I have Comptech Icebox, Header, and Exhaust on my 95 Integra LS. I bought this stuff because I heard it was really worth the price. I also liked the exterior look of the exhaust system. However, recently, I have been told that the Comptech stuff really isn't worthy or original. For instance, people have said numerous times that the Comptech exhaust is really a Magnaflow muffler, relabeled and repriced. What is the concensus on here? Is Comptech quality and high end, despite what some say? Is Comptech worth the price?

Thanks,
Ben

 

Where did you hear that Magna Flow made mufflers for Comptech? Have you contacted Comptech about this? I'd like to know too.

 

I've heard it from two people. I tried emailing Comptech, but even though I have their I/H/E, apparently they didn't want to talk to me and reveal any secrets so they didn't respond. I'm assuming it is true - one of the people I heard it from is reputable.

Ben

 

i would say that the header an icebox are decent power parts. other than that the muffler setup will produce just as much hp as any other 2.25" system out there, but is not worth the 600+ $'s one would spend for it. although it does have a nice sound i would only look into one used so i knew that i only spent about $400, tops, on it.

 

Well for one it's true that Comptech mufflers were made Magna flow for a while, but in the later years they are made by Comptech. As far a quality and performance are concern, I believe the Comptech i/h/e system is the best out there.

 

this is all relative. it depends on what you plan on doing with your car. my opinion, of course--but comptech definitely is not the best out there.

 

Alright so nowadays the Comptech catback is all Comptech OE, not rebranded?

BTW, gave up on the alternate screenname scam, Dr.Rab? Sold the Teg yet?

Ben

 

Dr. Rab is correct. The old Comptech mufflers were magnaflow....for the past 2 years Comptech has made their own mufflers. There is a thread detailing this myth on the Comptech forum. Run a search and you'll find Mike Bibbinoff's answer.

Comptech's gear will only be as good as the engine package that you give it to work with. Their exhaust and header is definitely not for the guys looking to make 165+ whp. However its great (although pricey) for those just sticking to bolt on's.

 

I got Comptech on my Teg because its quiet, performance, quality. What other equipment will meet my needs for a 200 whp boosted LS Integra? I'd rather have a restrictive pseudo-quiet exhaust like Comptech than a 3" Turbo N1 exhaust

Ben

 

Haven't sold the car yet and it's probably going to be a while before I do. People who are looking for Teg's aren't looking for a $19,500-$18,500, their looking for either a 94+ that's going for any where from $7800-$14,000. And their just ain't a market out their for a 01 Integra, with 12, 500 miles and is worth 18,5 to 19,5.

Another thing is that Acura claims that the cars a luxury and everything, but my dad has a 01 Accord EX and I think there's more luxury in that car than there is in my 01 Teg. , such as OEM security system, and nicer dials and everything.

 

Ice box-1 of the best CAI available
Comptech header-Great,did just as good as all the big dog 4-1's on a typeR that was in fact pushing over 170WHP.
Comptech Exhaust- Looks cheasy and overpriced IMO,thats why I opted to go Greddy and then Tanabe for my exhaust.But the quality is well on the exhaust,I believe it is full SS.

 

I personally don't think the Integra is in the Acura line because its luxurious. I think it is there for two reasons: because if they put it in the Honda lineup, it would compete directly with the Civic and we can't have that; and 2) the higher price allowed by putting the car in a luxury brand is put towards higher quality parts or whatever makes the Teg a more enjoyable car than a Civic.

That's my 2 cents,
Ben

 

How do you like the comptech header on your LS?

 

Comptech amke good quality parts but don't expect a big gain from the header and exhaust since the Honda design is pretty good in the first place. Expect more gains from the intake though. I Comptech stuff was used a year before I bought it from my friend in '99 and it's still in great condition. I had probs with the piping from the resonator after the cat but Comptech replaced it for free. They later redesigned it so it wouldn't crack anymore. I got the revised version from them even though I didn't have the original receipt. Quality products with good customer service.

 

comptech is not that expensive if you shop around. The craftsmanship is well worth the money also. I got my MIG header and catback for $860 shipped.

 

I like the intake/header/cat/exhaust system very much. I got the header/cat/exhaust installed all at once and did feel a gain from the butt dyno at that time. However, it was later, when I installed the intake that I was really amazed. The gains were very very nice! However, don't take that to mean that the h/c/e didn't do as much as the intake... the intake was simply the last restrictive stock piece in the performance puzzle, and it was the free-flowing combination of components that gave me good gains. I'm happy; I got good gains and I think Comptech exhaust is the best looking out there. However you are never satisfied and now I am looking to go turbo... more $

Ben

 

I had emailed Comptech about their catback system before and while I can't find the original email, I do recall the replay I got from them basically stating that they do not manufacture their own mufflers.
I suspect that they have someone like Magnaflow or Borla make their mufflers to their specs, but they probably won't admit it.

They do build up the catbacks though. I've seen their I/H up close and the quality looks great.

 

They used to outsource their mufflers to Magnaflow, but not anymore (that was about 2 years ago). Their is a thread in the comptech forum that addresses this issue. And for the record, comptech admits that magnaflow used to make their mufflers, since then they have attained the equipment necessary to make their own mufflers.

 

you've got it on there now, keep it.

 

I'm only gonna sell it for a turbo setup I just want this thread for posterity if you will, to gather public opinion and quench buyer's remorse.

Ben

 

it's overrated...

take that from me.

 

I'm not a huge fan of most of the Comptech stuff, but if you've already got it on there then just keep it. It won't hurt anything

Tweak - who can't wait for the 30 turbo threads Ben is now gonna post

 

Post *****? Me? What what?

Ben

 

I love my Comptech TIG header....looks good, sounds good and is going to last a long time I'm sure. I'd love to have a Comptech exhaust and Cat, but they are really expensive new. If I can find a used one in good condition for cheap, I'm gonna snag it up. If not, I'll probably go with a Type-R exhaust and an aftermarket Cat.
I have their header, sport springs and rear sway bar and I am very happy with all 3 pieces.
My .02


[Modified by GSR-REX, 11:15 AM 12/5/2002]

 

Here is a reply to an email I had sent them in October, looks like they still outsource their mufflers.

" We have the mufflers made to our specifications by another company, but
the piping and everything else is done here in-house. Thanks.

----- Original Message -----
From:
To: <info@comptechusa.com>
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 11:13 AM
Subject: Question regarding your exhaust systems

Comptech,

Do you manufacture your own mufflers for the catback exhaust systems that
you sell or are they made by another company?

Thanks in advance,