Quietest header and exhaust combo

NCC-1701D · 26 September 2003

k the itch is starting to get to me...

what is the quiest header and exhaust combo out there along with their performance (hp) gains..

i wanted to keep everything stock cause i didn't want a loud exhaust to wake up my neighbors....

but i kinda want some added power now ...but i don't want to sacrifice quietness too much either...

any recommendations...

MarkB · 26 September 2003

The CT system I recently installed is, unless you jump on it, fairly quiet. I don't think your neighbors would complain. For dyno results see thread: http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23147

matteni · 26 September 2003

I have the DC Sport header / exhaust combo on my 91 and I definately think it is the closest to stock volume from all the ones I have heard.

Been said a million times but best to listen to a combo before you pay the big $$$'s. Also - get yourself a Dali Hot chip when you do the switch to get the most out of your investment.

Good luck.

donwon · 26 September 2003

Im probably wrong on this, but if you have a 3.2, i dont think (or know of any) header or exhaust is going to give you any significant hp increases. My info is based on conversations with other 3.2 owners and personal experience. I have both headers and exhaust, and did not realize any hp gains over stock. Tubi exhaust, taitec headers. Tubi itself is nice and quiet at idle, but after adding the headers, its quite loud (ask my wife). Cats still in place.

On the other hand ppl with 3.0 have seen impressive numbers from the replacement of these parts. Good luck

BryanZublin · 26 September 2003

I have been driving with the Tubi exhaust and stock headers, without cats, for the past year. It was louder than I liked, even at part throttle, droning, etc. I had removed the cats because I didn't want to overheat them during a track event (I had the BBSC at the time). Just last weekend I re-installed the cats and the loudness was reduced considerably. I am much happier with the sound now. No more droning, much better sound.

Acura NsX Pilot · 26 September 2003

Why dont you change the headers for now and see if you like the gain in performance first .... i dont know if changing the headers will change the tone of the exhaust but it will definitly give you some more power.....the exhaust is an easy swap so if this does not satisfy the itch, then you can find an exhaust to give you some more volume later.Also if your not happy with the look of the oem exhaust tips .....its very inexpensive to just have new tips welded on and it adds more flair to your car.

NCC-1701D · 26 September 2003

thanks guys for all the post...winter is coming soon so i have all a few months to decide on what header exhaust combo to get..

interestingly enough many of you guys say leave the cat on for quietness..

for those that have taken the cat off and put back on..what performance loss was there (if any)

sound definitely went down but how about performance.?

Viper Driver · 26 September 2003

I'll second the opinions on the Comptech exhaust. My car isn't loud at all with the exhaust on at all, unless the engine is >5000 rpms. I just put on the Taitec headers this week, and there's not much of a noise difference.

FYI, here's a great chart for exhaust sound comparisons:

http://www.scienceofspeed.com/sos_resource/FAQs/NSX/eap/exhaust_comparison/

ScienceofSpeed · 26 September 2003

You may also wish to consider the RSR exhaust as well. The contruction is top notch. There will be a couple in the US in the next couple weeks.

Cheers,
-- Chris

Doug · 27 September 2003

Not sure if NSX cats would fall into the same category, but from experience, cat removal resulted in very little hp/ft.lb increase. I had an '84 Ferrari 308QV with the original cat and 67,000 miles. I dynoed it and then installed a cat by-pass. One week later I had it dynoed and the increases for hp and ft/lb were @ 1%. There was a lot more cabin noise and the unburnt exhaust fumes could melt your eyeballs if you got behind the car.

Tobal · 27 September 2003

well i only have a DC sport exhaust upgrade on mine.... and the exhaust is very quiet. It is just very slightly louder than stock...Its one of the quietest aftermarket exhaust i have heard on the nsx

NCC-1701D · 28 September 2003

once again thanks for all the posts and suggestions....

i wish there were more NSX owners here in alberta, canada that have slightly modified NSX s so i can hear the differences in person....

Quietest header and exhaust combo

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