The cat-back section looks extremely restrictive to me. The pipes seem to be undersized to permit the full power of the engine to be realized. I base this on information at this site...there's a handy table for ballpark figuring of pipes for the power you're dealing with: How To Calculate Muffler Size and Exhaust Pipe Diameter | Exhaust Videos
I haven't seen any cat-back systems for the MDX on the market yet, and I think I can do it cheaper and just as functionally well myself (just not as pretty...)
The cat-forward parts don't look too bad, so I don't think headers would provide as much improvement as replacing the cat-back. I've been planning out the future replacement of the catback junk with appropriately sized piping and free-flowing mufflers. I don't want it much, if any, louder (well, my wife doesn't... I like a little noise). I think I'd replace the cat with a universal 3" I/O (maybe hold off on that until after the cat-back parts, for purposes of evaluating benefits). Then 3" pipe from the cat to a 1in-2out muffler (3"in, 2.5" out) where the first muffler presently is. The 2 outs will transition to 2" stainless flex pipe which will be routed as the factory pipes are. The factory rear mufflers will be replaced with either glass-pack round mufflers or larger mufflers, depending on the noise levels desired. I THINK this setup would be quiet enough, at least at cruising rpm's. And I can install some nice fat 6" chrome tips! Not.
ebay seller speedmotoring has some magnaflow knockoff mufflers. I got a couple for my F350 exhaust. The quality is comparable to magnaflow and at a better price. It seems they just don't have as many different I/O sizes.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
I'd use band clamps so I can disassemble/reassemble as desired. Autozone has bolt-on hangars of various configurations.
This will all cost around $300. Hmm, if an aftermarket system comes out and costs less than $400 or so, I'd probably do that instead. That is, if it's quiet enough. I think my plan would make a quieter system. We'll see...
I haven't seen any cat-back systems for the MDX on the market yet, and I think I can do it cheaper and just as functionally well myself (just not as pretty...)
The cat-forward parts don't look too bad, so I don't think headers would provide as much improvement as replacing the cat-back. I've been planning out the future replacement of the catback junk with appropriately sized piping and free-flowing mufflers. I don't want it much, if any, louder (well, my wife doesn't... I like a little noise). I think I'd replace the cat with a universal 3" I/O (maybe hold off on that until after the cat-back parts, for purposes of evaluating benefits). Then 3" pipe from the cat to a 1in-2out muffler (3"in, 2.5" out) where the first muffler presently is. The 2 outs will transition to 2" stainless flex pipe which will be routed as the factory pipes are. The factory rear mufflers will be replaced with either glass-pack round mufflers or larger mufflers, depending on the noise levels desired. I THINK this setup would be quiet enough, at least at cruising rpm's. And I can install some nice fat 6" chrome tips! Not.
ebay seller speedmotoring has some magnaflow knockoff mufflers. I got a couple for my F350 exhaust. The quality is comparable to magnaflow and at a better price. It seems they just don't have as many different I/O sizes.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
I'd use band clamps so I can disassemble/reassemble as desired. Autozone has bolt-on hangars of various configurations.
This will all cost around $300. Hmm, if an aftermarket system comes out and costs less than $400 or so, I'd probably do that instead. That is, if it's quiet enough. I think my plan would make a quieter system. We'll see...