Loud motor/Exhaust leak?

[EliteAccordPH]

After a month of not starting my Accord. I started it this morning and it was extremely loud and I got an engine check light. So I check the oil and it was quite low so I added some oil. The light was still on so I shut off the car and disconnected the positive battery terminal. After 5 minutes I reconnected the positive battery terminal and restarted the car. The check engine light went out but it is still loud. So I test drove it around the block and its extremely loud when I acclerate but once I let off on the gas and cruise it sounds normal. I'm pretty sure I have an exhaust leak on the lower/secondary exhaust manifold right before the cat. Am I right?

If so where in So Cal is a good shop to go to?

[A20A1]

Run something under the car like flower or something easily to blow around... that you can see. then leaving a bit of powder in a flat tray move it along your exhaust pipe... unless there is heavy wind, it is an easy way to see a leak... I'm sure there are other ways.

Also I've notticed a rich mixture gives me a louder exhaust note... but EFI's seem to manage the A/F ratio pretty well so i don't see that as a problem.

[A20A1]

Check the spark plugs also.

[Gonthrax]

After you locate the leak, go to a junk yard and find a wrecked car w/ the part on it thats still in good condition, buy it for like 30 bucks, put it on, and save a few hundred bucks