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An X-pipe replaces the factory H-pipe on the 1997-2004 C5 Corvette (LS1 base, LS6 Z06), crossing the two exhaust banks to even out pulses — the payoff is a deeper, more balanced tone and a modest power gain over stock, without the emissions-legal risk of an off-road-only mid-pipe. All of these bolt into the stock 2.5″ mid-pipe location and are 50-state emissions-legal unless noted. Fitment note: confirm base LS1 vs. Z06 LS6 exhaust routing before ordering, since some kits are cut specifically for one or the other.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bassani X-Pipe | $305-$400 | Amazon |
| 2 | West Coast Corvette (WCC) Stainless X-Pipe | $360-$400 | Amazon |
| 3 | Borla X-Pipe (60087) | $535-$730 depending on retailer | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Billy Boat / B&B X-Pipe (FCOR-0295) | $520-$580 | Amazon |
| 5 | Magnaflow Crossover X-Pipe | $460-$515 | Amazon |
| 6 | Corsa 2.5″ X-Pipe (14131) | $465-$688 depending on retailer | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Speed Engineering X-Pipe Kit | $180-$220 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Bassani X-Pipe
One of the two most commonly recommended X-pipes in the C5 community, using a mandrel-bent stainless chamber design borrowed from Bassani’s racing background.
- Mandrel-bent T304 stainless steel
- Chambered X-crossover design
- Fits 1997-2004 C5 and Z06
- Bolt-in stock location
- Long track record and strong forum consensus among C5 owners
- Genuine merged-crossover design, not just crossed pipes
- Deeper/louder tone than a stock-replacement H-pipe — not for owners wanting a subtle change
- Some resale/used listings run well under new price, so check condition carefully if buying used
West Coast Corvette (WCC) Stainless X-Pipe
A specialty Corvette shop’s own X-pipe, built specifically to balance backpressure between banks and cut down the popping on rapid deceleration that some competing pipes leave in.
- 100% stainless steel construction
- Chambered X design
- Lifetime warranty
- Fits 1997-2004 C5 and Z06
- Noticeably less deceleration pop than some competitors, per the seller’s own comparison
- Lifetime warranty backed by a dedicated C5 specialty shop
- Less third-party dyno/sound data available than Bassani or Borla
- Smaller brand than the majors on this list
Borla X-Pipe (60087)
Borla’s stainless X-pipe for the C5, a common upgrade paired with Borla’s own cat-back systems for buyers who want one brand’s tone tuning end to end.
- T304 stainless steel construction
- Borla’s own crossover-chamber design
- MPN 60087, fits 1997-2004 C5 and Z06
- 50-state emissions legal
- Pairs cleanly with a Borla cat-back for a matched, tuned exhaust note
- Well-known, widely stocked brand with strong resale value
- Listed price varies wildly by retailer — shop around before paying MSRP
- No catalytic converters included, same as the others here
Billy Boat / B&B X-Pipe (FCOR-0295)
A hand-crafted T304 stainless X-pipe from a specialty exhaust maker known specifically for its Corvette catalog.
- Hand-crafted T304 stainless steel
- Mandrel-bent for fitment accuracy
- Fits all 1997-2004 C5 Corvettes
- 50-state emissions legal, no catalytic components altered
- Purpose-built Corvette specialist rather than a general exhaust brand
- Reduces backpressure and turbulence versus the stock H-pipe
- Pricier than Bassani or WCC for a comparable stainless X-pipe
- Aggressive tone — pair with a quieter cat-back if you want it tamed down
Magnaflow Crossover X-Pipe
Magnaflow’s take on the C5 X-pipe, usually bought as part of a true-dual exhaust system rather than standalone, from one of the most recognized names in aftermarket exhaust.
- Stainless steel true-dual crossover design
- Fits 1997-2004 C5 and Z06
- Sold standalone or bundled with Magnaflow cat-back systems
- 50-state emissions legal
- Widely available and easy to pair with an existing Magnaflow system
- Mainstream brand with strong warranty and parts support
- Standalone X-pipe pricing is close to the bundled system price at some retailers — compare both before buying
- Less C5-specific pedigree than Bassani or Billy Boat
Corsa 2.5″ X-Pipe (14131)
Corsa’s stainless X-pipe, the piece most often paired with a Corsa Sport Sound or Xtreme cat-back for buyers building a matched Corsa system front to back.
- Stainless steel construction, 2.5″ piping
- Corsa’s Reflective Sound Technology tuning approach
- Fits 1997-2004 C5 and Z06
- 50-state emissions legal, no cats removed
- Pairs cleanly with Corsa’s own cat-back line for a single-brand tuned system
- Well-known mainstream brand with strong dealer network
- One of the pricier standalone X-pipes on this list
- Sold at a wide range of prices depending on retailer — shop before paying list
Speed Engineering X-Pipe Kit
The budget entry on this list — a standalone stainless X-pipe kit at roughly half the price of the name-brand options, for owners who don’t need a warranty pedigree to justify the cost.
- Stainless steel X-pipe kit
- Fits 1997-2004 C5 Corvette
- Bolt-in stock mid-pipe location
- No catalytic converters included
- Lowest price on this list by a wide margin
- Straightforward bolt-in replacement, no fabrication required
- Far less brand history and community track record than Bassani, Borla, or Billy Boat
- Fit-and-finish reports are thinner online — read current buyer reviews before ordering
Buying tips
- Confirm base LS1 vs. Z06 LS6 exhaust routing before ordering — some X-pipes are cut specifically for one configuration and won’t bolt cleanly to the other.
- An X-pipe alone changes tone more than power; pair it with a matching cat-back if you’re chasing a specific sound rather than just a deeper crossover note.
- All of these bolt into the stock 2.5″ mid-pipe location — no catalytic converters are removed or altered, so 50-state emissions-legal status is preserved.
- Expect a louder, deeper idle and a more pronounced deceleration pop than stock with any X-pipe; if that’s not what you want, a stock-replacement H-pipe is the quieter option.
- Several bigger header brands (Kooks, Hooker, Stainless Works, American Racing Headers, Dynatech) only sell an X-pipe bundled into a $900-$3,100 header package, not as a standalone part — they’re not on this list because their real price only exists tied to headers you may not want.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.