I continued my research regarding x pipes and racing and I learned a heck of lot more about NASCAR than I ever had before! I lost interest in NASCAR a long time ago when all the cars started to look and sound the same (hey
2k no offense - can we still be buddies?

). Anyhow, found a few entries regarding x pipes being allowed for Superspeedways because it generates higher torque and hp at the high RPM range as compared to H pipes, not straights. Here's one link with a comment from someone who is on a NASCAR team (or so he says!):
http://www.ls2.com/forums/showthread.php/926766-X-pipe-vs-straight-pipesSo is x-pipe used in racing? the answer seems yes. How about NASCAR? At least used to be yes. I'm also thinking that if NASCAR has made it illegal it probably means it does help performance otherwise teams don't have to be told not to use it.
Then I figured I'd check the exhaust systems on various performance cars, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren and they all either have H pipes or x-pipes.
Finally, Corvette Stingray Z06, my latest object of intense desire, has an x pipe configuration, with 4 pipes on each side of the v8 coming into 1, crossed in the middle and routed out into 2 separate mufflers. So that's the tie breaker right there. X rules!!!
Long story short I should have gone for the V&H BR 2 into 1 on my CVO Breakout for better performance but the 2 into 2 looked so dang nice, was noticeably louder

and did not cover that amazing rear wheel either!

I know, I have been told I suffer from OCD before.

I just saw a question posed and no clear answers given and I really really wanted to know. My apologies...

JamesT
Another question regarding your install and having to remove the left heat shield. Did you have to remove it permanently or just during the installation?
Cam