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Acura TSX 2009-2014: Exhaust Reviews

Exhaust systems are one of the most effective ways to increase power output from your vehicle's motor.

By Piyush Kayastha - May 6, 2016

This article applies to the Acura TSX (2009-2014).

When it comes to the performance department of your vehicle, the exhaust system is a main component in providing power to the vehicle's drivetrain. The cylinder head collects exhaust gasses and routes them to the exhaust manifold. The gases are then diverted through collector pipes or down pipes and get circulated through the cat-converter (for emissions), and finally the gasses exit through the exhaust pipe or tail pipe(s). The factory components regarding exhaust systems are quite restrictive for purposes of fuel economy and emissions.

Many auto enthusiasts who track their vehicle like to upgrade this component to more "free flowing" exhaust systems that don't restrict the gasses as much. Some like it for the "sound" alone, while others are looking to gain performance on the track. Normally, aftermarket exhausts systems comprise of larger diameter piping that starts from the "catalytic-back." Typically, these are referred to "cat-back" systems. Then there are "axle back" systems that leave the piping from the catalytic converter, back, in tact, but new piping and a muffler is supplied. Depending on your application, the choices vary and there are a plethora of options when it comes to aftermarket exhaust systems. There are also hi-flow cat-back converters as well as performance resonators one can add to their system to increase performance while decreasing "sound." Learn about the differences between some of the more popular brands available today.

Exhaust Chart
Tsudo Cat-Back System
Fujitsubo Cat-Back System
Mugen Cat-Back System
Custom Megan Muffler
Vibrant Ultra Quiet
Price
 $500 $1,200 $2,000 $85 $100
Piping Diameter

2.75"

2.3"

2"

2.5"

2.5"
Power Gains
 N/A Increased low-end torque N/A N/A N/A
Sound
 Loud Deep but quiet Loud Medium Quiet
Dual/Quad Tip
 Dual Dual Dual Up to you N/A
Best Quality: Custom

Best Value: Tsudo

Tsudo

TSUDO EXHAUST TSX

Price – $500

Piping Diameter – 2.75"

Power Gains – N/A

Sound – Loud

Dual/Quad Tip – Dual

Enthusiasts are comparing this exhaust as "slightly better than stock." The biggest plus point is that there is little to no "drone." This is the sound created from the vibrations of the exhaust that can be felt/heard inside the vehicle, especially when cruising on the highway. Performance gains are hard to measure, but some users say pairing it up with an intake system can increase the throttle response. The Tsudo is the budget choice of the name brand options. The videos and user's experience indicated the exhaust is slightly louder than stock without any raspy sound, likely in part due to the size of the mufflers used. For the price, it is a good deal for a mild performance upgrade. Recommended for those who want the budget option.

Related Video: Tsudo Exhaust on TSX

Fujitsubo

FUJITSUBO EXHAUST TSX

Price – $1,200

Piping Diameter – 2.3"

Power Gains – Increased low-end torque

Sound – Deep but quiet

Dual/Quad Tip – Dual

An enthusiast installed this exhaust system and loved it. He compared it stock but mentioned it was deeper while still being quiet. Of the choices in this comparo, the Fujitsubo's sound is appreicably "aftermarket" in nature, although it's far from brutally loud, with this exhaust bystanders will clearly know your ride has an aftermarket exhaust. There is a noticeable gain in low-end torque or increased throttle response. In terms of the main three exhausts we are comparing, the Fujitsubo sits mid-pack in terms of piping diameter. Generally speaking, with the TSX's exhaust, the larger the piping, the more decibels you will be getting, in addition to the possibility of drone while cruising. Recommended for those who want a deep sounding exhaust option.

Related Video: Fujitsubo Exhaust on TSX

Mugen

MUGEN EXHAUST TSX CSX

Price – $2,000

Piping Diameter – 2"

Power Gains – N/A

Sound – Loud

Dual/Quad Tip – Dual

For many TSX enthusiasts, this is the "hard to find" performance upgrade. If you're looking for brand appeal, look no further than Mugen. Synonymous with Honda and the Japanese tuner market, Mugen was initially started Hirotoshi Honda, and supplies parts exclusively to the brand. The complex system has a built-in silencer for noise reduction and has a desirable sound under acceleration. Although this is the most expensive option for TSX's today, it is of the highest quality. Recommended for people who want the ultimate in JDM flavor.

Related Video: Mugen Exhaust for TSX

Custom Megan Muffler

MEGAN MUFFLER MAGNAFLOW Y PIPE VIBRANT RESONATOR

Price – $85

Piping Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gains – N/A

Sound – Medium

Dual/Quad Tip – Up to you

Some enthusiasts will opt to installing a custom setup. On the AcuraZine forums, there seems to be one common setup that keeps being discussed and used. This setup involves Megan mufflers, a Magnaflow Y-pipe and a Vibrant resonator. What's consistent about these three items is that they are the same diameter: 2.5". This offers consistent, upgraded exhaust flow with a nice sound. Again, in the performance side of things, there will be no major noticeable gains. Improved throttle response can be experienced if pairing up the modification with an air intake system. Recommended for people who want a custom setup with option of being louder than the rest.

Vibrant Ultra Quiet Resonator

VIBRANT EXHAUST RESONATOR

Price – $100

PIping Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gains – N/A

Sound – Quiet

Dual/quad Tip – N/A

Some enthusiasts have reported increased "rasp" and "drone" when using various exhaust systems. Some users have claimed by adding a "vibrant" resonator in their system decreases the rasp sound while keeping the performance maintained with their improved exhaust system. Recommended as an additional option if you find your exhaust to be too loud or obnoxious.

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