Thermal R&D Exhaust
Pros:
Exhaust specialists Thermal R&D helped propel import drag racing icons such as Tony Fuchs and his '91 Acura Integra to superstar levels back in the '90s, as he powered his turbocharged machine deep into the 10-second mark. In revisiting the old-school CRX, we found it fitting to ask Thermal to aid us in netting some much needed horsepower with their exhaust system. Thermal R&D offers the CRX exhaust in both 2 1/4-inch or three-inch diameter piping for naturally aspirated or forced induction applications.
Cons:
The new stainless steel exhaust was easy to install, and required a simple spray of WD-40 to all the exhaust bushings, but the factory catalytic converter nuts on the other, had been rusted shut and required major oil soaking in order to prevent them from sheering off during removal.
Parts:
Exhaust, midpipe, gasket, nuts and bolts, warranty disclaimer, stickers
Tools:
-10mm, -12mm, -14mm, and -17mm sockets, open-end wrenches, breaker bar, screwdriver, WD-40
Installation Time:
1 hour
Notes:
We were pleasantly surprised with the nice, deep exhaust pitch at a modestly quiet decibel level. Dyno testing the exhaust revealed an increase in power and torque throughout the power band, with a peak gain of 3.8 hp and 2.5 lb-ft torque. We saw a healthy gain in the midrange to top-end from 3,500 rpm to redline. These increases in horsepower were especially impressive, considering the car was already equipped with an aftermarket exhaust when we started.
DC Sports Header
Pros:
The DC Sports 4-2-1 headers have always been a favorite among Honda and Acura owners alike, and for valid reasons. CARB certification, a 4-2-1 design that enables exhaust pulses to create additional horsepower, and ceramic coating that keeps the header looking good are three of our favorites.
Cons:
Removal of the factory header can be a pain in the ass. Be sure to use the proper tools when removing each bolt. Stripping or snapping them off will extend your installation time.
Parts:
Header, bolts, gasket, O2 wire extension, CARB sticker, instructions, stickers
Tools:
-10mm,-12mm, -14mm and -17mm sockets, swivel, open-end wrenches, extensions, breaker bar, wire cutter, anti-seize compound, WD-40.
Installation Time:
80 minutes
Notes:
When installing the new DC header, take precaution in removing the factory O2 sensor, and carefully set it aside to prevent any damage. The DC Sports header comes with an O2 wire extension harness which aids in speeding up the installation process. We found it necessary to zip-tie the harness (also included in the kit) to the upper intake manifold bracket to clear the driver's-side axles. The mighty CRX picked up a gain of 5.9 hp and 2.6 lb-ft torque over our previous run, with the largest gains taking place from 5,500 rpm to redline.