I don't want to be rude, so please don't think that I am trying to be, but do you know what an X-pipe does? It changes the dynamic of the flow from two parallel pipes into an X which crosses the paths and leads into two pipes that go back to the mufflers. Yada yada and all that stuff, instead of each bank of cylinders creating their own sound of music (which is both beautiful and great for troubleshooting problems on a singe bank or head), the X-pipe literally connects both pipes and makes them cross over each other before going out the other end. Arguably, it might make for a neater sound (if you have unrestrictive exhaust), because the sound from both banks will come from both exhaust pipes at the same time. So instead of "blub-blub-blub-blub" from each bank independently, you hear a faster "bli-bli-bli-bli" from all the cylinders at the same time through both pipes.
I personally prefer the sound of true duals, where you are hearing each bank out of each pipe. It really is the way that it should be, and it sounds truly fascinating. I feel sorry for you young kids that grew up with Dolby digital surround. I knew what stereo was just by sitting behind a '67 Camaro. Anway, biases aside....
Quite simply, the exhaust out of a V-configuration engine can do a few things. Let's just assume a stock engine for the sake of this conversation. Benefits and consequences can be argued forever, so I'll try to stick to the basics and keep things simple. We all know that with a V engine, you have two banks of cylinders, thus two exhaust manifolds (or headers) to get the burnt crud out of your engine.
One is the basic 2-into-1 (Y-pipe) into a single pipe that goes back to the muffler, and can exit as single or dual exhaust, however you want it to look. This is common in most vehicles and can be very effective, but most Corvettes don't have it so I'm not going to get into it here.
Another is what is called "true dual" exhaust, where each exhaust manifold (or header) leads into a single pipe that goes all the way out the back. Cats and mufflers are optional, and they make a unique sound based on the cylinders that make them.
An "H-pipe" is a horizontal pipe (named for the shape it makes between the pipes, but the top is usually bigger than the bottom) of smaller diameter that is designed to catch some of the back-pressure gasses (because engines do that), and recirculate them through both pipes (the easiest path of least resistance).
An "X-pipe" is an equal (ish) literal crossover from left to right, and the back pressure can equalize over a larger length of pipe.
This is a very basic explanation of how exhaust works.
Now let's talk about the stuff that needs to be there for emissions and regulations, and all that crap.
Catalytic converters are a dome shape, and are designed to disrupt the blast of the exhaust from the engine and make it start to move in waves. This disrupts the sound and the airflow. Gasses are heavier than air, so they can't make the turn to get back into the pipe and supposedly get burned up in the cat. I call bullshit, but they are required by law in many provinces and states, so I guess you can't argue the law. If you have to have them, then make sure to get hi-flow units.
If you do have cats, they do reduce sound, for certain. Next is mufflers.
Mufflers are basically a box filled with sound-deadening material that the air comes into and has to leave out a different pipe. Again, please let me iterate that I am trying to keep this simple. Mufflers can be very different in design and can even have a straight exit. They don't have to be as I say, but this is the basic principle. Imagine a box where the pipe comes in through the top left and travels 3/4 of the way to the bottom of the box. The 'exit' pipe comes up through the bottom right and travels 3/4 of the way to the top of the box. Surround everything with insulation.
The real basic premise here is that your exhaust has to mosh-pit around a bunch of stuff to get out. Putting on an X-pipe is like enlarging a straw but only in the middle, and there is still a whoopie cushion at the end.
I apologize for the really long story, lol. You wanted a simpler answer, didn't you?
Longtubes. Yes! (Get it in, get it out! That is what power is about!)
I went over cats above, I can't advise you because it may be law in your province, so you decide for yourself.
Corsa Sport - Admittedly my favorite, but not what I have. Quiet but still louder than stock at cruise, and WTF just happened at WOT!
Corsa Extreme - Loud! Period. Love thy neighbor, because they will NOT love you!
Gears!
I mean, cheers!
