Marsalis Simms

So I know this is a fairly beaten topic, however i could not find a definitive answer in my search on the forums. I currently have a 2000 Acura TL as a project car and have deleted the mid muffler and resonator; leaving the CAT and stock rear mufflers installed. I would like to delete the rear mufflers and potentially reinstall a resonator. Based on the opinions of a couple colleagues of mine, they state that doing so without installing a resonator could cause bad back pressure; potentially burning exhaust valves. From my research on the forums, I do not see anyone having any issues with this and have also seen a couple users state that back pressure for the J-Series engine in particular isn't necessarily relevant to a straight pipe exhaust setup. So of course I wanted further insight from other 2G TL owners on this; (and yes I know straight pipes are considered "rice" but as this is a project car and a modification I would like to make, I could do without the rice commentary).

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you dont have to worry about back pressure.

you do have to worry about your car sounding fucking horrible

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

furthermore; you say it's a project car...
experiment away, my son!

damage the shit out of it! the only way you'll learn

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

another pointer; when you say "dont do this"

that gives everyone every opportunity to DO the opposite of what you asked...

Dont straight pipe ANY car, cuz it makes ANY car sound like poo

Caseylore

Hey i have an 01 tl with the cat deleted along with mid muffler. I removed the stock manifolds and downpipe also and put headers and apexi 4" mufflers on. Duals. It's loud but its not ricey until about 3000rpm. In addition I have a cold air intake which sits just behind front tire where the resonator used to b. I like the sound but could do a little throatier sound. Hope this helps

Silencer_

This. But remember to post results, OP. Always post results.

Marsalis Simms

I went ahead and said screw it and straight piped it. Doesn't sound terrible to me and I've had nothing but compliments from friends. I'll post a clip once I get the time.

Midnight Mystery

Yeah... Definitely...

Marsalis Simms

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted on this thread, but wanted to get everything on the car before an update. Ended up putting the stock rear mufflers back on since I put Megan headers and a gutted cat on (which sounded horrible just straight piped). Am looking for some decent mufflers now to replace the stock ones. Will post a couple sound clips soon of what the car sounded like 1st with the rear mufflers, resonator and mid muffler deleted. Will then post a 2nd clip with its current setup, Megan headers, gutted cat, straight pipe to stock rear mufflers.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Please, please, please, put functional cats on your car, the rest of us need to breathe clean air.

Marsalis Simms

So did you keep the stock resonator on or did you remove that as well? Know it’s been a while, but if you have a sound clip that’d be greatly appreciated.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

^
Just curious.

How did you resolve the megan headers with downpipe misalignment issue you had upon installation?

Marsalis Simms

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that PITA. I had to drill 2 of the holes on each header out to a larger size so that the bolts would fit through properly. Once that was done everything lined up perfectly. Driving it for a couple days then will recheck to see if anything needs to be re-tightened.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

What compression gaskets did you go with, OEM? Did they fit OK?
If so, how are they working out? No leaks, I presume.

Marsalis Simms

I just got OEM ones. So far there doesn’t appear to be any leaks. I’m probably gonna get a high flow or just OE cat soon as I do not like the current sound of a hollowed cat. But as far as performance is concerned the car drives great.