have online i have noticed one thing. "No CATS". do you have any pice of performance exhaust that includes cats. in my area these are required for emissions. i have tried a dual exhaust kit from dynomax and it was horrible. none of the brackets fit right and there were bends withing 3 inches of every connection leaving no room for adjustments. this kit runs the exhaust by the same route as the stock exhaust. i have no clearance and bottom out all the time. i have even put shock lifters in the back but still the clearance is bad. i have a 1985 berlinetta
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
Well, most dual setups aren't street legal to begin with. It's like a fleeing bank robber obeying posted speed limits - it's silly.
Now you can put cats on there but
1. They take up space which is a valuable commodity with our cars
2. You'll ahve to buy two of them - annoying.
3. Anyplace that requires cats for emissions will probably fail you for having duals to begin with, so the reason you'd want a cat is for your own environmentalist leanings if they exist.
4. Cats are more expensive than straight pipes and when you're talking about custom fabbed stuff... it gets pricy.
Now, with that said, Ilive in an area where there's good roads and no emissions testing, so I've got a crazy dual exhaust setup.
Now you can put cats on there but
1. They take up space which is a valuable commodity with our cars
2. You'll ahve to buy two of them - annoying.
3. Anyplace that requires cats for emissions will probably fail you for having duals to begin with, so the reason you'd want a cat is for your own environmentalist leanings if they exist.
4. Cats are more expensive than straight pipes and when you're talking about custom fabbed stuff... it gets pricy.
Now, with that said, Ilive in an area where there's good roads and no emissions testing, so I've got a crazy dual exhaust setup.
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
Why would it be illegal to put true dual exhaust on an emission legal car. that's just stupid. i put on a dual exhaust system for more flow while keeping it legal with a dual in dual aout 50 state legal cat. the kit was designed to run the same route as the stock system. all my other camaros had dual exhaust and they all passed inspection.
Well, most dual setups aren't street legal to begin with. It's like a fleeing bank robber obeying posted speed limits - it's silly.
Now you can put cats on there but
1. They take up space which is a valuable commodity with our cars
2. You'll ahve to buy two of them - annoying.
3. Anyplace that requires cats for emissions will probably fail you for having duals to begin with, so the reason you'd want a cat is for your own environmentalist leanings if they exist.
4. Cats are more expensive than straight pipes and when you're talking about custom fabbed stuff... it gets pricy.
Now, with that said, Ilive in an area where there's good roads and no emissions testing, so I've got a crazy dual exhaust setup.

Now you can put cats on there but
1. They take up space which is a valuable commodity with our cars
2. You'll ahve to buy two of them - annoying.
3. Anyplace that requires cats for emissions will probably fail you for having duals to begin with, so the reason you'd want a cat is for your own environmentalist leanings if they exist.
4. Cats are more expensive than straight pipes and when you're talking about custom fabbed stuff... it gets pricy.
Now, with that said, Ilive in an area where there's good roads and no emissions testing, so I've got a crazy dual exhaust setup.

Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: IL
Car: 91RS, 91RS
Engine: 305TBI, 3.1MP
Transmission: WCT5, TH700
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
I run dual 2.50in with an X-pipe crossover back to single chamber flomasters. Mine looks nearly identical to "cusommuscle" picture. Except I have coated shorties and the diff. mufflers. Oh, and my pipes arent rusty
, just kidding man. Mine are stained with burnt oil....
But anyway, I love the sound of them. The X-pipe makes it so smooth as you accelerate, but its still loud and raspy at WOT.
Not to mention it sounds great with a 5 speed.
, just kidding man. Mine are stained with burnt oil....
But anyway, I love the sound of them. The X-pipe makes it so smooth as you accelerate, but its still loud and raspy at WOT.
Not to mention it sounds great with a 5 speed.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
Why would it be illegal to put true dual exhaust on an emission legal car. that's just stupid. i put on a dual exhaust system for more flow while keeping it legal with a dual in dual aout 50 state legal cat. the kit was designed to run the same route as the stock system. all my other camaros had dual exhaust and they all passed inspection.
And duals are definitely not legal in california at least, regardless of what you think, so 50-state legal is silly, at least not for thirdgens. I dont even think there are any emissions legal long tube headers for third gens even if duals were legal. You can always do duals with shorties, but I find that kind of ridiculous. IT's the worst of both worlds if you ask me.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
Likes: 26
From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
You can do dual pipes with dual cats, if your car came with dual cats to start with (89-92 TPI cars). But its my opinion a single 3.5" cat-back exhaust has the same cross-sectional area and flow as dual 2.5" pipe. So why reduce your ground clearance and the hassle of routing the pipes when you can get a 3.5" or 4" i-pipe that is readily available? You get the sound from dual-exhaust and that's about it.
The best shorty headers are there right now are by Dyno Don. Search this exhaust board for "Dyno Don headers" to see the pics, and then send him a PM for the info. He can make you a single or dual cat y-pipe, too.
The best shorty headers are there right now are by Dyno Don. Search this exhaust board for "Dyno Don headers" to see the pics, and then send him a PM for the info. He can make you a single or dual cat y-pipe, too.
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
What do you mean dual in dual out? What is that? a Y-pipe and then a muffler with two tips?
And duals are definitely not legal in california at least, regardless of what you think, so 50-state legal is silly, at least not for thirdgens. I dont even think there are any emissions legal long tube headers for third gens even if duals were legal. You can always do duals with shorties, but I find that kind of ridiculous. IT's the worst of both worlds if you ask me.
And duals are definitely not legal in california at least, regardless of what you think, so 50-state legal is silly, at least not for thirdgens. I dont even think there are any emissions legal long tube headers for third gens even if duals were legal. You can always do duals with shorties, but I find that kind of ridiculous. IT's the worst of both worlds if you ask me.
By the way my car (85 camaro) came stock with a Y pipe and single exhaust. I'm also not sure why you brought up headers as my car uses the stock manifolds complete with working a.i.r. pump.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exha...l-exhaust.html
Holy necropost batman.
Last edited by InfernalVortex; Nov 16, 2011 at 09:10 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Conneticut
Car: 1986 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 357 SBC
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi rear end, 3.73s
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
I'm in the process of putting a cherry bomb extreme on mine with side pipes. does anyone know exactly how i can do this correct?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Conneticut
Car: 1986 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 357 SBC
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi rear end, 3.73s
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
i plan on welding it, but i puttin the cherrybomb extreme where the cat would be, nd the have it come out the right side right b4 the tire.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: Y-Pipe, X-pipe, Straight Pipe???
That always looks bad, but if you wanna do it, go for it.
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