Is an X-pipe just an X-pipe?

[Atrevido]

I’m interested in buying an ECS X-pipe ($259) for my S4 and having it professionally installed. I stopped by a well rated indy muffler shop and asked for a quote: they said about $80
and it could easily be done in less than an hour. My total cost would be around $340.

The manager asked if I’d already bought the x-pipe and if not, he could fabricate one and install it for $300. He said “after all, an X-pipe is just an X-pipe”.

So, is an X-pipe just an X-pipe? I’m interested in your thoughts, pros and cons, etc.

Thanks!

[BlueSteW8]

Technically it is a "D" pipe, though x pipe works.

[brs2c]

The angle at which each side converges on the 'x' can make a slight difference on sound/performance, but for the most part...an x-pipe is an x-pipe. With the ECS X-pipe, you are paying for that ability to not have to weld it in place. Performance wise, you are actually better off to move the X closer to the front of the vehicle than the ECS, as you want the exhaust pulses to be able to balance as soon as possible (although I imagine the performance difference from moving 2' forward would be very small). Hope this helps.

[dimonblr]

This is ECS



This is probably closer to what the fab shop will do for you.

[XxSullyxX123]

I’m interested in buying an ECS X-pipe ($259) for my S4 and having it professionally installed. I stopped by a well rated indy muffler shop and asked for a quote: they said about $80
and it could easily be done in less than an hour. My total cost would be around $340.

The manager asked if I’d already bought the x-pipe and if not, he could fabricate one and install it for $300. He said “after all, an X-pipe is just an X-pipe”.

So, is an X-pipe just an X-pipe? I’m interested in your thoughts, pros and cons, etc.

Thanks!

To save $40 I wouldn’t have them throw something together that may not be as good as something that at least had some level of R&D put into it.

[rrated]

ECS part has the resale value on here.

However, I'm pretty sure you won't notice a huge difference if your shop can weld pretty competently.

Local shop in my town that did all my custom exhaust work over the years (well, most of it) has made resonator deletes and x pipes and mandrel bent intake tubes and even custom racing exhausts for motorcycles I've owned. They all worked perfectly and sounded as they should have and cost a fraction of what I would have had to pay otherwise.

I've definitely had to spend a bit of time in each case explaining to the technicians what exactly they needed to do and where but none of it has been rocket science and their skills have been excellent.

I am willing to bet ECS' costs on these came from making them bend in the right spots and look pretty(ish).

My shop would probably charge $40-140 depending on how busy they were to do the same kind of thing on my car if I wanted it.

Maybe you should see what other exhaust shops in your area will say?

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[chilort]

The angle at which each side converges on the 'x' can make a slight difference on sound/performance, but for the most part...an x-pipe is an x-pipe. With the ECS X-pipe, you are paying for that ability to not have to weld it in place. Performance wise, you are actually better off to move the X closer to the front of the vehicle than the ECS, as you want the exhaust pulses to be able to balance as soon as possible (although I imagine the performance difference from moving 2' forward would be very small). Hope this helps.

I was told that a good way to determine the placement of a crossover pipe (H- or X-) was to use a crayon on the exhaust. First, draw a line with the crayon down the exhaust, second, go for a regular drive, and third note where the crayon quits melting. The point where the crayon quits melting is where the crossover is supposed to go. I have no idea who invented that rule of thumb, if it is any good, and if cheap Chinese crayons are acceptable or if you have to use Crayola. Our cars are tight such that things go where they fit.

[jungy4]

I would definitely pay a bit more to get the ECS X pipe for the easy bolt-on installation, in case if you ever want to go back to stock.

Much better to go with the part that was created by the company that did the research and development.

[Atrevido]

This is why I truly appreciate this thread: the wide variety of opinions and personal insight.

A sincere thank you to everyone for your feedback, I'm pretty sure I'm going the ECS route.

