1mean55

Looking to delete the resonators and replace them with an x-pipe. What do you guys think about the enclosed x-pipe? I'm thinking of using this in a 2.5" in/out (that's what I measured the pipes to be just behind the mufflers). I know it's not going to give me much power, if anything at all, i just need a more aggresive sound. The stock system is way too quite for a +/- 500hp car.

http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts...A2672A0A0.aspx

jangy

I thought the pipes were 2.75"?

bobgodd

I'm thinking of doing the same thing.. If anything it can only aid flow if/when I get headers. I wonder what the inside of the resonator looks like??

Timeless

Do it...and then report back with the exact part you ordered along with a nice review and video.

1mean55

Yeah, that's what i thought too, but i measured with a digital caliper and the piping is 2.5". I'll measure again when under the car near the cats and resonators, pehaps they reduce the pipe when it gets closer to the mufflers.
Also, i will take pictures and do a writeup when done

chiromikey

if you're going for sound then you'll need to replace the mufflers instead of the resonator as there's little to no change from it.

Timeless

Can a decent muffler shop gut the stock mufflers for added sound?

chiromikey

absolutely...but if they do a poor job, you're out initial costs plus having to buy new mufflers. so choose your shop carefully!

if you're just looking to save money, have them fit any good quality straight through design muffler. muffler technology is relativity identical so there's no reason mufflers that fit our cars are worth 10x more than a ford (well except some of us seem to be willing to pay those silly prices!).

1mean55

I'm not looking for anything too lound, just a little more rumble especially at WOT. I don't think I'll be going the muffler route, no power gains so not worth it.

if you're just looking to save money, have them fit any good quality straight through design muffler. muffler technology is relativity identical so there's no reason mufflers that fit our cars are worth 10x more than a ford (well except some of us seem to be willing to pay those silly prices!).[/QUOTE]

Timeless

Most exhaust MODs are little to none on power gains and can actually reduce pressure on E55s. Headers are really the only exhaust mod with proven gains.

Timeless

Got any good ideas on which mufflers work well with part numbers? I am sure a lot of people would love a better sound and not have to spend $2-3k for mufflers.

1mean55

BTW...off topic, but i see you had Powerchip do the ECU, i'd like to use them because they're local. But LET does it for $800 (vs. $1400) with many satisfied customers on the board and similar results. How did you like powerchip? would you give LET a try?

Vadim @ FD

Exhaust pipes are 2.75'' (70 mm).

1mean55

Thanks Vadim, do you guys make a 2.75" x pipe? if so, how much?

bobgodd

I hate to be the stupid n00b and come in here and disagree with everyone, especially a respected tuner...

But I can't believe that there isn't even 1hp to be gained from taking out the resonator. Unless the inside of the resonator is the same shape as a straight pipe, or some ingenius scavenging design, I can't imagine how an x-pipe wouldn't be even slightly better.

Dr. C36

yes do it, it will help with both sound and scavenging effects. W210 guys have been doing them for a few years now. There is a crossover in the W211 system but its a really weird shaped H-pipe before the cats and it doesn't really help with scavenging effects its more just to balance the pulses, nothing more. If you are going to replace, might as well do it with X-pipe. The ebay pipes are 2.5" ID so 2.65 OD, you can easily expand them and have them installed, it won't restrict flow, the middle X portion is much larger anyways so its honestly irrelevant. hope that helps

1mean55

Thanks, it does help. Vadim confirmed the system consists of 2.75" (70mm) piping. Wouldn't i need somthing slightly bigger than that, a 3" X Pipe, to fit over the oem piping? Also, the tru x pipe by magnaflow only comes in a 2.5 or 3" measurement so 2.75" is not an option.

bobgodd

I have a Magnaflow x-pipe in route and I will have it done at an exhaust shop in Vista and I'll post the details. A 2.5 inch pipe can be expanded but I don't think a 3 inch pipe can be properly downsized to fit correctly. the center junction for the x-pipe is almost 5 inches so there's plenty of room for exhaust flow.

1mean55

Looking forward to the details. It looks like i'll be going with the 2.5". The expertise on this forum is priceless...i don't know how else i would go about tapping real world experience like that of this board.

chiromikey

the resonator IS a straight through design and actually merges both sides. simply adding an x-pipe in any random place deosen't always make power. even if it made 5hp, imho a dyno isn't going to be accurate enough to document it.

chiromikey

you could wait for corsa performance or just have any competent shop fit a quality brand for you.

Vadim @ FD

We do offer a 3'' X-pipe to replace the resonator. It simply slides over the exhaust and can be welded or flanged by any mufler shop.

http://vrptuning.com/cart/index.php?...products_id=20

The problem with aftermarket x-pipes is that they do not either have proper spacing between pipes or are not true X-pipes.

Dr. C36

Not true, on the W210 E55 AMGs it has been documented to make 8HP on the dyno at high rpms (above 5000rpm). That is on an NA 5.5L AMG too, im sure gains on E55 could be higher on the top end. The W210 amg resonator was 100% straight through too and those were the gains on top of that. The reason X-pipe makes more power on top end is b/c it allows for better scavenging effects. You won't notice much difference below 5000rpm, but above that it pulls all the way to redline and the power doesn't feel like it levels off, it keeps going.

the ebay X-pipes are the best bang per buck, They are better than the Magnaflow ones and they fit much better. For $50 shipped it doesn't get better than that. These are the same exact ones all the W210 E55 boys now use and they have said they are the best.

This is the exact one you'd need. Comes in 3" as well. Also the mix section has a larger internal volume and is smoother than the magnaflow so it flows much better:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/T304-...spagenameZWDVW



you're welcome

chiromikey

what part's not true? this is the w211, not the w210 forum. you can't directly compare results gained with specific mods for a n/a engine versus a f/i one...ESPECIALLY when talking exhaust.

as another option, you could always go custom!

1mean55

Thanks for the input, very helpful. As to the x pipe you enclosed, i just can't imagine it being a quality product. The piping and labor alone must cost more than $24.