• November 5, 2008
• Category: Intake and Exhaust
• Written By: Chris
• 2 Comments

I’m referring the Comptech Catback exhaust as a part for the TSX since it is not a JDM piece. Instead Comptech is based right here in the United States. On with my review.

Upon first inspection of the exhaust the welds are meticulous, the polished look on the mufflers is amazing, no finger prints from shipping, no digs, no dents. At install the Comptech exhaust fit like a glove. No modifications or “strategic hammer bops” to fit, the hangers were spot on with OEM, and the tips even hang perfectly level in the back without poly hangers. Fired it up, no leaks, no hissing, and a nice quiet tone.

By no means is the cat back by itself loud, in fact it’s not much louder than stock. Under load you can hear it a bit in the back and outside but that’s about it. Unfortunately; that’s about all an exhaust for the TSX is good for. Comptech only promises a gain of 3 horsepower with the addition of the exhaust and most other manufacturers offer the same gain. All in all you are looking for improved sound and little bling on your rear end.

After about 6 months of owning the exhaust I added on the Random Technology (RT) cat to the mix and the exhaust got substantially louder. The tone retains that deep quality but a little bit of rasp is added. To some including myself, this raspy sound is nice, sounds like a nice free flowing exhaust. The RT cat did definitely add some power that the butt dyno could pick up on, but that’s for a different post.

After about 3 months with the RT cat I added the Comptech header as well. Now the exhaust is fairly loud, but there is no drone on the highway and very little in cabin resonance accept under load. A little more rasp was added to the sound but the resonator and mufflers on the Comptech exhaust handle the noise well and suppress it to nice deep grumble as opposed to your typical Honda civic “fart can.”

I would rate the Comptech Cat-Back 10 – 10 for excellent fit and finish and wonderful sound.

*Note: Comptech is now known as CT Engineering

CT Engineering (formerly Comptech) – CT Engineering TSX Catback Exhaust

Comptech Cat-Back – Acura TSX – OEM Header/Cat