If you've got a Honda Civic or Accord, you know that one of the great things about these cars is the wealth of performance parts and accessories available for them. It's amazing the variety of performance goodies you can find for these great cars; from performance exhaust systems to ignitions and chips, to big intakes. There are really radical performance mods too, such as nitrous and blowers to really make some serious horsepower.

Once you go fast, you'll probably want to turn and stop at some point. It's a good thing the aftermarket hasn't neglected to provide big brake kits, a plethora of wheel and tire combos, and trick suspension parts. You could go crazy with a high limit Visa card, an Accord, and an Internet connection, but boy you'd have a sweet ride when all was said and done. Street Hondas that regularly drop into the 12s are seemingly strewn about So Cal and Arizona streets like so many grains of sand on the beach.

That's great if you have the aforementioned high limit Visa and can afford to max it out every month, but what about the rest of you that want some additional performance, but don't want to break the bank, flush their college savings, or resort to a crime spree? Probably the most popular place to start is by adding a high performance exhaust system to your Accord or Civic. As an added bonus you'll usually get better gas mileage, not a bad thing in this day and age of $3.00 a gallon regular. Possibly the most common reason for adding a performance exhaust to a Honda is the sweet sound that Honda engines make when the run through the rev range. If you're lucky enough to have a VTEC motor, that last 2,000 RPM, after the bigger cam lobes switch in, is pure music to any gearhead's ears.

So, what should you look for when you're shopping for a new, high performance exhaust system? Number one; choose one that's made by a reputable manufacturer. One of the things about an exhaust system is that is must be properly engineered. A poorly engineered system will give you more noise, but little else. It'll just lighten your wallet by several hundred dollars. That's not the kind of help you need when facing off against someone on Saturday night.

Stick to systems from recognized exhaust specialists, such as Magnaflow, Borla, Dynomax, Injen, and Flowmaster. Companies such as these, and other performance exhaust specialists, have a long history of making properly engineered performance exhaust systems and the expertise required to do it correctly. Many of them have a long and successful racing history as well. A properly engineered exhaust will also be much easier to install on your car, without the frustration of bending this and pounding on that to make everything fit correctly.

In addition to engineering, you need to look for high quality construction. An exhaust system is exposed to some of the most brutal conditions of any accessory on your vehicle. It must deal with extreme heat, moisture, movement, and vibration. A poorly built system will give you a short service life. A well built exhaust will be resistant to the maladies that afflict poor quality units, such as cracking, broken hangers, and rust through, that can cost you money and cut your night short.

There are different materials used in the construction of performance exhaust systems. The most common is either aluminized steel or some form of stainless steel. All things being equal, stainless is a much better choice, being more resistant to corrosion and heat. In addition, stainless exhausts will stay looking virtually new for years. You'll run across two varieties of stainless commonly used for exhaust manufacturer, T-304 or T-509. T-304 is preferred, but costs more.

As with many things, you usually get what you pay for when buying a new performance exhaust system for your Accord or Civic. Just do your homework, and you'll be rewarded with an exhaust that makes your Honda really fly, and sound great doing it.

Discover how to make your Honda really kick it on the street or strip, go to the Honda Civic and Accord Performance Exhaust guide.

Tags: added bonus, honda civic, gas mileage, college savings, visa card, high limit