C300Sport

Still looking for a cheap, but well done mod, to get just a little more sound out of my 300. I had the opportunity to talk with 3 very well seasoned exhaust guys that told me an H-Pipe may sound better than a X-Pipe on a 300. They admit that although the H will not provide the pulse mix like an X, it will allow equalization of pressure, if needed.
They said the seperate pulses coming our the exhaust may very well sound better than the "mixed" exhaust. It seems like the X works well for a 350 but sounds raspy on a 300 due to less flow volume.
Anyhow, my questions are:
Do you think the H-Pipe could possibly reduce power vs. the stock X style resonator?
Do you think an H-Pipe would sound better...I guess due to the seperate exhaust notes...more burbeling is how they described it?

C300Sport

I have been reading on a lot of different forums(beats actually working...lol) that the H-Pipe helps low end torque but not really helpful for high end HP. I guess it is simply because there is a little more back pressure due to no scavaging taking place. It also sounds like most people have experieced a little deeper sound with the H vs X and a less raspy note. Of course this is from forums covering everything from 1.6 L I4 imports to big block V8s so thinking the Merc should likely be about the same...

C300Sport

Ok, one more installment to my question. I literally stopped by 3 muffler and two performance shops during lunch...kinda long lunch I guess. Anyhow, I was amazed that every single one of them said I should just spend $50-$70 to cut the resonator out and go with straight pipes...I was actually expecting them to try to sell me cat backs or something, but they figured my best first step would be straight pipes and see how it sounds. Three of the five said it would sound the deepest between X, H and staight and, if anything, reduce backpressure while the other two just said it would be a bit louder and not really affect much at all.
Anyhow, wondering what you guys think of going straight pipes and if anyone has done it? Any drawbacks?

Derspeed

I was also wondering about H pipes. I asked that very question in one of the first X pipe threads.

I used straight pipes on an old american V-8 car and it sounded great. I'd be interested to hear it on this car. I think it would sound odd because the exhaust pulses from 3 cylinders of a V6 will sound uneven compared to the 4 cylinders of a V8. I wouldn't do it on street car.

I have learned through research that the X pipe will give better high-end power, better scavenging, less interior noise and a smoother idle. From what I understand, the H pipe will give a good low-end sound and low-end tq. I don't think either will alter it enough to make a big difference in power. You should just take your car to the shop and have them install each as long as it's up in the air. Have them clamp each one on, give a listen and then decide. Oh yeah, get some sound clips.

C300Sport

You guys surprised me...I thought many of our experts would have a little input...at least let me know I am crazy if looking at anything other than an X...
Guess I just don't wan't the raspy sound that the 3.0 produces compared to the 3.5. Anyhow, I am on the road again this week but will likely be doing something next week...maybe a little trial and error if needed.

TanMan350

My buddy has a xpipe on his 300 ( i have a 350) and you can tell the 300 has the raspy noise compared to the 350. I would go for the H pipe and try it out, since you know the X will get some rasp. You might have to sacrifice some high end HP, but its all up to you..

Azn_C300

there've been many discussions already discussing the benefits/deficiencies between X, H, and Straight pipes. You're not crazy trying an H.

Derspeed

Noone has had the ***** to do it yet. They want you to go first. If my exhaust idea doesn't work, I'll probably just get the Remus system. I am still looking for a retailer other than the sponsor though.

jeffie7

Is there no aftermarket support for the C class exhaust wise?

What would you guys be willing to pay for a cat back style exhaust?

Derspeed

Remus is the least expensive and it's pretty nice. The retail support is not so good. I am developing my own and it is still probably going to cost quite a bit.

C300Sport

I will be getting an H pipe fabricated and installed next week. Should be somewhere around 100-120. If I don't like, I will get the cross over cut out and see what straight pipes sound like. If that doesn't work, I will likely just buy an x-pipe and be done with it...although a little raspier than I really wanted.

Derspeed

I think this member's car sounds really good with the x-pipe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUmLaKp5ceA

C300Sport

Oh well, I have always been one to try to find "unique" ways of doing mild mods...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Well I can say without a doubt that no one should ever, ever replace our resonator with straight pipes...
It sounds like total $h!t...oh well I knew I was rolling the dice...and I lost.
I am looking for good deal on an X-pipe online today.

Chaka

Have you tried looking into Sebring Exhaust Systems? I know they carry a cat-back system for our cars. They used to be pretty popular back in my days.

angeloxnet

that would be my video, thx for the positive comments! ya i feel that its very subtle when in low rpms but sounds nice when u let her go! exactly what i wanted! i do plan to go with catback , new mufflers in the future.

jeffie7

Most cars end up putting out a raspy sound when the resonators are removed.

I'd like to see some before/after dynos for just adding an x pipe or h pipe.
Most people I assume do it for sound, if that's the case, why not just do an intake? I prefer the sound of an intake over removing any part of the stock exhaust.

C300Sport

My saga is finally over although I was a little pissed yesterday at the exhaust shop. I got them to order an xpipe for me to replace the straight pipes, which sounded like a couple angry sport bikes when revving through the gears.....
They measured everything out and cut the straight pipes to length...only then did I realize they had ordered a 2.5 xpipe vs. a 2.25. They planned on just slipping the xpipe over the other pipes and weld it all in together. My question is will the junction of the 2.5 xpipe flowing into the 2.25 downstream pipe casuse a lot of turbulence? I know it is not a smooth joint inside so I wasn't really happy with the idea. I told them to go ahead as I was really tired of the straight pipes...
Anyhow, once all is said and done, I love the sound. Doesn't seeem raspy at all and not much louder than stock...maybe the oversize xpipe reduces the rasp??

tanktube67

I'm glad you like it, I'm getting a new exhaust installed I just deciding between black or chrome tips

C300Sport

What color is your C?

tanktube67

black

C300Sport

I would have to say go chrome tips with a black car...unless you are wanting the total blackout look for wheel, emblems, calipers, lenses, etc....