The Exhaust System

Recommended Exhaust Systems

The stock exhaust system that comes on your Acura was not designed for power or looks as a priority. It was designed to be as cost effective and emission friendly as possible. Things most people want, but not you, the performance enthusiast. 

The Muffler

To produce the most amount power and exhaust system should restrict exhaust flow as little as possible. The more restriction means the more backpressure which cause the engine to have to work harder to pump the exhaust gas out of the engine. Your stock muffler can create up to 18 psi of power-robbing backpressure. Whereas a well designed muffler typically has about 2-6 psi of backpressure. The Best type of muffler should have a straight-through perforated core design. Stay away from louvered core mufflers. The louvers generate a lot of backpressure because they stick into the exhaust stream, creating turbulence. These types of mufflers can actually create more backpressure than a stock baffled muffler!

When looking for a straight-through muffler, look for one with a perforated core if you are interested in producing more power. A good sized perforated muffler, such as an Apexi, Borla, Tanabe, Magnaflow provide good low back pressure mufflers.

Exhaust Tips:

Many people like to add big exhaust tips, but this does nothing when it comes to performance. If you are on a tight budget add the big tip after you get a performance exhaust. You don't want to look like an amateur. Although some tips come with a resonator that quiets the exhaust note. They are actually functional, so don't worry no one will ridicule you when you show up at the track.

The Exhaust Pipe

Your stock Acura exhaust was made with small diameter, crush bent pipes to save on production costs. Although cost effective, these types of pipes are not very effective in creating a lot of hp. Crush bends can reduce exhaust flow by up to 50%. The best exhaust systems, come with mandrel bends. These bends are done with a special machine and insert, which prevents the pipe form being crushed.

Pipe Diameter:  

It is important to not use a pipe diameter that is too large for a variety of reasons. An exhaust pipe that is too large can cause a loss in power, especially in low end torque. Because a big pipe has less exhaust stream velocity than a small pipe, and exhaust stream velocity is essential in creating a vacuum behind the closed exhaust valve. That vacuum helps pull out more burned exhaust fumes, which increases efficiency and power. The only exception to this rule is Turbocharged engines and engines running NOS, because of pressure differentials.