| camper |
| Just curious if anybody has upgraded to a performance exhaust. If so could you please tell me what type and if you are satisfied with it. Thanks in advance. Camper |
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| sideburns |
| There is no aftermarket (kit) exhaust system yet that I know of. The MDX is not considered a performance "money-maker" in the aftermarket at this time (too many are sold strictlly as "Mall cruisers"). The performance aftermarket for SUV's is with Blazers, Explorers, Durangos, Jeeps, etc. What I did was go to a custom exhaust fabricator (basically a muffler shop that does custom work). I had them use aluminized pipe (size 2 1/2" - which is bigger than stock) from the CAT back. Muffler shops like working with this material (they hate stainless - it's too rigid). The bends are not mandrel but close. The muffler I used was a dual tail pipe, polished stainless steel from Sebring. You will need to use the stock resonator (or a 2 1/2" one) unless you like a noisy, tinney sounding exhaust. It definitely performs and sounds better. A 1/2 second better - 20 to 50 mph (all in second gear for better reliable times). The aluminized pipe looks better than the stock stainless steel pipe (which is not totally stainless steel - a magnet sticks real well to it) and should hold up well. The cost was around $300 ( with $200 of that being the Sebring muffler). It was well worth it. Good luck! |
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| camper |
| Thanks for the information. If possible do you have some pictures of your exhaust. Would love to see it. Camper |
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| DaleB |
I would think a good custom muffler shop could hook up the right Flow Master, which has a good rep for less restriction nice sound, and solid construction.
Yes, I know some back-pressure is necessary, but most stock exhaust has more than necessary in favor of 'silence'.
But most of us don't mind a little more throatiness when opening the throttle wide. |
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| twd79 |
| Would love to install the Borla Pro XS for sound and performance. anyone tried It? |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I would think a good custom muffler shop could hook up the right Flow Master, which has a good rep for less restriction nice sound, and solid construction.
Yes, I know some back-pressure is necessary, but most stock exhaust has more than necessary in favor of 'silence'.
But most of us don't mind a little more throatiness when opening the throttle wide.
I originally wanted to go with Flowmaster. They sound great. As you know, the muffler is exposed on the MDX. A Flowmaster would look terrible on an MDX. I went with the Hayame EXT. It is a stainless steel high performance muffler with dual tips. IMHO, it looks good on an MDX...YMMV. While it does not have the sound of a Flowmaster, the Hayame EXT will kind of grow on you. |
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| deltajetfixer |
| Pictures, please? |
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| JL889 |
Hey,
I got a remus muffler of a AMG C32. It looks great. I will post pics as soon as i get my rims on |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by deltajetfixer
Pictures, please?
Here's a close-up picture of the Hayame EXT muffler on my MDX. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
| Are those things expensive???? Are they hard to install and are they available in Canada???? I want to get one of those but I'm worry that they'll be hard to install :( . |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by 2002 Acura MDX!
Are those things expensive???? Are they hard to install and are they available in Canada???? I want to get one of those but I'm worry that they'll be hard to install :( .
Expensive? Well, it's only money right? No, the Hayame EXT is not too expensive. Try http://www.import-store.com/hayame_mufflers.htm or do a simple search on the www for Hayame Mufflers. As it does involve welding and making a new pipe, I had my local performance muffler shop do the installation. The whole project ran about $350.00. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
| Hayame makes many products :4:, anyways, is the muffer on your X called Hayame EXT???? |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by 2002 Acura MDX!
Hayame makes many products :4:, anyways, is the muffer on your X called Hayame EXT????
Roger that. It is called Hayame EXT. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
I originally wanted to go with Flowmaster. They sound great. As you know, the muffler is exposed on the MDX. A Flowmaster would look terrible on an MDX. I went with the Hayame EXT. It is a stainless steel high performance muffler with dual tips. IMHO, it looks good on an MDX...YMMV. While it does not have the sound of a Flowmaster, the Hayame EXT will kind of grow on you.
Just curious if a Flowmaster would look that much worse than the stock, if you painted it black. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Just curious if a Flowmaster would look that much worse than the stock, if you painted it black.
