1999-2004 mid pipe on 1996-1998?

I can't find much searching here, and Google searches turn up conflicting information. I'm looking for a stainless steel X or H pipe that is the slip fit design for my 97 Cobra (may want to add flow tubes and go o/r at some point). Seems like Bassani is my only option. What is the definitive difference between the 1996-1997, 1998, and 1999-2004 mid pipes that make them not interchangeable between the 96-04 years? For example, why wouldn't an SLP X pipe for a 1999+ fit on a 1997? Is it manufacturer specific? thanks

I've swapped X pipes and H pipes between my 98 and 04 Cobra without any issues. My 04 has a Bassani X on it and I swapped it over to my 98 to see if I liked the sound on it. My 04 has Borla Stingers and my 98 has SLP Loudmouths. The only difference is the mounting points at the transmission crossmember. But I never use them anyway. Pulls the pipes up to high and creates a bind on the passenger manifold flange. It's not going anywhere once its coupled to the manifolds and cat-back.

That's good to hear. I read about some issues like O2 sensors in different locations (no big deal, just get extenders), cross member clearance, and the driver's side manifold studs not fitting. But then others having no issues at all.

SLP has a good price on their x at approx $450 with cats, all SS, and can use with their LTs down the road. I had the SLP x and LTs on my 99 GT and it was a nice setup.

Bassani is nice and specifically made to fit the 97, but it's more expensive, and I'm not sure about their headers if I go to LTs in the future.

I'm real impressed with the SLP LM exhaust. I'm run the LM2's on my 98. Sounds great and clears my maximum motorsports panhard bar with ease.

Yeah I have SLP LM2's on my 97 Cobra but have the stock H pipe and headers and while it sounds great, it still sounds "restricted" so I've been wondering about the X pipe as well since my 99 Gt had one and it sounded amazing. Sucks no one makes a cheap off road x pipe thats compatible anymore with our years. Might just have a shop custom fab one for me....

Check out VRS for a cheap(er) o/r x that's supposed to be good quality. I ended up ordering the ss Bassani catted x. I like the 5 pc design cause I'll make my own o/r flow tubes.

When I started looking at their X's a couple weeks ago they were $585 at Lethal, then the price shot up to almost $800 and no one had them in stock (6+ week wait). LMR somehow had 2 available for like $695 when I happened to check their site so I said F it and ordered. Ridiculous price and honestly my first impression is it feels cheap, especially the x section. But we'll see how the install goes this weekend....I think I'm gonna pair it with some Spintech 6000s.