X-Pipe vs H-Pipe vs Factory Pipe - Ford Mustang V6 - Exhaust Flow Simulation

It is well-known that an H-Pipe is the correct choice for maximum low-end and overall performance gain. The X-Pipe is second best, and the factory Hybrid-Pipe is obviously the worst. True-Dual is a bad idea on today's cars. This applies to any vehicle running a naturally-aspirated engine that is equipped with dual exhaust.

For sound, the X-Pipe is the best, the Hybrid-Pipe second, and the H-Pipe is the worst. This only applies to the V6 Mustang. On the GT, the H-Pipe is the best, X-Pipe is second, and Hybrid-Pipe is the worst.

Why? Why is this so? How do we know this? Prove it!

If you watch the flow simulations in this video, you will clearly see why we choose certain exhaust pipes over others. Lets start with the low-speed flows. If you look closely at the H-Pipe, which offers the highest performance, you will see that the flow is smooth and fast, while still allowing for pressure balance. If you look at the X-Pipe, you will see that the flow collides, and causes turbulence at low speeds. The Hybrid-Pipe tries to mix both of these features, but fails, as the factory pipe is not mandrel-bent, is not smoothly welded, and is not quality stainless, nor joined with a large enough cross-section to offer the same crisp X-Pipe sound. If we look at high speeds, all three pipes behave the same, however, the X-Pipe is the best at balancing extra pressure, therefore having the advantage above 3,000rpm.

In conclusion, if you want more torque AND more horsepower, and don't care about sound, then get an H-Pipe for your Mustang. If you want more horsepower and some serious sound, get an X-Pipe for your Mustang. Either way, get rid of that nasty Hybrid-Pipe that Ford ditched on you!!!

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[christopherjurkiewicz]

The reason an h works better is because at low rpm the pressure is balanced between banks while at high rpm the cylinders fire in such rapid succession you don't need to try and scavenge from the opposite bank, you just need to get the exhaust out of the tail pipe...and x will encourage cross contamination much more so than a 90 degree H

[muaythai]

I’d love to see an uneven firing crossplane V8 with that simulation.
X-, h-pipe and no Crossover comparison.

[erreoable]

The best configuration for the exhaust of a 6-cylinder engine is 6-2-1, with a "Y" pipe, leaving a 6-2-1 system that provides greater torque and power compared to the "X" or "H "

[fasnuf]

Interesting fluid dynamics model. I didn't expect the results, especially on the X pipe. Seems the gasses had more friction in that setup.

[Avetho]

Was that Coanda Effect in the high speed flow on the X-pipe? That was cool

[jgarzajr]

What about the H-pipe first and then a resonated Xpipe afterwards or centered. Could this help in performance and sound quality? With newer fuel injection engines?

[Moparmaga-]

The h- pipe looks to create tornadoes that force the long side gasses into a faster velocity

[rifleman]

Good representation of the different exhaust flow.

[alexr]

This is an interesting video, would it be possible to run a simulation comparing an h and x pipe for a v8, I want to see how that is different due to the odd firing of a v8.

[TOBYH]

I GOT AN H PIPE INSTALLED ON MY 63 RANCHERO it really smoothed out the pulses, sounds so much better,
it has a 260 with duals and flowmasters, sounds awesome.

[lightningvolt]

Looks like the X-Pipe has a more fluent/consistent flow. I knew it👍🏼

[navypackman]

Back pressure has been disproved numerous times. The main concern one should have is pipe diameter and optimal pipe length for most efficient scavenging effect...assuming power is your priority.

[newdayuser]

X pipe more consistent flow, true, however your losing some torque, as opposed to the H pipe!!

[FlyDontLandOnFlowers]

I'm glad I went with an H pipe on my exhaust. Sounds and feels amazing.

[godsaveamerica]

Funny, I read the complete opposite regarding x pipes and h pipes. X pipes for high end performance and with high hp. H pipe is better when you're not producing enough exhaust. The more exhaust gas x pipes are preferred.

[buschg]

Great video. Helps to identify the difference in sound i.e. pulses (rumble) versus stream (howl).

[andreaskleopa]

I have a 2012 mercedes s350d. Its a 3.0L V6 engine with a turbo. It's stock and i would like to do something to the exhaust to make it a bit louder nothing too crazy though like loud raspy gunshots and stuff. I just want that deep roar sound like a lion. What do you recommend doing?

[lichologa]

For 2014 gt 5.0 mustangs with long tube headers with roush-like overall resonators, which do you recommend? It actually sounds like metallic or something that vibrates, I don't like it, I'm looking for a deep sound

[mrsmooth]

I have a 2016 Mustang GT, purely stock except for a shop x-pipe, like those pictured above. I'm wondering; would I make any gains in horsepower or torque if I added another x-pipe before the end mufflers. I want as much exhaust flow as possible. Would this set-up cause any problems?

[Quackzilla]

So I've got a 330d E46 BMW, and its with a Y pipe turning dual pipe exhaust, it's from the factory like that, I removed all of the silencers and put an H pipe right after the Y pipe. So now its single pipe from the manifold down to a Y pipe, turning to double pipes, an H pipe and straight trough double pipes to the back. The power difference is very, very noticable! I can feel more power in all of the rev range, better trottle response and an earlier turbo spool. I'm deff not sorry about the H pipe, but I keep wondering what would've an X pipe felt like. Any thoughts?