TSXGOTME

Yesterday I was driving home and I heard a car with a deep sounding exhaust almost like a new civic SI but a bit louder. I couldn't see the car since it was behind me on my left but then he passed me and I notice it was a new TSX. It looked like it had stock exhaust but I haven't heard a 4 cylinder TSX sound like that could it have been a V6. It sounded great I wasn't looking in to getting a new TSX but I might have to change my mind.

Farage

probably had the resonator removed, or an intake.

Shift_Acura

+1

The stock exhaust sound is decent, especially for a 4 banger but its not exactly aw-inspiring...maybe it was a V6

ed_423

where did you see it at? could be one of the forum members here!

thunderbt3

Did it sound like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frPOzq2i0Xw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfmRKjC9BTo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HaSm7vBdro

Euro2JDM

what are the mod/mods done to the tsx in the videos?

kowloonsniperhk

sounds like the intake resonator box was removed

Shift_Acura

+1

thunderbt3

The resonator box is still intact. The only thing I did was remove the resonator coupler that sits between the resonator tubing and the airfilter box. Heres a quick DIY.

Tools Required: Ratchet wrench, 10mm socket, at least a 4 inch extension maybe more.

1. Unclip top part of air filter box.

2. Loosen hose clamp that connect the rubber intake hose to the upper portion of the air filter box. Slide upper filter box out and out of the way. Note, the Mass Air Flow sensor is still connected so dont yank it too much. This is optional but it allows for working in the area easier.

3. There are 2 bolts that hold the lower air filter box in place, one deep behind the ECU and on near the shock "hump". Loosen these. There is no need to remove them since theres a fiber washer that holds them for easier instalation.

4. Remove lower air filter box.

5. There's a rubber coupler that connects the upper tube of the resonator to the lower air filter box. Remove that and throw it in your glove box/spare tire area.

6. Re-attach lower air filter box, make sure air filter is inside the box. Clip on upper part of filter box and secure the intake hose to the upper air filter box.

The only hard part of the installation are the clips that secure the top air filter box to the bottom, some of them are stubborn. Lining up the bolts on the lower airfilter box is kind of a pain too but the bolts do have a special area to help index them in the holes.

I chose to do it this way instead of removing the entire resonator because if I ever need to take it to the dealer *cough* engine pinging *cough* its only a 5 minute process to install the coupler back on and when the car is back from the dealer, its a 5 minute process to take it off again.

thunderbt3

The rubber coupler removal is the only mod on this car.

DerwoodEE

+1

CybrRdr

Curious. It there any consequences by removing the resonator coupler? What effect does it have on the car's emission, performance, and warranty?

Also it'd be nice to have a "before" clip to hear the difference between stock and coupler removed.

thunderbt3

No consequence other than decreased fuel mileage from wanting to get on the gas all the time to hear the sound heh. As for warranty, the coupler can be just put back quickly if the car needs to go back to the dealer

But seriously, the only thing the resonator does is quiet the intake down. My buddy's Evo X doesnt have a resonator nor my fiance's Eclipse. My old 94 Accord's resonator was ripped off in a accident but I drove that car from high school till the end of college with no problems with emissions. Theres a few guys here that have already removed resonators from the 2G TSX and im sure theres plenty of 1G TSX's with the resonator delete.

Think of it as a psudo-cold air intake

jjmdx

I like free mods.
Do you have any photos for the mod? Seriously considering doing this.
Thanks!

JOBNUMBER

Just did this... takes like 5 minutes tops if you have the right tools. There really are no tricky parts to it, aside from no one carrying the 09 TSX replacement air filter but the Acura dealer. Would've loved to drop a K&N in right away, but unfortunately, like most other companies... no one makes aftermarket parts for this car yet.

I did have a ton of gunk in my filter box, and my filter was NASTY... gonna pay my dealership a visit and pick one up tomorrow.

jjmdx

I just did this as well, and as said above about 5 minutes is all it takes with some basic tools. Thunderbt3, your directions were very clear (no need for photos). Did not have any issues with the clips or bolts.

I have to say I was kind of skeptical when I removed the coupler and saw it only opened up less than an inch gap in the pipe between the lower air intake box and the resonator box... I took it for a quick test drive and I was surprised how it sounds SO MUCH SWEETER above 4k RPMs!!! Easy free mod for a sweeter sound! I like it a lot!
Thanks Thunderbt3!!!

HeavyDuty

The stock box on this thing is very restrictive. I can't even feel VTEC at WOT and I'm *looking* to feel it. After 25k miles my filter was wayyy funky, too. I had to replace it instead of waiting for an icebox.

ballerholic

maybe it's just me and I can't seem to do it, but does anyone mind posting any pictures up?

JOBNUMBER

Baller,what part are you having trouble with?

ballerholic

i took off the air filter box but i cant seem to find the rubber coupler that i need to take off

JOBNUMBER

I thought that too when I did this.

The coupler kind of blends into the resonator, but it is there.

The pipe directly beneath the airbox, is a two piece unit. The pipe that you see, directly connecting to the airbox, is actually the rubber coupler. Grab it by one side of the pipe, and pull up, kind of wiggling it a bit to get it to pop off.

The coupler is about 2 inches long, and fits around the opening of the airbox, and resonator.

If that doesn't help. I can try and run out to the car and take pics of the resonator if my daughter doesn't wake up.

ballerholic

job, if you wouldn't mind posting pics. I'm heading into work in a bit anyways so take your time so you don't wake your daughter.
hopefully i can get it done tonight or tomorrow morning

thunderbt3

Was the coupler attached to the bottom of the air filter box instead of the resonator tubing?

MrOtocinclus

I believe the coupler should be right where the number 13 is in this picture:

lightjak_tsx

niceeeee........

Life Dies

LOL @ Video

That sounds good?

DerwoodEE

I removed everything from the filter box on, not just disconnecting the coupler. I pulled out a considerable amount of plastic.

kowloonsniperhk

+1...when i weighed it, i think it was 7pds of plastic.

ed_423

lol wow. what bout the sound? did it greatly improved? or slightly.

DerwoodEE

Depends what you think is an improved sound.

It went from silent to loud if that's what you're asking.

ed_423

ohh haha thanks. yeah thats what i was asking.

Dramirez112

(2009 CBP/Ebony Acura TSX)

Wassup Acurazine,

So I took some time out on Saturday to do this...

I pushed the car to its limit on a track before I removed the rubber coupler and it wasn't loud but more like a sporty/luxury sound.

It took me about 10 mins. to complete this small mod. I felt a bit iffy seeing that little gap. But I said "F" it and gave it try.

I ran the car on the track again and OMG what a huge difference. Sporty/Loud as hell on high RPMs. I fell in love with it. Now every time I'm on the highways or pull off, everyone is checking out my sexy ride and asking me if its a V6.

The only thing I've noticed is a small amount of lag time when it comes to acceleration response. It usually kickz hard when I accelerate fast but now it lags about 1-2 seconds.

If anyone else is experiencing the same thing please post. Also if there are any bad effects that this small "mod" can do to the car itself, please also post.

Thanks!

HeavyDuty

So...what was your ET/MPH before and after?

Dramirez112

I wish I knew...

I live out in Queens, New York so I just went to a ghetto spot in Long Island where my cousin took me, where people just go to hang out, show off their cars, and run it around on a small track.

The only good tracks I've heard that review the weight of the car and its ET/MPH/HP is in upstate New York. I'm looking forward to doing this next Summer when I have time away from school and work.

zcrxsir88

Hmm. I might have to try this w/ my 10 V6.....