I was ecstatic to hear UPS was dropping this off today, I even came home from work for lunch to take some pics!

Purchased the PPE Engineering 2.5" midpipe (X-pipe) from them direct. Opted for catless with resonators. Comes with hardware and I also got gaskets from them as well.
Tig welded 304SS. Quality is top notch!

Haven't seen any videos or pics for that matter from people using this particular midpipe. Guess they used to make an H pipe version as well. So this would be the new version PPE is producing.
This should match up nicely to my current Revel Medallion Axle back, and stock headers for now.

These are build to order and I bought them December 29th and they arrived today. So around 7 weeks ish.
The resonators look to be either built in-house or Vibrant. Either way is good because I've used Vibrant exhaust parts on all my vehicles over the years.
I'll be installing very soon!

Updated: Idle and take off vids with PPE-Xpipe resonated and Revel medallion axleback




















I had some left over Nordlock (wedge locking)washers that I used on a previous vehicle's exhaust parts. Got them from Mccmaster Carr. These are great for high vibration areas, as they use tension vs friction. Gonna try them out on the header to midpipe connection.

 

Let me know what your thoughts are please. Because I have the Tanabe axle back as well and am very picky about the sound.

 

I just got back from a work TDY, and now that i've been putting mileage on this setup, it sounds incredible. Its not raspy, the tone is very mellow and deep. Its what I was looking for honestly. There is some resonance around 1700-2000 rpm but that was expected, but it isn't annoying. Granted, everyone has different acceptance of noise levels in cabin.

I still have stock manifolds with catalysts. I'm going to make a video here soon and share. I'm at the point of whether I want to add PPE headers or not, I probably will though after summer.

 

Some pictures of the PPE Resonated midpipe (X-pipe) install.

I also purchased Big Daddies Garage 90* angled 02 simulators to prevent CEL. Have used these in the past without issue, they are 304SS and less than $60 for the pair shipped. Zero CEL codes either and i've put about 600 miles on this setup so far. No leaks either.

The PPE midpipe is excellent quality overall. I had some reservations about installing with the Revel Medallion axle back, and stock manifolds since I haven't seen anyone post pics or vids with this particular setup yet and was a little concerned about fitmet to the Revel (Tanabe) medallion axle back.

The main issue I ran into was at the rear connection to the Revel Axle back, the fitment was extremely tight in which i'm glad the PPE midpipe flanges had some minor slotting built in to bolt up the hardware. So, the supplied hardware with the PPE is correct diameter, it just wasn't quite long enough to get atleast 3 threads exposed past the nuts/washers. I couldn't re use the factory spring style hardware either. No big deal, just a quick trip to ACE hardware and got longer bolts with same thread pitch.

Also, the PPE midpipe rear section doesn't allow re-use of the OEM style donut style gaskets, however I had purchased the OEM style flat gaskets that are recommended for this midpipe, (came with 4).

I also applied Permatex Ultra Copper 81878 on both the front and rear flanges for peace of mind.

Lastly, the black frame brace that crosses over the X pipe section required some spacing to clear because if the exhaust moved it would make contact. I used some spare M10 washers I had, which gave about 1/8th extra clearance. So far so good and no rubbing.

There was some trial and error getting it all lined up, and securing everything in place, making sure nothing made contact. But it all sealed up and sounds so good now.

Overall I'm very pleased with how it all turned out, and the PPE X pipe and Revel axleback is the closest setup I could find for the price and convenience like the old JOEZ/PTS design.

With 600 miles on the setup so far, No leaks, and no CEL.

 

Some additional random photos of the removal/installation. As well as hardware, 02 sims, and RTV. Hopefully the pictures answer most of the questions.






BIG DADDIES GARAGE Angled CEL Fix (o2 simulators) 304SS, (not zinc plated).


M10x1.25 30mm length hardware




Permatex Ultra copper RTV for helping prevent any potential exhaust leaks at the front/rear flanges.

 

Very nice!

I have brand new in box PPE catted headers (non ceramic) that I bought impulsively from RR Racing last year. HP loss is nominal & you don't have to deal w/ the smell of having non catted headers. Some don't mind, to each their own.

I'm in CA & decided I don't want to deal w/ the extra headache every few yrs for smog check.

I'll give you a good deal!

I have receipt & can facetime or whatever else to show you. The box they're in is being used as my footrest under my desk ATM.

I've been on forum for a while now. I've sold and purchased items from the 4th gen LS460 group on CL. The longtime members of that group can vouch.

Send me a private message if you want more info.

 

Thanks for the heads up and the offer on the PPE headers you have.

Im still up in the air about getting headers currently though. I go back and forth about getting them and doing the install myself tbh. Kinda have to psych myself up for a header install vs just paying a shop.

Ultimately I'd go with the ceramic coated PPE UEL non-catted due to price. I live in Florida so the emissions compliance isn't a huge setback.
And the smell is something I'm accustomed too having previous vehicles with "offroad" headers/exhaust.

Its just every time I've added headers to a vehicle I've always had a love/hate for them lol. But damn does the 2UR sound awesome with headers.

Good luck with your sale though, maybe you'll change your mind and install them 😉.

 

I have the ceramic coated PPE UEL headers without cats, and i kiiiind of regret not spending the extra money on the equal-length. Not that i hate the sound, on the contrary i LOVE my exhaust setup, but part of me wishes i had gotten the EL headers for a slightly more harmonious sound.

 

Wish you would post up some videos so I can get a slight idea of what it's like.
Thanks

 

Dang I forgot that I didn't post videos here and only on FB. Sorry for such a long wait guys. Here it is!

Stock headers, PPE resonated X-pipe and Revel Medallion axle back.

 

Sounds good!

-Josh

 

Get headers my friend it sound too close to stock LOL. Maybe it’s just me because I’m so used to my setup.

 

Sounds very nice! Do you have a Intake also?

 

I have to agree. X pipe and exhaust don’t really do much for this car sound wise. I say this after installing PPE UL headers, which truly open her up and change the nature of the car.

 

Those are coming soon. Probably going to bite the bullet and install them myself.