X-Pipe Placement THAT important?

[trophies]

I'm about to run some new piping.

I currently have an X-Pipe installed in place of the center muffler on my B8 S5. I was curious if it should ideally be moved upstream or downstream and if it makes any sort of realtime difference in terms of the exhaust scavenging effect?

OEM downpipes (for now) and straight pipe back + X-Pipe

[03TLSinCO]

I've read through many threads here and on the S4 forums. As best as I can tell, the only difference placement of the X-pipe makes is in the tone of the exhaust. I have mine placed where yours is, but have stock mufflers, so mine is quieter than yours, but the tone is definitely deeper than stock. Since exhaust makes little difference in HP or torque, I doubt there's a significant performance difference based on placement of the x-pipe.

[JamesRS5]

I would disagree, the x-pipe location is important if you want it to operate correctly and help improve scavenging, surely you’d want the exhaust gas to be hotter as this is at a greater velocity, as it cools it will slow. Would that mean nearer to the downpipes the better the result.
I think many on here just fit an x-pipe for the sound rather than performance, JHM fitted theirs in the downpipe which would suggest that’s the best point to locate it for performance.

[HazeMyth]

I fit mine for sound, primarily because a supercharged engine doesn't yield much of a benefit from an exhaust change. If it were Turbo or even NA, different story.

[Sazexa]

Ideally you want the x-pipe as close to the engine as possible, generally.

That being said, theoretically any x-pipe is better than no crossover pipe. Under the rear sets/where the first big muffler is is popular to x-pipe since the spacial constraints are easy. JHM, Armytrix, and I believe Borla, placed their x-pipe designs right where the downpipes meet under the car.

I don't think sound wise either one makes a much larger difference, not as direct as removing either the resonators or the center muffler for whichever you choose. That's more the sound influencing part I believe.

[HazeMyth]

It's actually a little more raspy when the x-pipe is placed at the downpipes instead of at the center resonator. At one point I had come across a thread that had links to the different sounds.

[Jake@JHM]

Purpose of the X is to create the most optimal scavenging effect to generate the most possible power out of the exhaust. The placement of the X is critical for this purpose.

[Magowin]

X pipe I heard is good to relocate the cat's so they won't burn out with a stage 2 tune not sure about sound changes.

[spense5]

BUMP

I am debating relocating mine. I currently have mine (engine is 4.2L) located where the center muffler was so its just about where the back seats are. I figure if I relocate I might as well go foor some downpipes as well.

I have stock downpipes..I'm debating the JHM setup but will the drone be pretty severe since the only resonators I have left are the stock ones located under the front seats?

Jake, can you check if you have these on the shelf? or is there a build out time...I'm near

[Jake@JHM]

BUMP

I am debating relocating mine. I currently have mine (engine is 4.2L) located where the center muffler was so its just about where the back seats are. I figure if I relocate I might as well go foor some downpipes as well.

I have stock downpipes..I'm debating the JHM setup but will the drone be pretty severe since the only resonators I have left are the stock ones located under the front seats?

Jake, can you check if you have these on the shelf? or is there a build out time...I'm near

We normally have them in stock, but we sold a ton recently and every time our Fabrication Department finishes a set its being sent out instead of going to stock. Currently, 1-2 day turn around time though, so not bad.