3” H Pipe Creates a Quieter Sound, is it Normal?

[Bullitt_Will]

Just recently installed a 3” AWE H Pipe. Got it for cheaper compared to spending twice for the Steeda 2.5” I installed it recently on my 2019 Bullitt. The rest of the exhaust is still stock, so 2.5” pipe. I used to have an X pipe and I thought that was much louder. Do you guys think the bigger 3” h pipe is causing the reduction in sound or is it all in my head. Would y’all say this would be an ineffective setup. I’m aiming to install the Mach 1 muffler kit down the line.

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[2015 Silver GT]

The H-Pipe will be quieter than your X-Pipe.

 

[CarDad29]

Could've had a leak from the X-pipe install that was fixed during the H pipe install. That'd be my guess. H pipe might sound a bit deeper along with the 3" transition but wouldn't imagine it much quieter.

 

[SnowFox]

-Blow through a regular drinking straw. (Narrow)

-Now blow through one of those fat jumbo straw's(less narrow)

X and H straws are not a real thing so my analogy for sound perception only applies to the diameter portion of the question

But regardless, my X pipes are always more loud than my H pipes. (Yes I have several because I can't stick to one system for longer than a month apparently)

 

[MAGS1]

One of the sites (American Muscle, CJPP, Lethal, Steeda can’t remember which) did a decibel comparison between H and X pipes several years ago. Pretty sure the X pipe was slightly louder than the H, will see if I can find that video.

I have an H pipe on my car (otherwise stock active exhaust) and my dad had an X on his (also otherwise stock active exhaust) and his does seem louder than mine when our cars are next to each other.

 

[Craig Brown]

The H pipes are not as loud as the X pipes. It is noticeable, it is not in your head.

 

[Christian/AWE]

On a lot of our V8 programs, we go with an H-pipe for a reason. It shapes the note into that deeper, classic muscle character most of these engines naturally want to give you. It lets the pulses breathe in a way that feels anchored and confident rather than sharp or busy.

An X-pipe does a different job. It pushes the blend point higher, which introduces a brighter edge and, in many cases, a raspier upper frequency that just doesn’t feel at home on an American V8. Some folks like that sharper pitch, but when we listen to these engines as enthusiasts and as engineers, we lean toward a tone that feels rich/full/unmistakably V8.

When people talk about volume going up or down between H and X setups, it’s often not overall loudness. It’s which frequencies are being emphasized. Higher frequencies tend to feel louder to the ear even when the actual decibel number isn’t changing much. That’s why an H-pipe can sound more composed while an X-pipe can feel more “in your face,” even if the meter reads nearly the same.

For our taste, for the platforms we’re involved in, the H-pipe delivers the right personality.

 

[Craig Brown]

It is still louder to run an X pipe. Yes, the pitch is higher, and even if your meter only shows a small gain. It is a gain. Always!

 

[2015 Silver GT]

It is still louder to run an X pipe. Yes, the pitch is higher, and even if your meter only shows a small gain. It is a gain. Always!

Louder doesn't equal better though.

 

[Craig Brown]

I agree! I have an H pipe on mine. I listened to many different exhaust videos before deciding on MBRP and didn't like any of them with the X pipe. To raspy for my liking. The H pipe lowers the tone and gives it the old school muscle car sound.

 

[EFI]

It may sound quieter in the cabin because the resonator sitting directly underneath the passengers would "resonate" sound into the cabin. Now with that removed the sound goes straight out the back into the mufflers.

But don't worry, to anyone sitting outside and especially behind the car it will be louder.

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