nollid

Time to keep you guys busy with some more questions!

Acura TL 1999

First I had the resonator removed. Then I installed an AEM CAI v2. Looking to get a little more sound. My next step was to go ahead with a $50.00 mid-muffler delete. After going to the shop today, I was convinced that removing the cat would be a better idea for the same price and to keep the mid-muffler.. More power gains, and better sound all the way through. I was also told they would put on flowmasters for an extra $120.00 I am assuming this would replace the mid-muffler correct?

So all this got me thinking, and researching because I am new to this (but willing to learn). What is the best bang for my buck? I want to add a little bit of a deep sound. Nothing high pitch like a ricer, put something similar to what I hear when with the new CAI at high rpms, at lower rpms. And if there are performance gains than that is even better. But I am not banking on much performance gains because I know I am not shelling out enough money for it.

Would removing the cat just cause more issues (inspection, CEL, etc)? Any suggestions?

As always,
Thank you,
D

3.2TLc

Removing the cat will undoubtebly cause other issues. I'm a bit confused as to why you want to cut up everything to delete and add things. Your best bet would be to get a complete "cat-back" performance system for your car. That essentially leaves the cat in place, then a pipe runs straight back to a "Y" where two free-flow mufflers and tailpipes would exit the rear, similar to the stock set up.....but without the mid-muffler resonator. This is an easy DIY install, using the existing connector points.

dreem1er

iTrader: (2)

You xan remove the cat without having any problems if you get a dumby o2 sensor

nollid

What are two free-flow mufflers that would be inexpensive? Is there a DIY on this, I didn't see it on the list.

nollid

Edit: I realize their are comptech, tanabe, atlp, etc but are Tsudo's usually the least expensive at about $280? It is a large jump from the $60 mid muffler delete project I was expecting. If $280 is going to the next mod, how much would headers be, and would this be a better substitute for the amount of performance gain?

RC99TL

The cat is not restrictive (As long as incorrect air/fuel mixtures don't contaminate it).
The biggest issue is flow out of the heads, exhaust manifold and a-pipe (where the front and rear cylinders join).
The stock system while very quiet flows more than the engine can pump. A cat back system will help by moving the torque curve around along with the sound but power increase?
Minimal.

jayunsplanet

iTrader: (1)

Headers will give you the biggest gain in HP. It's been awhile - but I remember when people were running ~$300 eBay headers. Without ghettoing out your car (i.e. catless) mid-muffler and resonator is what you can do - outside of getting new mufflers. I deleted the resonator and mid-muffler and then installed Comptech axle-backs. The drone was horrible. The next day I bought a Magnaflow resonator and had that installed. Go to your local muffler shop and see how much. Should be about $500 for a custom catback system - they may already have a template for the piping if they've done a TL before - so it may be cheaper.

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

Mufflers are easy to do, you don't need a DIY. Just unbolt them and release them from their hangers. You may need to spray the rubber hangers with some WD-40 to loosen their grip seeing as theyre old. Then just install the new ones. Make sure to clean all the old gasket material off the old B-pipe. A far as best bang for the buck I'd say get some headers. By far they have given me the most noticeable gains so far.

nollid

It seems as if one would want to get headers before/instead of mufflers if the price is comparable, correct? If not, why?

What is my best bang/buck for headers? Any specific brand/type for an affordable set?

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

DC Sports headers are what a lot of people went with. Search around for the best price. There's a few places who sell them in the 330-380 range mostly w free shipping.