I just wanted to add my 2 cents to this thread since I know how helpful a plethora of experiences can be to the newb who is looking to get into modding their car. I have a 2005 Accord EX 2.4L and although my mods list is long, performance has been limited to aspiration, wheel tire and suspension work (although I am considering forced induction, any reccos?). Anyway, here is my experience in a nutshell:

First I did my intake, Its a Fujita system. Haven't heard anything bad about it, but it was my first serious mod and the fact is that NO F'ing after market company made a CAI for my MAF equipped K24a4. Fujita was the only one and so I went with it.

Next, I went with a Greddy SP2 cat-back exhaust system. My experiences with it is VERY bypolar. The sound (the main reason to get an ES) is pretty nice. Very deep and subdued which I like since I hate the farting leaf blowers that these ricers round here love to promulgate like cheap sex lines at a junior high prom. HOWEVER, if you have the same ride I have, only get this system IF and ONLY IF you never plan on getting OEM skirt kit (like I did) or any kit for that matter since the system was not designed with it in mind and will melt right through. PM me for my full experience including horror stories. The other thing with Greddy, at least with the SP2 is that the mid pipe on the system (just before the muffler) was fabbed wrong. (this is a system problem and not unique to me - I confirmed) which causes a knocking sound under the car that can range from noticeable to unbearable, depending on your set-up). b/c of this, I will never buy Greddy again! PS my boy with his TSX got a medallion system. Pricier but apparently worth it.

and finally, by now I had discovered that one should really keep to the same manufacturer when installing after market set-ups for a variety of reasons but I refused to get Greddy for fear of fitment problems so I bought and installed DC Sport headers which have worked flawlessly. And yes they do produce a hiss when accelerating or when letting the gear decelerate (as opposed to braking) I kind of like it so no complaints here. This seems to be part and parcel to headers since everyone I know has had the same result - the hiss. Hope this helps - and if you're curious, the over all sound of the car is nice, I can't complain, but I'm so used to it I see my car and see very little difference with the stockers even though I am on Tien basic Coil-overs, 18s with Z rated tires, tinted, OEM body kit, lip spoiler and completer debadged - in fact below is a quick pic I took with my cell just now. Has that happened to anyone else? Even after all your mods, you're looks stock to you? Then again, no stickaz or anything like that on my accord. Completely debadged save for 2 HFP badges.

- The Man who knew to little

http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...Accordside.jpg