Upgrading CAI & Exhaust (DC5)

[IDV8]

Thinking of investing in a new exhaust system and CAI. What would you choose and why? I've got a base 2003 DC5 Integra and my only concern is noise, I hate noisy ass cars so wouldn't want to go much noisier than stock when it comes to exhaust. Cheers!

:D Oh and store recommendations? Figured I'd buy overseas given our dollar compared to USD right now - think my car just translates to a 2003 Acura RSX over there.

[dougie_504]

If your concern is noise then I wouldn't bother upgrading TBH, it's hard to get power gains in the base DC5 without making noise.

[IDV8]

I did a browse on modified RSX's a while back (only exhaust I recall is Greddy SP2) and not all of them were much louder than stock? I mean when going slow or just sitting somewhere. Hard to explain.. I think of a really old civic with a huge muffler when I mean noise if that makes any sense :P

[dougie_504]

http://fjdistributors.com/index.php

http://www.raceinspired.com/

[IDV8]

Thanks :D Now any details on products? And when I mean noise I mean I don't want to wake up everyone in my house when I pull into the drive way at 2-3am for example.

[dougie_504]

They'll get used to it DW.


I've heard that the 5Zigen ones are no good.


I'm a big fan of Fujitsubo, J's Racing, Kakimoto, RS-R and Tanabe.


Don't shop for something 'quiet'. Determine a budget FIRST. Then maybe have a look at some systems, decide what looks nice to you (this is important TBH) and then do some research on the individual system. If you get a system that is too loud just put another resonator on = problem solved. But most systems (good quality ones, like I mentioned above) are not too loud ---> it's part of the RnD which is what you pay top dollar for.

[IDV8]

So far I've had recommended to me from a USA forum (RSX forum) Injen DC5 CAI and Greddy SP2 Exhaust System. I'll have a look at those brands/prices and see what I can find - is there anything in particular I should be looking for? In regards to noise if its a 'healthy' noise from a 'healthy' engine I'm guessing it'd be an okay adjustment.

[dougie_504]

Injen is fine, or Fujita is my preference. AEM.

For exhaust I don't know anything about the Greddy. Just look at the second website I showed you, 'search by car', choose cat-back systems in the exhaust section for your car. You'll find good things. Nothing else to look for other than ground-clearance if your car is lowered. They'll all be good sizes (60mm).

Otherwise I have no idea what you mean by 'healthy noise from a health engine'.

[p33r]

Fujitsubo RM01a for exhaust.

As for ordering catbacks from o/s, you'll find shipping prices are quite ridiculous because of its size. probably best to find someone who can source them in at a decent price, and source your cai from o/s.

[IDV8]

Its hard to describe online what I meant be sounding healthy, just going by some shocking sounds I've heard Pulsars/Civics make. If I'm buying a certain model and youtube what it is, is that pretty much what my cars going to sound like or ..? There are quite a few that show up for a 2003 RSX.

[dougie_504]

Hard to get any video that gives justice to the exhaust.

Straight up, the Fujitsubo RM01A is too loud, going from what my friend's CRX sounds like. And the clearance is dogsh!t. If you're going to get a Fujisubo I would recommend the Power Getter (if they make it for DC5 - never checked TBH). My brother uses this on his DC4 and I find it's very quiet.

As for sound, stainless steel will give you a high pitch raspy sound. If you want a softer/deeper tone then get a custom mild steel exhaust. That said, good quality exhausts normally sound great and will be quiet enough, otherwise you can get a second resonator.

[r3ckless]

Honestly, if noise is ur concern... just take the Injen CAI. Its nice and loud only after vtec.

[dlai5552]

Injen are good on a dyno, but gruppe m are a better buy especially for track use, it's mainly only loud for Vtec crossover.
Also, fujitsubo powergetter would be a good one, it gives a nice note and it's not too loud and when you are cruising on a freeway or so, you can't hear it :)

[dlai5552]

Injen are good on a dyno, but gruppe m are a better buy especially for track use, it's mainly only loud for Vtec crossover.
Also, fujitsubo powergetter would be a good one, it gives a nice note and it's not too loud and when you are cruising on a freeway or so, you can't hear it :)

[V8KLLR]

I think your going after the wrong mods. Try a lightened flywheel, heavy duty clutch and a lower final drive. You'll be faster than any DC5R with a CAI and Exhaust plus you'll be alot quieter aswell.

[stevanbonic]

higher final drives are NOT a good idea for a daily driven car..........

DC5 you are already shifting every 2 seconds and your rpms at highway speed will be at least 400rpm higher. The first 2 suggestions are good ones though :)

[V8KLLR]

higher final drives are NOT a good idea for a daily driven car..........

DC5 you are already shifting every 2 seconds and your rpms at highway speed will be at least 400rpm higher. The first 2 suggestions are good ones though :)

Yea mate =]
What you said was true about the lower final drive, but I just wanted to mention all options.

[stevanbonic]

Yea mate =]
What you said was true about the lower final drive, but I just wanted to mention all options.

if you can live with it then go for it hehe :thumbsup: I too almost changed my FD to a 5.1 when i did my clutch/lsd recently but decided not to as i would probably regret it when the engine becomes more powerful, also 1st gear would become almost useless.

For the op's budget there isnt much you can do for significant gains but a CAI and nice exhaust will free it up and a well matched system will sound great :)

[act_gooner]

Are you after looks as well as performance and sound?

I ask because if you want your car to be quiet and don't mind the look of your stock exhaust you could just leave it and upgrade your CAI?

I have a Fujita CAI on my DC4 which I bought off ebay, much cheaper than buying Injen in Australia and I am more than happy with it. It really opens up the sound of the engine, sounds really nice at high revs but I would hardly call it loud.

[IDV8]

Are you after looks as well as performance and sound?
I ask because if you want your car to be quiet and don't mind the look of your stock exhaust you could just leave it and upgrade your CAI?


Sounds like a good option actually. Am I going to notice much of a difference by just putting in a CAI? I was thinking of importing the Injen DC5 CAI (much cheaper from the US)

[muzukashi]

Yes you will notice the difference Injen sounds really good in WOT how much is the Injen costing you?

[IDV8]

Yes you will notice the difference Injen sounds really good in WOT how much is the Injen costing you?

Looking at about $300 delivered to AU .. plus fitting, not sure how much that'll be.

[RED-DC5R]

Fitting? do it your self its relatively easy, im sure theres a thread on the diy section on how to install it

[RED-DC5R]

for exhaust you should look in X-force twinloop and HKS silent hi-power both are very quiet and give you performance gains

[45SET]

An off the shelf exhuast for a DC5R/S won't fit onto a Base.

If you are going to buy an off the shelf item, make sure that the exhuast you buy is made for a base DC5.

If I was in your situation, I would just go to an exhuast shop and tell them you want a 2 1/4' cat back exhuast with a cannon on the end. It'll be cheaper and easier then importing something that might not fit.

Fit the Injen yourself. There is going to be countless DIY's on the interwebz... just google "Fitting Injen Intake onto DC5"