Acura TSX 2004-2008: Exhaust Reviews and How-to
One of the easiest modifications you can do on your car is its exhaust. Check out some of the kits available for you to install on your TSX.
This article applies to the Acura TSX (2004-2008).
Speaking broadly, your Acura's engine is like an air pump; it is only as efficient as the inlet and outlet that allows the pump to move air. An efficient exhaust is able to quickly evacuate spent exhaust gasses from the engine and out the tail pipe. The factory exhaust system is designed to be quiet and unobtrusive, at the expense of flow. A good aftermarket exhaust system uses mandrel bending, that allows those spent exhaust gasses to quickly move throughout the pipes without restriction and lessen its overall back pressure. Installing a new exhaust system is actually very simple to do. In fact, it should take more than an hour, all you have to do is follow the instructions listed here.
Table of Contents
How to Replace Your Exhaust
Materials Needed
- Ratchet set
- Car ramps
- Exhaust kit
Step 1 – Raise the car
Lift your car up and support on jack stands or ramps.
Figure 1. Front jack point. 
Figure 2. Rear jack point.
Step 2 – Remove the old exhaust
- Loosen the bolts from the mufflers to the number two pipe.
- Loosen the bolts from the number two pipe to the cat.
- Remove each rubber hanger from the mounting locations on the chassis.
- Then carefully remove the entire exhaust system from the chassis.
Figure 3. Loosen the muffler. 
Figure 4. Loosen the secondary pipe. 
Figure 5. Remove the exhaust system.
Step 3 – Install the new exhaust
This is very important, prior to connecting the new exhaust pipes, make sure there are gaskets in-between all of the joints. If the gaskets themselves are too worn, you will have to remove them. Failure to replace these gaskets will result in exhaust leaks and lost of power. First hang the new pipes onto the exhaust hangers. Then bolt the number two pipe to the catalytic converter. Finally bolt each muffler to the secondary pipe.
Featured Video: '04-08 TSX Catback Exhaust Installation
Exhaust Systems Review
As mentioned before, restrictive exhaust systems can be really problematic for your car. Instead of producing the best amount of power for your engine, stock systems are generally balanced for fuel economy, leaving a lot more back pressure and less potential power. However, an upgraded exhaust system lessens the back pressure without removing the scavenging ability, and thus improving the overall power increase of the engine. Check out some of the aftermarket exhaust kits available for your car.
Please note that the price is based on a 2004 Acura TSX.
GReddy EVO2 |
Skunk2 |
Tanabe |
Apexi WS2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$900 (discontinued) | $640 | $830 | $770 |
Piping Diameter |
63.5mm |
60mm |
50 - 60mm |
60mm |
Power Gains |
3-4hp | 5-6hp | 4WHP/4WTQ | 4-5hp |
Sound |
Deep | Loud | Deep/low | Medium |
Dual or Quad Tip |
Dual Tip | Dual Tip | Dual Tip | Dual tip |
Best Value: GReddy Supreme SP
GReddy EVO2
Price – $900 (discountinued)
Piping diameter – 63.5mm
Power Gains – 3-4hp
Sound – Deep
Dual or Quad Tip – Dual
One of the more popular exhausts for the TSX is actually a discontinued one, the GReddy EVO2. Known for its huge dual canister tail pipe setup, the EVO2 was one of the first exhausts on the market for the first gen TSX and it was loud as well as boomy. These exhausts are floating around freely on the secondhand market if the aesthetic and sound is your thing.
If the GReddy brand seems appealing, the EVO2 was superseded by the newer Supreme Power SP exhaust. The SP is less expensive, featuring smaller rear mufflers, and more subtle in appearance and sound. Like the EVO2, power gains are modest, netting a marginal 3-4hp gain. Any seat of the pants feeling is coming from the bump up in sound. So depending in your preference, there is a GReddy exhaust for you. Recommended for people who want the big exhaust tip "tuner" look.
Related Video: GReddy EVO2 Exhaust on Acura TSX
Skunk2 MegaPower R
Price – $640
Piping diameter – 60mm
Power Gains – 5-6hp
Sound – Loud
Dual or Quad Tip – Dual
People's experiences with Skunk2 are hit or miss, due to the inconsistent quality of their products. Multiple people have had issues with welds failing, leaking mufflers, and poorly-mated flanges. That said, of the choices on the list, the Skunk2 tends to be the most power producing unit of the bunch. Due to its design, the exhaust note is a lot louder than some of the other models available here. Recommended for those looking for a more race inspired exhaust system.
Related Video: Skunk2 Exhaust on TSX
Tanabe Medalion Touring Exhaust
Price – $830
Piping diameter – 50-60mm
Power Gains – 4WHP/4WTQ
Sound – Deep/low
Dual or Quad Tip – Dual
The Tanabe exhaust is a more subtle option for TSX owners. The main piping after the catalytic converter is 60mm, but it tapers to 50mm as it meets the "Y" for the dual mufflers. This tends to keep it a bit more quiet at low RPM and around town. There are few complaints about the construction or fitment from the Tanabe exhaust, and the made in Japan quality can be felt. Additionally, independent testing has popped up on the forums indicating power gains of 4WHP and 4WTQ across the powerband. Recommended for people looking for a more mild-toned exhaust option.
Related Video: Tanabe Exhaust for TSX
APEXi WS2 Exhaust System
Price – $770
Piping diameter – 60mm
Power Gains – 4-5hp
Sound – Medium
Dual or Quad Tip – Dual
The APEXi WS2 exhaust system is a common choice in the world of hot Hondas and Acuras. The WS2 promises a quiet, drone-free ride on the highway, but a rather hearty guttural sound down low when you punch the throttle. Pricing is mid-pack and the appearance is nice and simple, without being overly shouty. Recommended for people who want an exhaust note that barks around town, but doesn't bite when cruising.
Related Video: APEXi WS2 Exhaust on TSX
Related Discussions
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