X-pipe 101

[KMIII]

I currently have a Gintani race exhaust and am looking for an x-pipe. I would prefer to go with a Gintani x-pipe but I don't want to base my decision off of just wanting to stick with the same brand. Truth is, I don't know much about x-pipes so I was wondering if you guys could give me a quick 101. What kind of x-pipes are available? Resonators, CAT delete and all that good stuff, and what each of the different types provide, and is a tune required or not? Also, what is a good option if I am looking to stay around 1k. Any information on x-pipes that you think I should know. Thanks in advance.

[C|3R1C]

A tune is not required (but you will get a SES which can get you some hassle at the dealership), high flow cats are a great option for those sensitive to smell (and the smell is pretty bad without cats in general... i personally use the AA HFC), and I like sticking with the same company just cause.. but there are many options. Resonators I think help reduce drone.


There is a lot of information, so search around. GL on your decision!!

[KMIII]

Thanks. So if I stick with Gintani, what will be the difference between their cat delete, 4 resonated, and HFC systems? Can someone give me details on each system as far as power gains, tune needed or not, CEL, problems with inspections?

[THE TECH]

Do a : There is a ton of info here. You're not going into uncharted waters.

[Draff1]

Gintani has a unique X-pipe that puts the X in a forward position versus the others. They claim it enhances torque. In general, you should know that complete cat delete will have a noticeable smell and will be very loud. Gintani is among the louder exhausts but their sound is very distictive and quality is great.

Comes down to prefernce but I've tried both ways and I like the HFC + resonators + tune. Good power gains and slightly more refined sound and controlled smell.

[erm324]

The gintani xpipe will give you massive gains, the difference is noticeable instantly even without a tune (to be honest, I never felt that my tune added hp, only the xpipe).

It comes with a couple options - you can either get 2 sets of HFC's or fully catless, and you have an option of getting 2 resonators or 4 as well (depending on your cat set-up). I'm currently running the Gintani catless xpipe with 4 resonators with their sport exhaust and the setup is great. The xpipe (especially catless) will make your car louder than it is now, and I wouldnt recommend the catless setup with the race catback unless you have very UNsensitive ears and a high tolerance for drone and obnoxious noise.


In regards to cats, if your looking to get max hp and performance out of your car the way to go is catless. But if your sensitive to smell (it does smell like shit, but I personally love it) and are worried about emissions (you can always grease someone to take care of your inspection for you) then your best bet is HFC's. Also, catless will be louder than a HFC setup.

[Nate@IND]

Here is a good comparison that we took. OEM vs. Challenge X-pipe options.

[CSanto]

How bad does it really smell sans cats?

[longuyen88]

I heard that the evolve tune lets you eliminate the primary cats while having obd2 readiness. Is that true?

[rockd]

The smell from a catless x-pipe is bad:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667406

Even HFC's have a noticeable smell to them.

[KMIII]

What would be the difference in sound and power gains when comparing the challenge street to the other 2 models (Sports, Race). I know the Race is completely catless so it would have the greatest power increase. What would I be losing if I went with the Street version?

[avex8]

Originally Posted by KMIII

What would be the difference in sound and power gains when comparing the challenge street to the other 2 models (Sports, Race). I know the Race is completely catless so it would have the greatest power increase. What would I be losing if I went with the Street version?

The street is the x-pipe only, it doesn't have the deleted primary cat. So you have to connect your oem primary cat onto it or get a turner test pipe and go cat less

[KMIII]

Thanks brotha, I think I will just have to go with the Challenge sport version. By the way, I am getting the steering wheel installed first thing in the morning, so I should be able to ship it out to you right after. I still can't track the trunk though

[avex8]

Originally Posted by KMIII

Thanks brotha, I think I will just have to go with the Challenge sport version. By the way, I am getting the steering wheel installed first thing in the morning, so I should be able to ship it out to you right after. I still can't track the trunk though

that's weird. i'll call the shop first thing in the morning, you can call them to check too.

[Lagunae92]

Originally Posted by KMIII

Thanks brotha, I think I will just have to go with the Challenge sport version. By the way, I am getting the steering wheel installed first thing in the morning, so I should be able to ship it out to you right after. I still can't track the trunk though

There are four challenge models, and the sport has resonators and I believe 200 cel HFCs. It is almost $2k, but I just ordered this one myself. Race is too much sound/smell, especially on this car, and the street does not seem entirely worth it....