I really love the sound of a Flowmaster. Currently, they come in a sort of powder coated aluminum finish to prevent rusting. If you painted a Flowmaster flat black and installed it on an MDX, it would not be worse looking than stock. However, since you are going to replace the OEM muffler, why not go with a nicer stainless steel model? It all comes down to personal preference. While I like the sound of a Flowmaster, the appearance of the Hayame on the MDX was the deciding factor. |
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| Emerald01 |
Excalibur,
Your from Hawai'i right?! I recognize the safety check sticker. You also bought a plate so you wouldn't have to stick it to your bumper. I spent my whole life there except for the last five years. When I went back during x-mas I didn't see much MDX's, maybe two or so. I can understand this being there is only one dealer in the entire state (I think). Keep us informed about your adventures in your MDX in Hawai'i, as I plan someday to return (with my MDX). BTW, I still have my safety check stickers on my other car that I brought from Hawaii. To me it's now like a Hawaiian Style sticker. :) |
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| EXCALIBUR |
Emerald01,
Thanks for your post. Yes, and Aloooooha!!! |
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| sandman1 |
| Any sound clips of the Hayame EXT? I definately like the looks but if it sounds like every other fart pipe I see on civics then I would definately not lower my MDX to that level. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
sandman1,
The Hayame EXT sounds something like, "Vrrrroooommmm!":9: |
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| Harry |
Hey All
Just to be clear, the rear "muffler" is a resonator. The muffler is mounted ahead of the rear axle. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Harry
Hey All
Just to be clear, the rear "muffler" is a resonator. The muffler is mounted ahead of the rear axle.
Harry,
It is identified as a muffler on page 9-4 of the service manual. |
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| Harry |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Harry,
It is identified as a muffler on page 9-4 of the service manual.
Hey Dale
The service manual refers to the entire assembly as the muffler. The rear "muffler" is used to tune the tones of the shock waves. You know, the sounds that come out of a school bus because of the long tail pipe. |
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| DaleB |
I don't remember 'exhaust 101' that well, but are resonators always placed after mufflers?
I know they were on some of those big old caddies.
I wonder if a performance muffler is more restrictive than a resonator?
Even if it is 'as' restrictive then an after-market muffler is only changing the tone for a lot of bucks.
Most power with a header and ex. system changeout. The next would be a different cat-back system. I would say leave the factory stuff alone if you are not prepared to do either. |
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| Harry |
Hey again Dale
This is fun stuff.
Resonators are allways after the muffler and are used on allmost all vehicals except some fullsize trucks with v8s. They let a motor breath without being noisy. I am going to build a SS, dual exhaust for my X from the main muffler back. I have allways loved the look and sound of duals. The trick is to avoid the dreaded highway Drown.;) |
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| TheWorm |
| I, personally, am sticking with the term "fart pipe" that I just learned from sandman1 :D |
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| manus1980 |
| I'm glad that I didn't invest any money in my exaust. The 03 stock creates 20hp gain for the MDX without the farting. I'll just buy the 03 factory exaust and get better gains then anything my local exaust shop can create. Besides anything custom made is a gamble and the exaust is too expensive a gamble for me. For those that already have custom exausts that work for them they are fortunate and get creativity points. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by camper
Just curious if anybody has upgraded to a performance exhaust. If so could you please tell me what type and if you are satisfied with it. Thanks in advance. Camper
After reading the new exhaust on the 2003 model, I would look into that system for an upgrade on our models. Modified catalyst and larger diameter exhaust, as well as better breathing muffler. I'm scared to think of the cost from Acura for the entire cat back. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
After reading the new exhaust on the 2003 model, I would look into that system for an upgrade on our models. Modified catalyst and larger diameter exhaust, as well as better breathing muffler. I'm scared to think of the cost from Acura for the entire cat back.
I agree Paul, I have doubts it would be a good retrofit, and certainly not a cheap one. The modified calalysts alone will cost a fortune. Just getting the 'larger' pieces sounds nice, but I doubt you can separate them out from the rest. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
After reading the new exhaust on the 2003 model, I would look into that system for an upgrade on our models. Modified catalyst and larger diameter exhaust, as well as better breathing muffler. I'm scared to think of the cost from Acura for the entire cat back.
Q: Is this new exhaust the sole reason for the additional 20 hp increase on the 2003 MDX? |
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| Harry |
Where did the info on the improved 03 exhaust come from? Is this another projection or is it factual?
Sounds good to me . I'm going to hold of on my dual exhaust for now |
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| renov8r |
I'm spent alot of time over the last 15 years working on "bolt- on perfromance" for my vehicles and those of friends. Most have been SFI turbo cars, domestic & import . I think I have a pretty realistic view of what types of changes are possible to the modern tuner. I believe Honda/Acura is one of the premier manufacturers when it comes to getting maximumum performance out of their engines.The improved performance of the 03 is SOMEWHAT attributable to the exhaust changes but also to INTAKE SIDE changes, which are extensive.
Begining closest to the "top" --SHORTER intake manifolds == greater full throttle flow, higher red line, higher peak Hp , USUALLY mean reduced torque, but other changes more than compensate. {wag == 30% of the increased power}
Next -- injectors == greater total WOT fuel flow, higher peak Hp/torque, better thottle response, USUALLY mean reduced MPG, offset by other changes... {wag == 15% of the increased power}
New cylinder heads == better total 'breathing', higher Hp & torque, greater efficency allow SAME MPG as previous models.
