Noise 2000 to 3000 rpm

[rsxsr]

I have 4000 miles on my rsxs. Great car. I am an a ASE Master Mechanic, but decided to buy my first new car. Now here is my problem. The car was perfect not one complaint. Till recently. There is a mechanical noise coming from the front tunnel area. It is most noticeable in first and second gear between 2000 and 3000 rpm. It is more pronounced when making a slow turn to the left or right. The car needs to be moving to duplicate the noise. Reving the engine through the rpm range in neutral does not duplicate the noise. I can't seem to find a tech bulletin and will be at the mercy of the dealer mechanic to spend the time to find the noise. I hope it is an exhaust shield or something else external. The car is so perfect and I hate to have someone tear everything apart looking for something. Most of my experience is with vw and nissan. Anyone have any ideas? I intend to put the car up and check everything myself, but not sure what to look for. One thing I have noticed is the tail pipe has a lot of black soot for a new car. I was wondering if maybe it is running too rich and the cat is coming apart from the heat. Thanks

[02RSXTypeS]

Re: excessive soot. Mine has about 1200 miles on it and I've noticed the same thing, for what it's worth. Was (and am) worried a bit but I don't know what's causing it or if it is symptomatic of a serious problem.