I don't think x pipe sounds good unless you have headers. I had both before and after with PYPES x pipe. And I thought it was tiney sounding before LTH. But to answer your question on x pipes, I don't think it matters.
My guess is the temp reaches max about 15 minutes into your drive and will stay there. There is a point where it is just as hot as it can get and that's it. On a long drive the air is moving, so that's much better than rush hour traffic. If your really worried put in a lower thermostat like a...
On a sticky tire. Turn off all the nannies rev it up to at least 5000 (5500 is better) slip it fast. Not a dump but not far off. Anything less than 5000 and you will bog. When you can get your 60 ft to 1.7 or preferably lower you are doing it right. Doing anything on the stock tires is not going...
Has anyone here had problems or heard of anyone having problems with the injectors running the C85? there is warning on the website about compatability issues because of the MTBE in C85. I am assuming is because of the nitro and the MTBE.
You will need headers, just dont go catless and keep your mufflers on and maybe even the resonator. you may want OPGs if you going to boost also. Have you thought about going E85 full bolt on with a good tune first. the only $ you would waste would be on your CAI.
If you go that route. start with 2 parts yellow and 1 part orange and tweek from there. mix in baby food jar or the like. I feel like a corvette owner when people ask me about them, I tell them the brakes are the only ones like that and the car is now a 1 of 1. LOL
I had to use the POR 15 engine enamel and mix orange and yellow to get anything even close. The matching took a couple of tries. It held up to a track day at Road America and those babies got hot. They are good from far but far from good. better than bare metal for sure.