I recently aquired an 01 CL-Type S and was thinking about getting an exhaust system for it as I already have an AEM CAI on its way. Browsing a few websites I noticed a lot of CL-S owners opt for the Comptech catback system. But at nearly $1K, it's out of my price range. I have a few questions I hope some of you will be able to answer.

1. Are there any catback systems priced at around $500 that retains the dual muffler set up?

2. Is it true that 98-02 Accord V6 exhaust components can be used on the CL-S?
If so, would the catback need to be from an Accord coupe or sedan?

3. Does anyone have any experience with the headers on Ebay for the CL-S?
Both sellers have sold many items and have nearly perfect feedback.

Thanks in advance.

1. Look at Neuspeed
2. I wouldn't, I believe the Accord CB is shorter
3. What brand are they? Megan? OBX?

The Ebay headers I was eyeing are the Megan. Whats your opinion of them?

Megan had some problems with their first and second batches. But supposedly the 3rd batch is free of fitment/finish problems.

However, I've heard many complaints regarding the resonance issue with the Megan headers. I have OBX SS headers, and they cracked. If you want to do it right, spend the big money and get Comptech headers. That's what I'm doing. I tried to save a few bucks, but it bit me in the ass.

Thanks for the quick responses. I did a search on the Megan headers and they don't seem too bad aside the the collector pipe on the older models.

phipark, I went to the Neuspeed site and the catback they have listed is only a single tip/muffler design.

I stopped by a local muffler shop the other day and the guy said he can make an exhaust using Magnaflow mufflers, though it won't have mandrel bends, and the cost would be $400.

So, I would much rather spend another $100 or so and buy a name brand exhaust. Does HKS, APEX, Tannabe, Greddy or any other big company make a dual tip exhaust for $400-650?

I would refrain from doing a non-mandrel bent custom exhaust system. The stock CL-S exhaust is very free-flowing, and even upgrading to the 1,000$ Comptech exhaust won't give you more than 1 or 2hp (unless of course you have forced induction / nitrous).

Switching to a non mandrel bent custom exhaust may, at best, result in 0 power gains - in the worse case scenario, you'll lose power. Not worth it in my opinion, unless you're doing it just for the sound.

As for headers, a good compromise in price/quality is Alphawerks. To my knowledge, they don't suffer from manufacturing defects like the OBX / Megan eBay headers, and they are half the price of the Comptech headers. If my car was automatic, I'd get them... but they don't make them for the 6 speed.

You know what they say... do it right the first time, or don't do it at all. Good luck!

Hey Noya,

re-check the Neuspeed site. It should be available with dual exhausts, and it should be made to fit our cars perfectly. I can recall @least 4 board members who have them.

But for looks + sound, my vote goes for neuspeed.

I was also looking into getting a set of alphawerks headers. So far, no one's reported any cracking or resonance issues that are commonplace with OBX and Megan...

03 CL TypeS, yeah there is no way I would go for a muffler shop exhaust unless it was TIG welded stainless and had a resonator in it to keep the noise under control.

Time For Sleeep, maybe I wasn't quite understanding the description on the Neuspeed site. I wish there was an accurate picture...or any picture for that matter. It states:

Tip Style: Single 100mm with Billet Aluminum Insert and Engraved NEUSPEED Logo.

So is that saying each muffler has a single 100mm tip or it has just one tip/muffler? I was looking at an APEXi World Sport 2 exhaust on a vendor site and it stated it only has a single muffler.

I guess I'll have to give Neuspeed a call or shoot them an email.

And the headers...

I was trying to keep the parts total under a thousand, but what can you do.

How hard is it to install headers on a CL? Or exhaust for that matter? A local Acura shop quoted $300 to install the headers. Although a friend has an Eclipse GSX and has become quite the gearhead/amatuer mechanic (clutch, T-Belt, etc.), and said I should let him do it. My CL-S just turned 40k miles and I live out west so cars don't really get too rusty on the underside.

Thanks again.

Yeah, they're just talking about the tip. If you read in the description, it says "Low restriction "MUFFLERS"". Hope that helps, and goodluck with whatever you do

AMorgCLS, all the exhausts have the same exact description. Take a look at the RSX-S. There is even a picture of its single exhaust, yet the description is the same as the CLS. They're just using the plural form to describe the entire line.

-Noya

Also, search with my name, I have a 4 page long thread about the topic.

You're right, sorry mang

The Apex'i world exhaust is the same as the Neuspeeds Noya.

I believe the tips for both are 100mm, but yeah, the websites don't realyl say anything about dual or single exhausts...

in any case, like niteqwill says, the neuspeeds exist.

The apex'i's exist too.... cause i mean.. i have 'em.

I have the RS, which is the same as the WS.

If $1000 is too much for you, scratch out the Greddy as well. I got it used for $600 though.

just go for an axle back, the amount of money you spend on a catback isnt worth it for hp. As said above the exhasut is pretty free flowing straight from the factory, just get an exhasut you like the looks of and sounds. Save the rest of the money for headers.

I bought a set of OBX headers from ebay a couple yrs ago and fitment was fine, I do alot of selling and buying on it, just make sure the sellers have good feedback

I have a greddy on my car, and I love it. There you're looking at $800-$1000. Get one used!

1 Pair CT Headers = $1000

5 Pair Megan Headers = $1000

If they crack, leak, resonate whatever, you do have 5 times to get it right!

(Yes, I do realize I'm not accounting for installation time and $$, just a thought though)

A pair or HKS axle backs on c-c-c.net is already $500. Even the Comptech axle backs are $600.

If you do choose to just change the mufflers, the cheapest solution would be to get a pair of Magnaflow mufflers and weld them on to the OEM piping.

I'll back Neuspeed up on this one since I have em, they're probably the best bang for the buck. The whole exhaust system is $600.

1 pair ct headers + install = $1200

5 Pair Megan Headers + 5 installs + 4 uninstalls (or 18 hours of wasted time if you can do it your self) = $2800

Thats not even a comparable argument so just get the comptechs.

Thanks for the help everyone. I ordered the Neuspeed catback a few days ago and should have it installed by this weekend.

Still undecided about the headers.

I put the AEM CAI on...nice little induction growl.

Thanks again, Noya

I love the AEM growl. Get used to all the hisses and whistles.

Best bang for the buck exhaust is NO exhaust!

If you really want something, get an exhaust cut-out.. $200 + $100 (labor) and you are good to go!

If you're just looking for a little more of a deep sound and some stainless steel mufflers go for the Comptech axleback or I believe a few guys on here have done the Magnaflow mufflers that look very similar to stock.

On the headers Comptech will always be the highest quality header but Alpha Werks is a nice compromise. It is excellent quality and is less than half the price.

.... comptech cat back......