Easiest way to get a little more exhaust rumble

[commissioner]

Just bought a Type S. Not planning on mods immediately, but was wondering what's the best way to get a little more "rumble" out of the exhaust. And a little power increase to go along with it would always be welcome. I don't want to blast anybody's ears out, and I sure don't want to attract the fuzz. But it sure would be nice to get some beefier sound, especially idling.
I hear a CAI would help, but not sure about going that route after hearing about the dreaded hydrolock. As far as catbacks go, sounds like you have a lot of choices. On that note, anyone have any suggestions on a catback that, on a scale of one to ten (one being mild and ten being full race) comes out to about a four on the decibel meter.
Thanks

[daveersx-s]

Originally Posted by commissioner

Just bought a Type S. Not planning on mods immediately, but was wondering what's the best way to get a little more "rumble" out of the exhaust. And a little power increase to go along with it would always be welcome. I don't want to blast anybody's ears out, and I sure don't want to attract the fuzz. But it sure would be nice to get some beefier sound, especially idling.
I hear a CAI would help, but not sure about going that route after hearing about the dreaded hydrolock. As far as catbacks go, sounds like you have a lot of choices. On that note, anyone have any suggestions on a catback that, on a scale of one to ten (one being mild and ten being full race) comes out to about a four on the decibel meter.
Thanks

I got a 2002 rsx-s and it's a must that you put the CAI! The sound when the v-tec kick's in, is really nice. I also bought dc sports headers wich i think makes a good difference. I also took out my spare tire and tools cause i stay around and all this little things make's a difference. I raced agains't a 350 z (tiptronic) yesterday and on the start i pulled about a car in front of him.
As for the CAI and the hydrolock, you really have to be unlucky if that happen to you. Just make sure that when you have to pass tru a puddle of water pull the clutch untill your clear...Don't forget that your not going to do off-road with your acura...voilà!

[commissioner]

Thanks for the info Dave. Let me ask you, does the CAI give your car a better sound at idle as well as at high rpms?
I'm thinking of taking a pass on the headers, at least for awhile. Sounds like the headers already on the car do a pretty good job.
In addition to the headers, did you change anything else on the exhaust system? A catback, for instance. I also was wondering if I just went went with a freer-flowing muffler.

[hondacivic99sivtec]

if your so worried about hydro-lock then you should look into the aem bypass valve.

[AudioGuy93DelSol]

Those bypass valves tend to give a false sense of security as they will only work if the entire filter is submerged. Just go with a ram air for the intake side.

[daveersx-s]

Originally Posted by commissioner

Thanks for the info Dave. Let me ask you, does the CAI give your car a better sound at idle as well as at high rpms?
I'm thinking of taking a pass on the headers, at least for awhile. Sounds like the headers already on the car do a pretty good job.
In addition to the headers, did you change anything else on the exhaust system? A catback, for instance. I also was wondering if I just went went with a freer-flowing muffler.

Not really...You can see the difference when you push it hard and like i said, when the v-tec kick's in. I think it's worth the money as for the performance and the sound. For the headers, don't forget that honda doesn't want to compromise the economic side, so the "stock" flow is restricted. I don't have a catback but it's a mod that ill do next summer. I also so think it's a must cause honda has changed the exhaust and replaced it by a bigger one to increse the HP in 2005. Im just gonna modified things that can not really screw the reliability of my acura. I tought about turbo but i think ill switch car instead. Ikll probably go with the s2000 but i wanna wait to see what acura will come out with to replace the rsx???

[mmont0]

Easiest way to get more rumble = drill a hole in your exhaust pipe before the muffler.

Seriously though, get an aftermarket muffler. Even an SRI will make your car much louder. I noticed quite a difference when VTEC kicked in for the first time after installing the SRI. Scared the crap out of me!

[97SLGT]

SRI is loud as fock but CAI gives HP gains. They say SRI might even lose HP.

[mmont0]

It depends on the car. But on the RSX it does lose some HP when it is extremely hot outside. The reason is because the SRI is located toward the rear of the engine bay where there is nothing but hot air from the engine around the filter. In other vehicles the filter is located toward the front of the engine bay where it gets the colder air as you move.

I've noticed a drop in performance during those 90+ degree and high humidity days. On the other hand, it's great during the winter.