GL500 with X-Pipe Installation

[orientdude]

Hello All,

It has been awhile since I last threaded here, though I have been lurking around. I now own a GL500. A pure joy to lounge in and enough poke to scare some lesser beasts.

Anyhow, I am looking at installing an x-pipe, but not delete the resonators. The x-pipe should be fitted after resonators,which I believe will allow the V8 to release a little more noise and V8 rasp. My question is are there anyone here or who knows of somebody having done an x-pipe installation on a GL500?

Or any recommended exhaust fabricator in the North-West as I return there often?

I really should post some pictures soon.

Thanks.

 

[b1g1an]

If you're not removing anything why are you expecting an increase in volume?

 

[ACID]

Hi

call Torque Flow they should be able to help.
They are based in Midlands

Thanks

Acid

 

[BTB 500]

I am looking at installing an x-pipe, but not delete the resonators. The x-pipe should be fitted after resonators,which I believe will allow the V8 to release a little more noise and V8 rasp.

You are just adding a short piece of pipe between the existing boxes - why do you think this will make it louder? I had only a small increase in sound when I had the centre muffler (resonator) removed on my SL.

 

[RBYCC]

An "X" or a "H" pipe will give a bit more noise as it allows the exhaust gas to commingle from cylinder bank to cylinder bank.

Technically the "X" pipe gives a scavenging effect on a NA "V" configuration engine

 

[BTB 500]

I'd have thought the pressure in each side of the system would be virtually identical that far back (after the resonators), so cross-flow would be minimal

But no harm in trying it I guess, other than having to notify insurance.

 

[RBYCC]

I'd have thought the pressure in each side of the system would be virtually identical that far back (after the resonators), so cross-flow would be minimal

But no harm in trying it I guess, other than having to notify insurance.

An article from an American car mag better explains...

Exhaust System
Installation H-Pipe, X-Pipe,- Car Craft Magazine

Install was done by Magnaflow...
Resulted in about 8db higher sound level and 12RWP on the dyno.

Results will vary from great to negligible depending on the vehicle/motor/exhaust that the x-pipe will be installed in.
Probably minimal change in the OP's stock GL500.



Ed A.

 

[BTB 500]

Interesting article, but it's only comparing X pipe to H pipe and open headers - with the X pipe being the quietest setup (up to 8 dB less than H pipe)! As you say, slotting an X pipe into a stock system with 4 cats and 2 resonators upstream and rear boxes downstream probably won't do much. But a decent specialist (as suggested by Acid) would certainly be able to advise. It's an interesting subject and of course the 'right' exhaust note/volume is a subjective/personal thing anyway

 

[b1g1an]

Surely it's already got a balance pipe somewhere amongst all those cats and resonators so how can it achieve anything other than lighten the pocket?

 

[SavMan]

You need to review what your current exhaust setup is before you can establish what the likely effects are.
Check if you have connecting pipes either before or after the secondary cats many do, equally many Mercedes center boxes (resonators) are common to both banks and allow some merging of the pulses from each cylinder bank. As such you are unlikely to see any effects from fitting an X pipe after this.

If your goal is noise then removing either the boxes themselves or opening them to remove material will likely get you a better result.

If it performance then concentrate or the areas that have the most restriction which is typically the cats and can be the center box.

An alternative is to remove the back boxes completely I heard a similar setup on a V12 BiTurbo and it sounded fantastic.

 

[orientdude]

Thanks to all who chimed in.


I have taken a further look underneath and have a spare exhaust midsection. There is no other connecting pipes. On the GL there are the primary cats connected to the manifolds, then the midsection and then splits into the 2 backboxes.

The secondary cats are located just after the midsection that separates into 2 pipes. So, the x-section would need to go before the secondary cats which may increase a little noise that I am looking for, but I do think there is not a lot to be gained. Since, I now have a spare section, I might as well have someone to make up a complete midsection with an x-section and straight through to the back boxes. Effectively deleting the secondary cats.

I am really looking to release more of the V8 rumble/rasp when accelerating hard and I do drive hard about 50% (family wagon), but having just that audible rumble (not loud) at rest to know something underneath is lurking. Any power gains is a bonus and I am not expecting any.