{wag == 25% of the increased power}
Close coupled primary catalytic converters == reduced emissions, especialy after initial cold start, better exhaust flow,greater efficency , higher Hp & torque.May allow for allow for COOLER exhaust aft of the primaries... {wag == 10% of the increased power}
Secondary underfloor catalyst == maintainable exhuast, allows for SMALLER primary catalyst(s) (that are essentially so expensive and hard to replace that they should be considered 'lifetime' type) -- MAY increase ground clearance of exhaust system.
{wag == 5% of the increased power}
Big changes MUST have been made in the PCM to take advantage of injectors, increased flow/reduced warm-up. Fuel map is undoubtedly MUCH more agressive, as MAY be spark timing, and even iVTEC action. {wag == 15% of the increased power}
Bottom line: You would spend a fortunate trying to retrofit the 03 exhaust/cylinder heads/catalyst(s) and you might see 45% of 20 Hp (or 9 Hp) gain. I would speculate that the costs of the doing those swaps would approach $7500, not a good investment... Trying to get the injectors & reprogram the PCM might add $2k or more, and you'd still be lacking the intake, which might add another $1k, I would think that as long 01-02 prices hold you'd be MUCH better doing a trade/private sale and getting an 03 -- of course the REAL BIG boost should come in 05-06 with bigger motor :D |
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| sandman1 |
quote:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Is this new exhaust the sole reason for the additional 20 hp increase on the 2003 MDX?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please read the excerpt below. An exhaust alone will not get you 20HP on a V6.
The 2003 MDX's 3.5 liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum, VTEC V-6 engine benefits from a retooled exhaust system that includes two close-coupled primary catalytic converters, a secondary underfloor catalytic converter, and larger diameter exhaust pipes. These refinements increase exhaust flow by 40 percent and, when combined with new integrated cylinder heads and a shorter intake manifold port, boost horsepower from 240 to 260 and torque from 242 lb-ft to 250 lb-ft. Combined with new, orifice-type fuel injectors, the new exhaust system makes the MDX the first SUV to meet stringent ULEV-2 emissions standards. With estimated city/highway ratings of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway, it delivers better combined fuel economy than any of its luxury competitors. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
sandman1,
Thanks for the reply. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
Q: Is this new exhaust the sole reason for the additional 20 hp increase on the 2003 MDX?
I don't believe that only, they improved the heads on the engine and computer chip modifications, in additional to internal engine changes. |
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| paul123 |
The ext version can be adopted to the MDX. I saw another member who installed it. It will increase horsepower by allowing to breath better and increase the sound also. Looks pretty good also.
http://www.i-m-racing.com/hayamemufflers.html |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
The ext version can be adopted to the MDX. I saw another member who installed it. It will increase horsepower by allowing to breath better and increase the sound also. Looks pretty good also.
http://www.i-m-racing.com/hayamemufflers.html
paul123,
Yes, that member was me. Here is a picture of the Hayame EXT on my MDX. I had attatched it to a previous post in this thread. |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
The ext version can be adopted to the MDX. I saw another member who installed it. It will increase horsepower by allowing to breath better and increase the sound also. Looks pretty good also.
http://www.i-m-racing.com/hayamemufflers.html
Sure. From their website:
Capable of producing up to 7% torque increase as well as 6% horsepower gains on stock vehicles.
OK, so Acura retools the exhaust, heads, intake runners, adds a thrid cat , all to gain....
20 hp and 8 ft lbs of torque
That is 8% in HP and 3.3% in torque.
WHY didn't they just bolt on a muffler??? saves so much money forthe same performance.
They could have added the K&N for another 20-30 HP, easy... :)
Ard |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
The ext version can be adopted to the MDX. I saw another member who installed it. It will increase horsepower by allowing to breath better and increase the sound also. Looks pretty good also.
http://www.i-m-racing.com/hayamemufflers.html
Since it's been determined the 'muffler' is really a resonator, any HP muffler in it's place is not going to do diddly except look better and sound different, or am I missing something? |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
Sure. From their website:
Capable of producing up to 7% torque increase as well as 6% horsepower gains on stock vehicles.
OK, so Acura retools the exhaust, heads, intake runners, adds a thrid cat , all to gain....
20 hp and 8 ft lbs of torque
That is 8% in HP and 3.3% in torque.
WHY didn't they just bolt on a muffler??? saves so much money forthe same performance.
