Unfortunately, I need to replace most of the exhaust, the only good pieces are the mid pipe and muffler.

Is there any performance gains in the RB muffler, or is it all in the header? It almost makes more sense financially to buy the whole system, given that you get gaskets and everything. I think just the header and pre-silencer with hardware is only a couple hundred less.

I'm just really hoping it's not much louder, I leave the house at 4:30 and don't want to be "that guy" waking up the neighbors.
Thanks

 

If you're comparing it to a stock system then yes, absolutely you will be "that guy". I have a full RB single pipe 12A system I will let go cheap, or part out.

 

I was a explaining to my wife about the issue and said this was the only way to fix it. She said, no, you could sell it. She's such a comedian! Like that's ever gonna happen!

I made a deal with a great member on the forum, so hopefully it'll be back on the road in a week or two.

 

A huge thanks to Maxwedge, he really came through for me. The parts I purchased were exactly as described and a good deal. He also let me infringe on his vacation, but it worked out great so there's no shipping costs.

I can't wait to get the 7 back on the road, I just need a few more bits that Stu recommended. This is why this forum is so awesome!

 

It’s the hanger looking thing
Stupid follow up question. There's a bracket/hanger at the junction of the mid pipe and cat. Is that to be used on the RB presilencer that takes the place of the cat? I ask because the people that installed the new cat a number of years ago welded it to the cat. It seems that I need a hanger there (85 FB), but wanted to check before I go and fabricate a new one.

I'll try and take a picture later just to try and get a visual.

 

That hanger is part of the Mazda midpipe in your picture. It's a rod bent and welded to the leading end of the pipe (right side of picture)..

 

Interesting..,, not sure why they welded it to the cat. I guess it's gonna be another project. I'll have to cut it off and make a piece to weld the the mid-pipe.

Thanks for the information and picture!

 

I need to find those hanger hooks also ...I sold my factory exhaust and now I don't have them to use when I get my new exhaust piping done🤦

 

I made something to actually hang it, but it might be a little difficult to find the whole thing. I'll take some pictures once I weld it up.

Good old PO Jerry strikes again 😡. The mid-pipe is not original and is a little over an inch too long. Very frustrating, now I have to cut this one down and weld it together.

If it doesn't hold, I'll have to have one made. I also lost the heat sensor, it just crumbled off. Hopefully I can rig something up so the light doesn't stay on. I can't believe it's worked in a long time given how corroded it was.

 

Final update, it's installed, sounds fantastic! Not much more noise than OE.

This car fought me every inch of the way ?, but I persevered!

As always, one step forward, two steps back, anything over 2k, the belts squeal something terrible, so now I wait for a dual alternator pulley. If that doesn't fix it, I'll put the air pump back on.

I bought all SS hardware, had both the mid pipe and presilencer professionally coated, to prevent rust. Time will tell if it was worth it.

For what it's worth, I didn't use any exhaust silicone, I just think it would be a mess next time I have to take it off. I don't have any leaks, the RB gaskets are excellent.

Thanks for all the input, it always makes these projects easier.