i have an 05 A/T, since i cant reflash it without replacing my ecu with an 04 ecu, im thinking of getting a set of DC headers and possibly an AEM CAI...any other suggestions?

 

comptech and do a search. AEM dont have CAI for TSX.

 

oh dang my bad its not a cai tht aem has, thanks man!

 

You've pretty much got 3 options in headers (unless you want to spend $2-3k on a race setup):

Topspeed - Cheap, Stainless, and a knockoff of DC
DC - Ceramic, great gains w/ hondata, but flex pipe has been known to break
Comptech - Stainless, Most expensive, but zero problems, but with less performance boost

Search them and they've all been discussed a lot! Good luck.

 

As far as headers, I recommend a DC Sports header. I am happy with mine. Haven't had any problems. I also have an AEM short ram intake. I considered going with a CAI (Injen), but I was a little worried about water induction. The great thing about Injen is that their SP1431 intake system can can be converted from cold air to short ram.

 

I don't think you have the correct assumption about the Comptech headers. VTEC.net did a followup review and found that they have the same gains if not better than DC.

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=434209

 

I would go with comptech they are 500 for a reason. Their quite reliable. (besides the rattle during a/c compressor turning on)

Anyway just make sure who ever installs it not to screw up that air fuel ratio sensor.

Your car will run like crap and you might have to replace more spark plugs. The first shop I had did a horrible job installing the sensor back in they pretty much shoved it in and over torqued it.

 

I'm very pleased with my CT headers and Excelerate gave a fantastic price.

 

Take one for the AZ team and find a Toda Race Header.

I wouldn't recommend the AEM short ram -- not worth it IMO. You could have the best of both worlds with the Injen or K&N typhoon. Most of the 5AT's on here like the Comptech Icebox because of the low-end power.

 

Updated version Dc headers seem to have the fixes on it.. i own 1 and it seems to give me what i need with no problems plus they have the same gains as the CT one.... i guess it depends on the set up.. i have dc headers which help on low end, AEM SRI and EVO2 exhaust which gives me high-mid range increase... CAI will give you more low end... if you get the CAI i recommend the UR pulley which increases acceleration....

 

CAI will lost power in low end actually, but more gain in mid-high rpm range.
I'm also using DC and very please w/ it.

 

I bet the rattle with te AC compressor on is not due to the headers but your pulleys. Did u change to the smaller belt? My comptech header did have rattles but are rare and is now far in between.

 

We've done a number of TSX Comptech headers locally and I'm yet to have someone experience that infrequent rattle. Actually on one TSX we have done Comptech header and exhaust and the RT cat and he still has not rattle.

 

I have an 05 5at and I've got the Icebox and Comptech header....its not that they make the most power, or are the cheapest, but the biggest difference is the responsiveness these 2 make together. The throttle response (which seems to be a feature of the Icebox's design) and how freely the car revs now are the most noticeable aspects of this combo relative to stock. Honestly, the power won't pin you to seat, but its definitely quicker.

 

With the Comptech Header, I wouldn't say I have rattle, but more like a vibration/resonance at 700 rpm, where the car idles with the A/C on. It doesn't bother me in the least.

 

Earl - clear your inbox, mang.

 

Thats what i get earl
nothing big it used to be bad but i replaced the hanger closest to the cat.

 

thats what i have...

 

Personally I would get the Hytech header and Hytech reflash