Acura TL 2004-2008: Exhaust Reviews

This article applies to the Acura TL (2004-2008).

As your Acura TL engine runs, it produces harmful gases. These gases get pushed out through the exhaust system, but the stock exhaust can be rather restrictive, which can create back pressure, and that's when the engine produces gases faster than the gases can exist the exhaust. The restriction created by the back pressure can sacrifice engine performance, as well as gas mileage. The aftermarket world of exhausts can free up your engine, with their various non-restrictive pipes, these products can add some horsepower to your engine, save you some gas, and even give your Acura a nice roar. Read on to learn about the different brands of exhaust, so you can pick what is right for you and your budget.

Exhaust Reviews

RV6 Performance

Price – $1,119

Piping Diameter – 2.25"

Power Gains – 15 HP

Sound – Medium

Dual or Quad Tip – Dual

This product claims it will increase your horsepower by 15 horses without upgrading the rest of your exhaust system. This upgrade features a c-pipe, with the merge collector connected to the V3 pipe, which clears out the harmful gases more fluently, thus increasing the performance. A lot of customers are pleased with the way it sounds, claiming it adds a nice roar, especially as the car comes closer to shifting. This product features a 2.25" pipe diameter, and a 2.5" inlet. Some people aren't fond of the tips on these products; they say they are cut off awkwardly, which takes away from the looks of it. Recommended if you're looking for performance gains and a medium sound.

XLR8

Price – $999

Piping Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gains – 10-15 HP

Sound – Loud

Dual or Quad Tip – Dual

If you're looking for sound, look no further. This product is sure to make your Acura sound deep, and since it's equipped with a PRT chamber, it will be less noisy inside the cabin, but nice and loud on the outside. The product comes with everything you need to install it, including bolts, nuts, and gaskets. Some customers complained they can hear rattles inside the muffler, which can take away from the experience; the company's response was that their exhausts are "prone to issues;" however, it's good to always check the bolts and nuts to make sure everything is tightly in place. Like the previous product, a lot of people don't like the tips, which results in them switching to the ATLP, but the XLR8 fans claim the tips may be better on the ATLP, but the XLR8 offers better performance. Recommended if you're looking for a nice, loud tone.

ATLP

Price – $1,127

Piping Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gains – 15-20 HP

Sound – Medium

Dual or Quad Tip – Quad

This product is rather close to the XLR8, except it's a bit quieter and has quad tip. You can't deny the beautiful looks this exhaust will add to the rear of your Acura. If you want it to be louder, you can remove the resonator, then, and only then, all bets will be off. This product works with aftermarket headers, so do some research before buying it. It features massive 3.5" tips, which allow for a big change in the looks of the car. Don't worry about installation, it works as a replica to your stock exhaust, which means remove the old one, and install this one, which comes with everything you need, down to the last bolt. Before going any further, these tips will only fit on the Type-S rear bumper, so if you have a stock bumper, you will have to replace it or cut it. Recommended if you're looking for a good look, and you have Type-S bumper.

OBX

Price – $500

Piping Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gains – 10 HP

Sound – Medium

Dual or Quad Tip – Dual

The OBX is a great product; however, some have described it as "cheap." Although this product can free up the gases exiting your engine, which is guaranteed to add some horses to your engine, as well as save some fuel, a lot of people have claimed the product didn't fit, which caused some to go to a muffler shop in order to cut the pipe. This stainless steel exhaust offers a lot for such price, especially when you compare it to most of its competitors. Some people claim the product is quiet and has a low tone, which could be good for some, especially if your neighbors go to sleep early. Make sure to check the welding when you get it, as some people complained about the welding being messy, which can cause rust and an exhaust leak. Recommended if you want to add some horsepower, but you don't want to spend too much money.

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