[EIAlfonso]

Not sure of the shop or what they offered, but most shops do not use stainless steel such as what is offered by ECS

[jungy4]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...034-Motorsport

Check out the thread that I created a while ago. We have two options for the direct fit X pipe. The 034 one looks nicer with added braces, but if you look at it closely at the "X" portion, you can see one of the two pipes is straight. The ECS one is truly X-shaped. For that reason, I think I will go with the ECS one. It may not make any difference, but know what I am saying?

[Atrevido]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...034-Motorsport

Check out the thread that I created a while ago. We have two options for the direct fit X pipe. The 034 one looks nicer with added braces, but if you look at it closely at the "X" portion, you can see one of the two pipes is straight. The ECS one is truly X-shaped. For that reason, I think I will go with the ECS one. It may not make any difference, but know what I am saying?

I know what you're saying, and ordered the ECS this morning.

[jungy4]

I know what you're saying, and ordered the ECS this morning.

If you get it installed, can you let us know how it went in terms of installation process and sound? I am debating.

[JimmyJamesS4]

Get a magnaflow x pipe and have them weld it, no rasp

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[Atrevido]

If you get it installed, can you let us know how it went in terms of installation process and sound? I am debating.

Will do. It's out for delivery, and should be installed by early next week.

[Atrevido]

The ECS X-pipe arrived yesterday and was installed first thing this morning. Of course, I had to take her out for a nice long test drive, and I tell you what, she sounds nice!
Quiet at idle, but when you give it gas you can’t help but think this is what it’s supposed to sound like. Just a little throaty, and a bit of rasp, but definitely not obnoxious.
I won’t be upsetting the neighbors any time soon. Most importantly, no drone at all.

Stock-Before.jpg


ECS X-Pipe After.jpg

That being said, I have two major shout outs. First to ECS: I ordered the part Tuesday morning for $259.95 delivered. The very next morning it went on sale for 15% off, or $220.96.
I emailed ECS customer service requesting the discount and they responded less than 24 hours later. They took the 15% off the price and gave it to me as a store credit.

The second shout out is for G Exhaust of South Florida. They’re clearly car enthusiasts who enjoy their work. I saw them do a complete cat-back exhaust on a Nissan 370Z in
less than 45 minutes. (Maybe that’s normal, but I was definitely impressed.) My X-pipe didn’t take more than 30 minutes and they made sure everything was tight and aligned.
It cost $80 and I was out the door. While I was there I spoke with 2 other guys who spoke highly of G Exhaust and were repeat customers. That says a lot.

[jungy4]

The ECS X-pipe arrived yesterday and was installed first thing this morning. Of course, I had to take her out for a nice long test drive, and I tell you what, she sounds nice!
Quiet at idle, but when you give it gas you can’t help but think this is what it’s supposed to sound like. Just a little throaty, and a bit of rasp, but definitely not obnoxious.
I won’t be upsetting the neighbors any time soon. Most importantly, no drone at all.

Stock-Before.jpg


ECS X-Pipe After.jpg

That being said, I have two major shout outs. First to ECS: I ordered the part Tuesday morning for $259.95 delivered. The very next morning it went on sale for 15% off, or $220.96.
I emailed ECS customer service requesting the discount and they responded less than 24 hours later. They took the 15% off the price and gave it to me as a store credit.

The second shout out is for G Exhaust of South Florida. They’re clearly car enthusiasts who enjoy their work. I saw them do a complete cat-back exhaust on a Nissan 370Z in
less than 45 minutes. (Maybe that’s normal, but I was definitely impressed.) My X-pipe didn’t take more than 30 minutes and they made sure everything was tight and aligned.
It cost $80 and I was out the door. While I was there I spoke with 2 other guys who spoke highly of G Exhaust and were repeat customers. That says a lot.

Thanks for the review and picture. Did it come with instructions that provided measurements on where to cut? I have read somewhere that their measurements were a bit off. I think I am ordering mine soon.

