Originally Posted By: jsecrest
I don't really have the money for flowmaster ect... but i am curious about this H and X pipe cause i was thinking of running my pipes straight back.
The H or X pipes connect the two sides of the exhaust, usually somewhere near the front of the driveshaft. H pipes are also called balance tubes, I think. Both will mellow the sound and are supposed to have some power benefits. Summit Racing sells kits, but an exhaust shop should be able to fabricate one or the other.
If you are limited to glasspacks because of cost, go with the longest available and definitely put in at least an H pipe. I had duals with long glasspacks put on a 1970 Grand Prix, and my ears were ringing after an hour on the highway. They put an H pipe in the next day, and the tone mellowed right out. I installed headers later. It was definitely loud, but still mellow, with no rasp or crackle.