The 6" tube pointing out sideways is called a "Helmholtz Reservoir" I believe. Its purpose is to allow airflow to fill it, which in turn cause a reverberation that helps to offset the pulses, and quiet the exhaust. This has been used on intake systems for a long time, and I imagine just another of Honda's ways to improve NVH in the vehicle without adding weight or hurting performance. It is simply a noise suppresion device, and I can't see it hurting performance (or helping it) to remove it. A header back exhaust generally removes it, with no ill effects, so I don't think it aids in scavenging the cylinders or anything.

 

i guess it might not be wroth it. might be a little expensive to chop it off and patch it up.

 

Wow this sounds very interesting. Can you post some video or sound clips of what the exhaust sounds like? Also is it possible to go back to OEM setup after this mod is done? Thanks.