Ok, searched and searched, got nothing but "13b header fitment on 12a", magnaflow this, borla that, racing beat presilencer, etc, but no answer on if a RB 12a header will bolt up to a stock 79 Exhaust or will I be needing to have a machine shop fabricate a piece for me?

thanks for putting up with my noobness.

 

If you buy the '79 version, yeah.

There are differences in each year, so unless you've got the specific '79-80 part from RB, you'll have to do some modifications to make it fit.

 

Go to Racing Beat then...
-rotary performance
-1971-1985
-Exhaust Components
-79-80 Streetable header/collector

 

I think you also need the 79 presilencer to make the header a true bolt-on. Check the links mentioned above, and look for the "Mini presilencer" for the 79-80 models.
Al RB header/presilencer combos are designed to be a true bolt-on fit for the specified year models. If you look closely, you will discover that RB does not sell a mid pipe, as their system is designed to use the factory mid-pipe.

 

If I am not mistaken, the 79 has that smaller pipe that chases the main exhaust from the thermal reactor. Best, cheapest route is to get a presilencer from your local muffler shop, and redo the whole thing. I have a friend who works at a local shop near me, who could probably do the whole exhuast sytem for you for less than a hundred. The only thing you would have to provide is the header and the muffler.

 

rock on. Im smelling a road trip! Now all I am getting left is a Muffler.

 

oh, and yes, that pipe does snake to the rear for some reason :\

 

It's part of the fresh air for the reactor. That 80 I have sitting out here is the same way. Need to remove all that. You can "build " you own exhuast system cheaper than buying the whole RB setup. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-TUR...73057794QQrdZ1

These mufflers look sweet on a first gen. A lot of the Aussie's are running these turndown style. So, about $45 for the muffler, $100 or so plus for a used header, then $100 or less for a muffler shop visit. A new RB header $238 plus shipping, mini pre silencer $155 plus shipping, muffler $255 plus shipping, or you can buy the whole setup together for $680 plus shipping. If your trying to do this on a budget, you make the call.

 

I was thinking of having a Mazdaspeed Protege muffler on it. I have one on my protege, and i LOVE the sound of it! It is made by borla as well. It will be installed before the rear wheel arch, so it will just be the canister part.

 

here is a pic of the muffler, and the 2nd is where i may cut it at, before the bends.

 

I don't think that will fit under there too good, but you can try it and see what works. The stock muffler location on the first gens is about the only place to mount the "muffler". I have seen people stagger two glasspacks beside each other under the floor pan, then strait pipe out the side or rear. Crazy loud though!

 

I was thinking of having the motorized "bypass" someone showed on here too.

there are so many little nifty things I want to do, but everything costs $$ haha.

my protege has a switch below the steering wheel where I mounted a car alarm to, I can drive down the road and flick the switch... makes fun times.