"Exploring the exhaust components, that exist, between the headers (or exhaust manifold) and cat backs (or mufflers)"
Corvette C6 and C6 Z06
The X-pipe is generally the center section of a performance exhaust system. Also, the catalytic converters are at the front of the X-pipe (which is also the rear of the header or stock exhaust manifold).
The X-pipe is also known as the Crossover Pipe, H-pipe, XO-pipe, Y-pipe, and a few others. Some of these terms evolved from a visual type description, and some of the names were developed by "coined" company product descriptions.
Generally, the cross-over pipes on rear wheel drive cars (such as the Vette) are known generically as the H-pipe (Y-pipe on other models like the LS-1) in their stock form, and start to be described as the X-pipe in reference to performance aftermarket replacements. The "XO-pipe" is a Corsa Performance parts name for their version of this piece.
ZR1 H-pipe
XPipe is also a computer related technical term, so add a space in X-pipe for the exhaust component. There is also a bicycle crank axle known as the (Giga) X pipe.
Anyhow, the main purpose of this crossover pipe is to balance (or smooth out) the back pressure between the right and left sides (banks) of a dual exhaust. The cross-over also plays a role with emissions, mainly because the cats are connected at this juncture.
C5 exhaust in a suspension related image - wikipedia.org
The X-pipe is positioned between the mufflers (cat-backs or tailpipe section) at one end, and the exhaust manifold (headers) and catalytic converters [cats]) at the other .
B&B X-pipes with high-performance cats
As was mentioned before, carefully consider whether you want to ditch the stock H-pipe. The aftermarket units are not aimed as much at performance gains, as they are at producing a certain exhaust tone. The factory stock H-pipe will emit a popping or gurgling sound with aftermarket cat-backs and/ or headers, when the accelerator is quickly released. Many people like this more radical sound, but with most of the aftermarket X-pipes this sound will be more mellow, and is generally preferred.
SLP X-pipe, cats, and headers
This sound difference is described as resulting from the gases mixing, and mellowing the sound, on the X-pipe type junction.
The factory stock H-pipe is said to have the more raspy sound because the exhaust gases, mostly, run by the junction in the H-pipe, and follow the path of least resistance, straight out the back, without much mixing.
With the aftermarket style X-pipe the exhaust gas pulses, from either side, mix (blend) together much more (have more contact), hence the smoother more mellow sound.
Kooks X-pipe and Cats - Off Road Only
Often the conversation comes up about doing away with the X-pipe or cats when doing a conversion, but, the truth is, that pro tuners can often get as much as, or more, horsepower with a full exhaust system, than with either straight headers, or a system with other deleted pieces. About the only negative effect on an exhaust system install might be the catalytic converters, but some aftermarket manufacturers claim they have their units down to a three horsepower drain (loss). The rest of the exhaust system is going to trump this, by a long shot, over the stock setup. Also, unless specified, we are generally talking about running street vehicles in this series, so most new Vette buyers are going to keep their street cars within certain legal limits (retain the cats).
Corsa Corvette C6 kit
So, outside of deleting parts, most systems are legal, but there are off-road only cat systems available (which are not street legal). Also, some X-pipes don't include cats, or are offered in an installable kit which excludes them. Any reputable manufacturer, or dealer, will be clear on what you are purchasing, so you can decide.
Some X-pipes manufacturers have a difference between their manual and automatic transmission models. So, double check it.
C6 Corsa 05-08 X0-pipe
Chevy Corvette C5 C6 exhaust system videos:
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FAsnakes (06 Vette) Hi-Po Full Exhaust
[ref] wikipedia.org, howstuffworks.com
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