[Atrevido]

jungy4,
It did not come with any instructions, only hardware. It took two guys: one to hold the new ECS in place directly below the existing OEM parts, and a second guy to mark
where exactly to cut behind the resonator. Immediately aft of the baby resonators are easily-removed clamps, so there's no need to make any marks upstream
of the resonator. The second guy made his marks on the OEM exhaust exactly where the ECS X-pipe ended. After that it was remove & replace.

I can't imagine laying on my back in the hot sun and trying to do that by myself, and give a lot of credit to those of you that have. I hope this helps.

[jungy4]

jungy4,
It did not come with any instructions, only hardware. It took two guys: one to hold the new ECS in place directly below the existing OEM parts, and a second guy to mark
where exactly to cut behind the resonator. Immediately aft of the baby resonators are easily-removed clamps, so there's no need to make any marks upstream
of the resonator. The second guy made his marks on the OEM exhaust exactly where the ECS X-pipe ended. After that it was remove & replace.

I can't imagine laying on my back in the hot sun and trying to do that by myself, and give a lot of credit to those of you that have. I hope this helps.

Any chance of posting soundclips? That will be much appreciated.

[rrated]

This thread has inspired me to buy a generic x pipe for my A6 and have a shop weld it in. We will compare pricing and sound thereafter.

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[Ornithology]

This thread has inspired me to buy a generic x pipe for my A6 and have a shop weld it in. We will compare pricing and sound thereafter.

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Ie. MF 11385

[rrated]

No like a generic stamped one

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[Atrevido]

Any chance of posting soundclips? That will be much appreciated.

Before I bought the X-pipe I watched the following vids, and these are pretty accurate regarding the sound:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffS7oQWvUr4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOtnAX6whSM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdy3uikTYBU

[jungy4]

This thread has inspired me to buy a generic x pipe for my A6 and have a shop weld it in. We will compare pricing and sound thereafter.

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What year A6?

[rrated]

08 3.2

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[kevinz]

so, is the benefit just the sound? or is there a performance improvement?

[rrated]

so, is the benefit just the sound? or is there a performance improvement?

Supposedly helps with scavenging to get exhaust moving faster if done properly

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[jungy4]

so, is the benefit just the sound? or is there a performance improvement?

I doubt there is any performance gain. Just one of the simple ways to get more sound out of our silent stock exhaust.

[Atrevido]

+1. Performance gains, if any, would be minimal. This upgrade was strictly for the sound, and I'm very happy with it.
For performance gains I'm pretty sure you'd have to do a complete exhaust replacement and look to AWE, Borla, etc.

[harrisonk8]

Bump. Want to see if OP has any regrets thus far with the xpipe? I see a bunch of them for sale in the classifieds. Wondering if I should just put that money towards a catback. Just don't like the look and attention of an aftermarket catback.

[Atrevido]

No regrets at all, and the best part is the cold start: it sounds niiiiice!

[BR11S4]

I just got mine last night. Need to get it installed. Cant wait!

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[king_j]

Op, have you had a car with an aftermarket exhaust before?

If so, how would this compare?

The x pipe is louder than stock, but sounds like it has no tone.
Nothing to make it sound nice, just louder and a bit of rasp. This is based off vids only, have not heard it in person.


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[Atrevido]

king_j,
Sorry, but the last time I had a performance exhaust on any of my cars was on an '87 Monte Carlo SS. The exhaust from a small block Chevy sounds a LOT different
than from my '13 S4, so I wouldn't be anywhere near comparing "apples to apples" for you.

[U_know_me]

It’s worth it. I have had the x pipe for about 2 years and love it. It sounds similar to a z car with exhaust. Yeah it’s a little raspy but I think it adds to the character. Thankfully it’s quiet when it needs to be and not bothersome on long commutes. I highly recommend.


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[Charles]

Getting an X Pipe doesn't have to cost $300 (after install). I picked up this guy thinking my Borla was catback, but it wasn't, so now it's sitting in the box. If anyone wants it, $20 + shipping
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/jex-sxp4ss