Opinions about an H-pipe

[LSUpete]

I am having the new exhaust run next week, and discussed the application of an H-pipe with the installer. He said that was an idea that Ford came up with and I would not notice a significant improvement. His reasoning was that an H-pipe was applied to reduce back pressure for mustangs with converters, and since mine doesn't have converters, it wasn't necessary.

What do you guys think about that?

 

[mustangmarty]

I've got a 67 Mustang with a 351 Windsor, and I'm using an H-pipe. I like it because of what the guy told you about releasing back pressure. You still have mufflers by the way. I've been told they also have a bit of a scavenging effect on the opposite exaust pipe. I don't know, but I think they run quieter too.

 

[justinsane]

I remember my 68 Torino GT with a 390 had a factory H pipe. I've always heard that a crossover will improve low end torque. If I remember correctly, the crossover should be about 2/3 the size of the main exhaust pipes. I'm sure with a little looking, you can find some info on the net.

Good Luck,

Brian

 

[wildbill]

8) 8) 8) Ford has had H pipes since back in the late 50's when they came out with the FE block(332/352/390) and still use them they will equalize the back presser in the exhaust system and the motor will perform better good luck with your system. Bill 8) :

 

[Jeepster]

76 302 w/out converters....headers/duel exh. "H" pipe is present. I dont know what kind of mufflers but its quiet.....wife wants something with some more growl. :

 

[stevew]

Hard to say Pete , doubt you'll notice any difference . Like so many mods , by themselves very little is achieved but all added together might make a difference . The H pipe on my plowing animal 1/2 cab certainly didn't quiet it any ! ;D

 

[BoltBuster]

H pipes should improve performance. I have decided to have this done later also. H pipe system works before the muffler and close to the engine. If I'm not mistaken an H pipe should be be slightly smaller than the rest of the system to perform and sound right (Summit sells the X cross type)


Couple of pages that will keep you and the muffler guy in line-

http://www.tigersunited.com/tech_tips/PaulickExhaust/pt-PaulickExhaust1.asp

http://reviews.stangnet.com/review.cgi?ID=345



When size matters-

The size of the pipe for the entire system will determine what kind of sound. Larger will have a deeper hollow sound where a smaller one will sound sharper and sometimes more flat.(no I don't install pipe organs, my grandfather did in England)



Whats the noise all about-

The type of muffler and its design along with quality of material inside will determine how loud and how long it will last.



The law of physics-

Don't make the mistake of cleaning out a catalytic converter, not just so much for the law reasons but for the reasons of unburnt fuel gets trapped here and burns resulting in damaging a muffler over a period of time quicker. Not only that, it will give your exhaust system a very unpleasant hollow sound. Resulting in poor performance and waste of your money and time placed in it-



What goes in doesnt come out-

Tip: walk into a local performance shop ask one of the guys if they could recommend a correct pipe size for your size of engine and carburetor. Having exhaust way too big looks cool but can perform not as well as one that is matched up with its source. If you want the tail section to look big just have them weld the last 3ft larger.


Tuned Exhaust-

http://microcarproject.tripod.com/html/tuned_exhaust_system.htm

Hope this helps-

 

[broncodan1]

???
Hey,
Besides the perfomance issue,which is important,I
think it improves the sound.You have all 8 cylinders
comin' outta both pipes!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
IMHO

 

[Bronco_Rider]

Hi,
I did an H pipe on one of my 4 wheel drives years ago and never did it again. What you gain in torque and sound is cancelled out in by having to drop and entire exhaust system just to change a clutch or transfer case.
That H pipe was just in the way of everything. I was also concerned about heat from the pipe cooking parts.

Bronco_Rider

 

[76BroncoSport]

i went with headers dual 2.5" straight pipes all the way back with flowmasters. I had to get something and I couldn't wait for the Spintechs. They are very loud. I know I will tone it down in the future but for now I am having fun with it. Probably until I want to hear my radio hahaha.

 

[JaxLax]

H-pipes are a good add, but not a necessity by any means.

 

[socalgsx]

The H pipe is there for scavenging effect it creates better horse power but if you do not have the H pipe it creates better torque which you want in a 4X4.

That is why you see all of these H pipes and X pipes for Mustangs and what not.

 

[lars]

Hey, Pete-

I can think of another reason to add an h-pipe. Sanity. With my old 302 and a J. Duff dual system, there was a nasty resonance in the exhaust at around 2000 rpm, which translated to 45 mph or so. A speed I wound up driving at regularly, due to my commute. Drove me nuts. I had the local muffler shop install a cross over just aft of the t-case with a flange in it so I could separate the sides if I needed to drop the system. It got rid of a "rapping" sound in the exhaust note and almost completely eliminated the resonance. Never noticed any improvement in torque or power, but never cared- that wasn't the point for me.