H Pipe Vs Straight Pipe

[Bronson808]

When I deleted my stock resonator, I welded in two extension pipes (basically a straight pipe design), instead of going the H or X pipe route. I am currently running Flowmaster super 10 mufflers and am wanting to add in an H pipe in place of my straight mid pipes. How will replacing it with an H pipe affect performance and sound. I've read about the differences between H and X pipes, but haven't found much in regards to the comparison of my current setup and the H pipe. Any help is appreciated.

 

[84Ttop]

In my opinion a crossover of some sort is certainly warranted over straight pipes.
This was taken from Flowmaster's website:

Do I need to install an "H" pipe to my dual exhaust?
Flowmaster strongly recommends using an "H" pipe, commonly known as a "balance tube" on all "true dual" exhaust systems. An "H" pipe equalizes the pressures between both banks of the engine giving a broader and flatter torque curve throughout the rpm range. It also eliminates "back-rap" common on deceleration, and creates a deeper mellower tone both inside and outside of the vehicle.

Is an "X" pipe better than and "H" pipe?
Over the years, Flowmaster's testing of all types of crossovers, including "X pipes", has revealed no substantial benefits over a properly installed "H" pipe on street driven applications. However, in race applications with small cubic inch engines and /or restricted (small bore) carburetors, will respond well to the addition of X pipes, tri-y styled collectors and/or properly designed single exhaust systems.

 

[Bronson808]

In my opinion a crossover of some sort is certainly warranted over straight pipes.
This was taken from Flowmaster's website:

Do I need to install an "H" pipe to my dual exhaust?
Flowmaster strongly recommends using an "H" pipe, commonly known as a "balance tube" on all "true dual" exhaust systems. An "H" pipe equalizes the pressures between both banks of the engine giving a broader and flatter torque curve throughout the rpm range. It also eliminates "back-rap" common on deceleration, and creates a deeper mellower tone both inside and outside of the vehicle.

Is an "X" pipe better than and "H" pipe?
Over the years, Flowmaster's testing of all types of crossovers, including "X pipes", has revealed no substantial benefits over a properly installed "H" pipe on street driven applications. However, in race applications with small cubic inch engines and /or restricted (small bore) carburetors, will respond well to the addition of X pipes, tri-y styled collectors and/or properly designed single exhaust systems.

Thanks for the reply. I have seen this excerpt from flowmaster before. Just wanted to see if anyone else had an opinion on the matter. I guess I will be welding in a balance pipe within the near future.