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10th Gen Honda Accord Exhaust OEM Breakdown – Design Pt. 1

Although the Accord may not be as popular to modify as the Civic, we believe there is a great opportunity to REDEFINE what a high-performance exhaust system can be for the family sedan that we all love; the 2017+ Honda Accord.

Here at 27WON Performance before we really dig into a project we first take a step back and take a dive into the minds of the Honda engineers to better understand what Honda developed and why. From this research, we can better develop a high-performance product that delivers improved function, great fitment, and is sure to enhance the overall experience for you, the driver.

Now that you understand why we examine the OEM (original equipment manufacture) system, let's check out the Accord’s system.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Honda Accord OEM exhaust is its long single-piece construction. While the one-piece construction is nice from an exhaust flow perspective and pretty leak proof due to the lack of flanges it’s very impractical from a shipping perspective. We’ll have to carefully consider where to add flanges to optimize shipping costs, which for an exhaust system is usually over $100 USD best case.

The cardboard box we ship all our exhaust systems in

Another thing to consider is that the 1.5L systems have 1 resonator and 2x mufflers whereas the 2.0L systems have 2 resonators and 2x mufflers. Obviously, the acoustics of the K20C4(2.0L engine) is different from the L15BE (1.5L engine) and Honda accounted for that with an extra resonator under the cabin of the vehicle. This means that if an aftermarket system is to work with both engines, it will have to be capable of not over silencing the 1.5L while still providing the great sound for the 2.0L engine. Can one exhaust system really sound great for both engines? We’ll find out.

Next up is the piping. The 1.5L piping is 2 inches outside diameter (OD) while the 2.0L measures close to 2.4 inches. Surprisingly both engines have a reduction at the front pipe flange. This means the exhaust is restricted as it exits the front pipe into the midpipe thus reducing exhaust flow a bit.

You are probably aware that Honda offers multiple engines, both a 1.5L and a 2.0L version. This along with the various trim levels means there are quite a few different OE exhaust systems for the Accord. Honda changes the direction of the exhaust tip depending on the trim level. On higher trim levels exhaust tip points out the rear of the car and into a protective sheet metal shroud. On the lower trim levels, the exhaust points to the ground and the rear bumper does not expose any exhaust tips.

Lower trim levels with no cut out

Higher Trims with cut out

It’s pretty obvious which exhaust configuration looks the best. Honda knows this, that’s why the higher trim levels come with the bumper exit. Check out the metal shroud that surrounds the exhaust tip. That helps keep hot exhaust fumes from melting the bumper and also gives a nice aesthetic appeal.

HINT: We always look to REDEFINE when we develop products. In order to design a proper exhaust system for the Accord, we are going to have to deal with this shroud. 

We have some creative ideas we are excited to share as we go through the development process. 

Let us know if you would like to see us offer an exhaust for the 2016+ Honda Accord. 

I DARE You to REDEFINE the Aftermarket
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