[Teej]

I'm putting a 2.5 inch Pypes system in my 67 tempest wagon and will have to cut some lenght out of the system to get everything to fit. I've got the HO manifolds with downpipes connected to the X-Change crossover. To fit the Dynomax mufflers in place I'm going to have to shorten something. Is there any rule of thumb on where the actual "X" should be. I can either cut a couple inches off the downpipes and it will move the "X" forward, or I can cut the same couple inches off the back end of the X-Change and it will keep the "X" further back.

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

While not sure if thisis a "rule" or not. Most systems I have seen with an x-pipe ha sthe x near the end of the transmission. Might take a look at some of the systems on the Pypes site.

Just my .02 ...

[Cardo]

It should go under the drive shaft yoke. Generally they go as far foreward as reasonably possible, but not under the trans (especially automatics to allow access to the pan). Here's a pic of mine i just had welded up this week.

[GoatRider]

It may not make much difference on a car with manifolds, but I would bet that optimum performance on a car with headers comes from locating the "X" about the same distance downstream from your collector as the exhaust valves are upstream from the collector. (Same distance as your primary tube length.)

Of course this might also put it under the transmission which would not be practical, everything is a compromise...

[goatless]

Put the X as far forward as possible while keeping the pipes running through the humps in your cross member. If you push it farther back you could have issues with drive shaft contact at the extremes of suspension travel or when you jack the car up.

[Teej]

Thanks for the replies everybody. Sounds like the consensus is to keep it as far forward as possible, so I’ll make the cuts I need from the down-pipe. I’ve also decided to utilize the stepped band clamps for a number of connections and ordered them yesterday. Locally, Napa only had the flat clamps. Lots of great info here on the board. Thanks again.

Now I just need to figure out what to do with the tail pipes...Since it's a wagon, my spare tire is in the way of where it's supposed to sit....But I guess that can be it's own topic.

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

I've always been partial to exiting in front of the rear wheels.

Just my .02

[Cardo]

Make sure you build the X pipe from the mufflers forward, and cut the header pipe last. As far as the tailpipes, I'd put them behind the wheel, just so that the fumes aren't drifting up the the back windows while you have them down and sitting still. Same for the back window. I'd put them out the side behind the wheel somewhere. Just my 2cents. Good luck!

[PMDRACER]

I put mine as far forward as I could go, right behind the driveshaft loop. If I remember correctly, the extension pieces from the collectors to the kit-supplied bent pipe leading to the X were 4-1/2 and 6 inches long.