I doubt many people have tried this, but has anyone ever run the OEM Si muffler (Civic or CRX, doesn't matter) with an aftermarket header and no cat/high flow cat?

I was wondering what kind of noise that'll make with an OEM SI muffler.

Please, no suggestions of "$200 ebay exhausts". I'm not going to go that route. I want something stock-appearing and quality fitting.

If it sounds like crap, I'll probably splurge for the HKS. Still, would like to know if anyone has tried this or not.

 

Without the cat it will be louder. And I don't see much reason to put a performance header on a 1.5" pipe that is the stock exhaust.

 

I have done this way way waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back when. It was somewhat louder in the mid range but otherwise was just as quiet as stock (high flow cat and 2.25in piping).

EDIT: Now that I think of it, it wasn't the OEM muffler but it was a "stock" replacement from the muffler shop. I do recall replacing the resonator afterwards and I almost literally couldn't hear the exhaust anymore. If you want something stock appearing you may want to look into an exhaust for an old Camaro. I had a friend use one once, looks plain jane but has bigger piping.

 

will you be purchasing an OEM Si exhaust or do you already have one installed on your hatch? (off topic, but just wondering)

 

Hmmm! Sounds awesome. Any thoughts on it's effects on a turbo system? I would love my car to be quiet!

 

I have a 2.25" SS B-pipe on the car already (OEM style replacement). Bought this waaay back in 2001 when you could still find such pieces.

A OEM exhaust will bolt right onto it. I don't care if I lose a HP or two up top...I want something stock and I wouldn't mind if it sounds a bit louder, but I don't want it to sound odd, either.

And if the muffler is so corked up, a cat may or may not make a sound difference. I've experienced both so there is no way of knowing unless someone has tried.

 

Freemananana - No idea but I believe that particular muffler was for the V6 and had a 2.5in inlet so I'd imagine it might work fairly well for a small turbo application but maybe some research into an MR2 muffler may be in order since they had mufflers sitting sideways as well.

Todd00 - I think you'll be fine. I can only imagine an actual OEM muffler sounding better/quieter so I'd say go for it.

 

take a look at this one:
http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...products_id=48

And here are some youtube videos: http://goo.gl/vBkd75

 

I rocked an ef9 cat back (yes it's legit) for a long time with no cat and an ebay header on my a6/z6 combo. using that cat back it was quieter than a magnaflow but made a little noise higher up, although all i heard was my intake. car felt good and pulled hard to redline, and maintained it's bottom end power unlike when i swapped in my 2.5" cat back

 

I'll say the magnaflow is loud. All the time loud. I think a lot of the stock piping is a good size for the stock motor.

OP, you should be fine with your proposed set up and it won't be loud.

 

maybe magnaflow was a bad example. but the point is it was really quiet. couldn't tell it was on quiet. then got a little noise when it was rev'd

 

Well, my magnaflow/flowmaster experience has been that it is a constant sound.

 

I was going to ask if anyone has ever tried to bolt a 90-93 Integra axle-back portion on a 88-91 hatchback, but it looks like the Integra muffler is discontinued.

 

I know a lot of things are similar, but it wouldn't be hard to figure out if it would fit. Just look at the aftermarket pieces for both cars. If they look the same, and I think they might be, then the stock would most likely fit. I was on some website, napa or summitracing, and the EF and DA shared the same exhaust in some cases; that's only if I remember correctly though.

 

a DA Exhaust will fit. Read this thread a few weeks ago:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/da-exhaust-ef-hatch-2140489/

 

Perfect! That's pretty awesome. Looks good too.

 

No more new OEM DA mufflers though. If I wanted aftermarket, I would just buy one specifically made for the 89-91 Si hatch and not hassle with anything else.

 

You can probably salvage one from the junkyard that is in good condition.

The original question was what an OEM muffler and aftermarket header/cat would sound like. That has been answered.

So you knew you didn't want to go this route before anyone posted about it, right? You want something you can buy brand new and bolt to your system?

 

I don't think I'm going to find a "nice" OEM DA muffler in the Midwest in a junkyard. Best bet is scouring the dealer database to see if anyone has new old stock.

Still, I want new OEM so I ordered a 89-91 Si muffler (axle-back) and new tips/tip bolts. I did order the DA tips though as those are larger and still available (still available because they were used on a later Accord).

We'll see how it sounds once I get everything on the car.

 

Do you mind sharing info on where you purchased your OEM Si muffler? I am ready to order my muffler/tips from Majestic, but if you know of any better sources that you're willing to share, I'm all ears. Thanks!

 

My local dealer matches online pricing, so I just order through them.

Some online places charge more for shipping than others, so make sure you figure that total in.

 

In my honest opinion, the oem muffler for the EF sucks for quality and i would never buy one! Back when my 89 Civic was "new", the oem muffler was seriously rusted after only 3 1/2 years. Many other drivers had the same problem....not very good

The Acura rsx i bought in 2002, and the oem muffler is still like brand new, big time difference in quality

 

The OEM Si muffler is only $169 online. Also, my car hasn't seen rain in probably 10 years and it surely won't see salt. So I'm not too worried about it rusting out...

 

I have had a lot of people tell me the same thing. Back in the 90s the muffler replacement business was booming. Then they released some sort of coating that kept it from rusting. Shut down muffler mans everywhere. They also spray the underside of cars with it depending on location to prevent all sorts of rusting.

 

Just last night i bought an aftermarket OE replacment, $58. OEM's are still avaliable at my dealer, but even with the discount its 3X more than aftermarket. Just gonna order the stock Tips. Ill let you know how it sounds once installed.
(running a test pipe and b series btw)