They could have added the K&N for another 20-30 HP, easy... :)
Ard
adrvarkus,
That's what I did...1)Installed a K&N Air Filter, 2) Removed the Air Resonator Box, and 3) welded on a Hayame EXT. Performance, throttle response, and sound improved marginally. These mods did not cost 1000's of dollars. |
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| manus1980 |
Excalibur,
Did the Hayame EXT muffler create any small gains in HP or gas mileage? |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Since it's been determined the 'muffler' is really a resonator, any HP muffler in it's place is not going to do diddly except look better and sound different, or am I missing something?
You're right dale just replacing the muffler doesn't do much at all, you really need to replace the cat's also to see a significant change. The muffler alone is only 8 horsepower. If I did I would go for the exhaust manifold, cats, pipes and muffler to get the full gain in horsepower. Larger diameter pipes etc., but don't want any louder at all really, maybe a little. Don't want to sound like a Hot Rod. |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
adrvarkus,
That's what I did...1)Installed a K&N Air Filter, 2) Removed the Air Resonator Box, and 3) welded on a Hayame EXT. Performance, throttle response, and sound improved marginally. These mods did not cost 1000's of dollars.
Sorry, you don't know me well... I am of the belief that the K&N is one of the biggest rip-offs foisted on the publc since magnetic gas mileage extenders.
Sounds faster, dyno with the hood up in cool air is better, but actual driveability is marginal (or worst in most cars in the summer.) Forget about long term filter performance and engine/MAF life.
Rice rocket stuff.
Flame on-
Ard |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
You're right dale just replacing the muffler doesn't do much at all, you really need to replace the cat's also to see a significant change. The muffler alone is only 8 horsepower. If I did I would go for the exhaust manifold, cats, pipes and muffler to get the full gain in horsepower. Larger diameter pipes etc., but don't want any louder at all really, maybe a little. Don't want to sound like a Hot Rod.
Please let us know WHERE we can find the data that says you will get 8HP from welding on a muffler????????
A dyno would do.
Show me the money.... if it works, why DON'T the manufacturers make the data readily available? Why not post real world tests? (Not just one enemic Jeep GC that happened to dyno better with a K&N 2 years ago..)
Don't think that if the whole exhaust does 10 hp that a muffler MUST do 5....
Any proof?
Ard |
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| EXCALIBUR |
quote:
Originally posted by manus1980
Excalibur,
Did the Hayame EXT muffler create any small gains in HP or gas mileage?
manus1980,
MPG increased by 1. HP gains...purely subjective. The Hayame EXT looks good and sounds nice. IMHO,it is a better replacement than stock. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
ardvarkus,
The performance gains on my MDX are subjective at best. I like K&N Air Filters. I also like the look and sound of the Hayame EXT. YMMV. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by ardvarkus
Please let us know WHERE we can find the data that says you will get 8HP from welding on a muffler????????
A dyno would do.
Show me the money.... if it works, why DON'T the manufacturers make the data readily available? Why not post real world tests? (Not just one enemic Jeep GC that happened to dyno better with a K&N 2 years ago..)
Don't think that if the whole exhaust does 10 hp that a muffler MUST do 5....
Any proof?
Ard
I thought someone else had posted that the muffler would do 8 horsepower, in my opinion 8 horsepower wouldn't be worth it. Like I stated you would have to change the entire system to make sense. Larger diameter pipes, manifold or header, catalysts, and muffler. Changing any one component doesn't make much sense unless it cosmetic you are after or just louder.
P.S. Whole exhaust would increase at least 20 Horsepower in my opinion. In my hot rods of the past the exhaust can make a dramatic difference if done properly. Dyno can document for sure. All the components must be matched like an expensive stereo with amps, receivers, and proper speakers. The big question is it worth the cost for the additional gain. Also will the new system create more problems than its worth. For example if modified exhaust heats up to much can affect the other engine components. In my old Ponitiac when installed headers they were to close to the starter which in turn overheated the starter and could not start the vehicle once it heated up. I had to wait for 2 hours once the starter heated up to restart the vehicle. Bummer!!
Clearance becomes a big problem with complete modified exhaust systems. |
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| pogiMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
Here's a close-up picture of the Hayame EXT muffler on my MDX.
hey excalibur, how's the sound on the muffler? i want a better looking muffler on my mdx but i also want the silence. pure silence. tell me, yeah? |
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| pogiMDX |
| oops, forgot to mention the question: is there an aftermarket resonator for the muffler for more silence? i've seen aftermarket resonators for mufflers on civics and integras but not for mufflers for the mdx. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
pogimdx,
If you want the "sounds of silence," my recommendation is that you stay with the OEM exhaust. Almost everything in the aftermarket will give you an increase in sound. The Hayame EXT is no exception. It is quite a bit louder than OEM, but that is what I wanted. Good luck:) |
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| pogiMDX |
| damn, and i really liked the way your muffler looked on your mdx. thanks for the advice though |
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