Exhaust Balance (H or X) Pipes

[pb3]

After further investigation into how to reduce the exhaust noise (without effecting engine efficiency too much) I have come to the conclusion that the best way forward would be by means of installing a balance pipe setup. This is where an additional pipe known as a balance or H pipe links both sides of the exhaust system. Also sometimes referred to as an X pipe due to the pipe shape/configuration. It would seem that by connecting the two separate exhausts could even give rise to more power as the exhaust gas flow is improved and also often has a noticeable effect on reducing noise. The only problem with the Ultima is that the exhaust system is so compact and a balance pipe is best placed as close to the collectors as possible. Has anyone tried this on their car and got any feedback on results and installation, before I go off on my own…

Phil.

[cliveg]

Don't know if this thread helps. www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=52503&f=20&h=0&hw=exhaust+balance+pipe

>> Edited by cliveg on Friday 18th March 12:09

[GreenV8S]

This is supposed to improve the interference problem between 4/8 and 5/7 from the uneven firing within each bank. I think you can achieve this by putting balance pipes between the appropriate runners, or by crossing two of the exhaust primaries over before the collector. I know somebody who has fitted balance pipes to an RV8 powered Ginetta, I believe the GT40 used a cross-over manifold. I don't know how much difference either of these actually made.

The main problem I see is that if it works, it ought to kill the characteristic V8 burble.

[bigmack]

I know someone who fitted a balance pipe on his Sports with great success. The silencers on the sports and GTR are different, but he was able to get the noise level down to pass all of your UK racing circuit noise restrictions. He also had the silencers opened up and reworked to reduce noise.
Cheers!
-Mack

[andygtt]

this is what I did on my can-am... dropped the noise a genuine 10db over the factory std exhaust system.
was less restrictive as well.


the extra distance of the exhaust made a large difference as well.

>> Edited by andygtt on Friday 18th March 19:04

[davefiddes]

GreenV8S said:

The main problem I see is that if it works, it ought to kill the characteristic V8 burble.

Shouldn't worry about that. My bro runs a 3 1/2" straight through system (not out of choice it has to be said) with a Y-pipe on his Camaro. It still burbles the same as my Ultima. You don't lose anything much sound wise.

[pb3]

Well I finally got round to implementing something that I started to look at towards the beginning of the year, a balance pipe.

I had my first test drive last night and can report that things are different. The car seemed slightly more lively (read “scary”) and does sound marginally different although I can’t say how much quieter. I will get it sound tested either over the weekend or early next week.

In the last week I have constructed a “noddy” website that details this and some other stuff, but have a look at [url]http://pb3.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk[/url] (no www.). Some general blurb about the balance pipe is on the "Miscellaneous Notes" link and pics and notes are on the "Balance Pipe" link.

[gtr-gaz]

Looks good Phil

I don't think I would have the heart to start cutting holes in all that lovely stainless!

[BogBeast]

davefiddes said:

Shouldn't worry about that. My bro runs a 3 1/2" straight through system (not out of choice it has to be said) with a Y-pipe on his Camaro. It still burbles the same as my Ultima. You don't lose anything much sound wise.

Well, I'm about to ditch my silencers and install a cross over on my sport (just for the hell of it, fallen out with the neighbours anyway ). Even got a sound meter ready

[boosted ls1]

I think most v engines should have a balance pipe as it allows the exhaust to exit via two routes.

Boosted.