So I figured I would come back and post how it went and what parts worked...

I think either Walker PN53541 or Walker PN52259 front pipe would have fit as they are completely the same other than where it mounts to the manifold. The 52259 has a grove for a round gasket and the 53541 uses a flat gasket. The OEM one had a grove so I went with the 52259...

I used Walker PN53541 front pipe, Walker gasket PN31355 for the manifold end and Walker gasket PN31645 for the cat side... The only fit issue was, I had to bend the metal bracket that comes off the block to hold the flex pipe a bit. Otherwise everything bolted up fine. The nuts that bolt the Flex to the Manifold are M10x1.25.

I also replaced the cat using Walker PN16370 cat and Walker gasket PN31383 to replace the ring style OEM gasket.

I hope this can help others locate the proper parts....

 

Thanks for coming back and giving an update.

 

KaboomCult, I am about to tackle this job soon. (my wife's car as well) I think she hit the A pipe as the flex pipe is torn a bit and exhaust is leaking out from the top.(I seafoam'ed it to check for leaks) I just want to be clear as which gaskets I need to order. Your post states "The OEM one had a groove so I went with the 52259" The next sentence you state "I used 53541" Then go on to list the gaskets. Which is very helpful. As is your follow-up. I hate when folks ask questions on forums then do not come back with results/updates. Anyway, Are the gaskets you listed for the 53541 or 52259? Thanks ..the walker site lists I need these gaskets regardless of which A pipe it is ? - 31332/31383/31645 I am ordering the 54541 off Amazon ($71) and probably just order all 4 diff kinds of gaskets mentioned by you and Walker site just to cover my butt. But, the 31383 gasket is $9! I know I can return it But, if I don't need it as you didnt I'd rather not order it. Thanks again

 

btw.. I have a 2001 Accord 4cyl sedan. I found my org sticker and it states- LEV (no U?) and made in Ohio. no under hood sticker/door for emissions either. I looked at the A pipe and it is def a single inlet from engine. It states Federal em. on the original sticker. nothing about California except air bumper crash info. So hopefully the 53541(Cali) fits as it is &60+ cheaper than the non California one 52259? You think it will fit the same?

 

Sorry. Just trying to add my sig. just checking to see if it worked

 

You should be fine with that pipe.

As far as what gaskets were used, I think it was covered:

"I used Walker PN53541 front pipe, Walker gasket PN31355 for the manifold end and Walker gasket PN31645 for the cat side"

Now you are using a different pipe - car is a bit different. So use what is listed for the pipe you need....

 

FWIW
There are 7 states that follow California emissions. New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine.
The vast majority of all the 6gen 2.3L Accord sold new in my state of NY were ULEV. It's really rare to find a F23A1 in NY.

 

Thanks fellas. Just acquired this 01 this year from my father. He's had it maintained by the dealership from day 1. All records too. I had to have the 2nd trans rebuilt at 180,000 and she's got 195,000 now. I replaced the starter and cleaned all the carbon from the egr passage last week. Besides eating half a quart of oil a week(?) it runs pretty well. I hope to learn and contribute to this forum. Thanks

 

So I need to replace this pipe as well on my '98 and this thread is exactly what I was looking for.
Just to verify...OP states "The OEM one had a grove so I went with the 52259" but then states "I used Walker PN53541 front pipe"..which one did you use? I ask b/c on RockAuto.com, 52259 is $115 while 53541 is only $62. In the pics provided on RockAuto, the only visible differences appear to be the donut vs. flat gasket as previoulsy mentioned. I'd have no issue using the gasket and flat flange to save $53! Just want to be sure there weren't any other fitment issues.

Here's a link to an exploded view of exhaust and part numbers btw:
More Information for WALKER 31645

 

I think all of this comes down to the OE engine. Look at the engine block and see what the code is....right where the engine and trans bolt up there is a flat surface where one of the codes below should be.

F23a1
F23a4
F23a5