Centre exhaust X pipe modification

[mjheathcote]

Larini offer a replacement H pipe or X pipe, which many go for the H pipe because the X pipe is too loud with the replacement rear boxes as well. Still can't understand why the X would be louder than the H, however looking at the standard exhaust, it's an X pipe, but with silencing after the X.
Anyway my question is, as anyone just replaced the standard silenced X pipe (with a H or X) but retaining the standard rear boxes? This may increase the noise level nicely, without the expense of changing the rear boxes, and be more efficient releasing a few horses.
Also looking at a picture of the standard silenced X pipe, has anyone just cut the silenced section out and welded a couple of pipes in place? I'm tempted to do this, I work for a stainless steel pipework fabrication company and could get this done for a few beers, would be more tempted if I could get a centre section cheap to have a butcher!
Cheers
Mike

 

[Mr.Cambio]

Hi Mike.This was the first exhaust modification i made by replacing the centre section with the X pipe. Result:Not much improvement in sound volume, but nice improvement in tone, that was more ferrar-ish.

 

[mjheathcote]

Hi Mike.This was the first exhaust modification i made by replacing the centre section with the X pipe. Result:Not much improvement in sound volume, but nice improvement in tone, that was more ferrar-ish.

Sounds(!) worthwhile.
Looking at your signature, as well as the sports cats, you have the standard rear boxes?

 

[Mr.Cambio]

The cats were put on a bit later, meaning that the difference in tone i had was with the X only. When i installed the cats, volume improved, as long as additional F-sound.. No, no boxes yet.Thinking of tubi/quicksilver or straight pipes.

 

[Maser Sod]

I had a custom made set-up from the back boxes to the manifold. A bit louder but not too bad (I asked for it to be fairly discrete to avoid death by neighbours). Clearance of the 'pinched' pipes around the front axle certainly made the car seem freer revving. Estimates were an extra 20-25bhp.

Should be a link somewhere to the work I had done, with pics.

 

[adam01]

Hi Mike.This was the first exhaust modification i made by replacing the centre section with the X pipe. Result:Not much improvement in sound volume, but nice improvement in tone, that was more ferrar-ish.

Agree with this

Ex UK GS vehicle was at our drive day, just had thestd. x section with resonator replaced with X Larini, we compared side by side with a std GS, hardly was noticable. Apart from weight saving, not sure I would bother.

 

[mjheathcote]

I had a custom made set-up from the back boxes to the manifold. A bit louder but not too bad (I asked for it to be fairly discrete to avoid death by neighbours). Clearance of the 'pinched' pipes around the front axle certainly made the car seem freer revving. Estimates were an extra 20-25bhp.

Should be a link somewhere to the work I had done, with pics.

I can remember the work you had done.

It makes more sense to me, to change the middle section and fit the cat replacement pipes, than to just change the rear boxes?
You are gaining efficiency and BHP modifying the front end, with a little more noise (which I want), while doing just the rear end is more noise? Is too much focus being placed on the rear boxes maybe?

 

[abyss]

Agree with this

Ex UK GS vehicle was at our drive day, just had thestd. x section with resonator replaced with X Larini, we compared side by side with a std GS, hardly was noticable. Apart from weight saving, not sure I would bother.

Yup. That was me.

I had the Larini X pipes installed last week. Overall sound volume hasn't changed much from the outside but inside the cabin is definately different. I can say the sound is raspier than the stock in particular the down shift.

 

[BennyD]

No, no, no! The first thing I did to mine was junk the back boxes and have never regretted it for a moment. Just debating whether to put an X pipe on as well as you can't have too much of a good thing. Coupled with Larini cats it should sound just right. Bolliox to the neighbours, I regard it as enriching their lives, especially at 6 in the morning.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

Mike, you should think what do you wish from your exhaust:sound or performance? If only sound, then back boxes and if not satisfied H or X. If you wish performance, go for the cats!

 

[adam01]

A small group of us are looking at replacing only the secondary cats - retain the OEM primary,xpipe & rear boxes - these are GS cars btw

We narrowed the choice down to between Larrini & Supersprint decat pipes (not silenced decats) -both have the split pipe design per bank under the steering rack as we felt retaining ground clearance was of importance. Supersprint were/are considerably cheapr - it appears they area copy of the Larinin pipes

From various video clips we have heard, noise improves but performance increase was the motivating factor for us. Idea is we do 1 vehicle to establish effectivness etc then proceed with others.

(Note Supersprint manufacture to order)

 

[adam01]

No, no, no! The first thing I did to mine was junk the back boxes and have never regretted it for a moment. Just debating whether to put an X pipe on as well as you can't have too much of a good thing. Coupled with Larini cats it should sound just right. Bolliox to the neighbours, I regard it as enriching their lives, especially at 6 in the morning.

Yes but Benny we know u r an extremest

 

[mjheathcote]

A small group of us are looking at replacing only the secondary cats - retain the OEM primary,xpipe & rear boxes - these are GS cars btw

We narrowed the choice down to between Larrini & Supersprint decat pipes (not silenced decats) -both have the split pipe design per bank under the steering rack as we felt retaining ground clearance was of importance. Supersprint were/are considerably cheapr - it appears they area copy of the Larinin pipes

From various video clips we have heard, noise improves but performance increase was the motivating factor for us. Idea is we do 1 vehicle to establish effectivness etc then proceed with others.

(Note Supersprint manufacture to order)

This is my idea too, but with the X. Supersprint are cheaper having a look on their web site. They don't offer the cat replacement pipes for the 4200... But I assume the GS ones fit?

 

[BennyD]

Nothing wrong with being an extremist Adam, the bloody world is full of them!

 

[Mr.Cambio]

I don't think you'll have gains from installing the GS cats.

 

[adam01]

Nothing wrong with being an extremist Adam, the bloody world is full of them!

True .........................................


but few drive Masa's

 

[adam01]

I don't think you'll have gains from installing the GS cats.

Various dyno data (if u can believe) & narratives suggest otherwise - gains are not dramatic but in the vicinity of 10-15bhp due to better/less restrictive exhaust flow

 

[BennyD]

True .........................................


but few drive Masa's

True.................


However, I know at least one that does. Take a bow Miles!!!

 

[BennyD]

...at least he was until he went 'straight' when he got his MCV!

 

[adam01]

This is my idea too, but with the X. Supersprint are cheaper having a look on their web site. They don't offer the cat replacement pipes for the 4200... But I assume the GS ones fit?

yes 4200 series s/b ok but double check with distributor/factory

Main thing to check is if u have 2 bolt or 4 bolt flange where they connect to the primary cats as variations do exist between export markets & manufacturing year.

(One of our MMG members has extensively researched & written an excellent document on exhaust for 4200 Masa's - its proprietary but will ask if he is willing to share)