Exhaust or Suspension? Can't decide
 

I haven't been able to make up my mind in a couple of weeks so now asking for opinions.
Exhaust sounds pretty bad. Rally X has taken a toll on it (maybe with Rally X is another deciding factor with this exhaust). Picture says it all. I want to replace it with something that would keep it quiet for the neighbors.
I am thinking that if the hole was patched up that it would be back to normal and then a new brace could be added. However I have heard good things about the Power Pulse Muffler that RB makes.
Will it make any more power? It is kind of pricey for an exhaust but I know our engines put a lot of abuse with heat on the system.
Added info, I already have a Race Beat Header and a bullet silencer where the cat was.
And maybe with Rally X, maybe I should just stick with stock springs that it came with...

BUT if the stock muffler sounds just like the power pulse, makes just as much power, and just needs a little patching why sink $425? I could take that money and put that to suspension to put on some different springs/shocks.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...418ceda1e2.jpg

SO....
Should I sink my money in getting spring/shocks for the 1982 RX-7 and repair the stock muffler?

Or buy a Race Beat Power Pulse Muffler (easy install) and stay with the stock suspension for another year?

Or is there another option i overlooked?

I'd go with the RB exhaust. Its bullet proof, flows better than stock, sounds better and is a solidly built piece. It should survive Rally X better than the rest of the car LOL.

Go with the RB muffler! Their price of $306.00 is fair, what sucks is the shipping cost from California ($60.33 to Indiana) but you can't beat the "plug and play" feature. I just replace my the 33 y/o stock muffler, hangers and doughnuts on my RX-7 along with my 20 y/o Bonez converter and I'm very satisfied with it.

Another RB muffler vote.

i'd do both, do it right from the get go.

if that's your plan anyway and you're asking what to do first, i'd say exhaust. for suspension, if you're wililng to spend $1k or so, wait for someone to do a part out and pick up the good stuff - full coilovers fr/rr
GL

Muffler. Peace with the neighbors is worth that, and they'll never notice how much quieter and sensible your RX7 is with new springs and shocks...

Hunt for a used RB muffler on the classifieds here. You might get lucky.

*Update

I went with replacing the exhaust. It was only holding on by one hanger so its life was limited.

Just got my Race Beat Power Pulse Muffler in though. Not what I thought it was going to be like... Or maybe I am being fussy... Willing to listen to other opinions

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...84b09b9bbf.jpg


Pictures
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a9ce0974eb.jpg
The outer shell is a lot thinner than I heard about from other people plus it is all Stainless steel. Which maybe is an improvement from the original design of heavy mild steel?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...065fb0f5ee.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...76d6f65599.jpg

The dent I get as that could be shipping, but I have worked in a fab shop and I am surprised to see this imperfection

It is going to get installed. Can't wait to hear how it sounds.

Have you contacted RB to discuss the dent and issues with the muffler?

All stainless, thats some serious bling even with the small imperfection. I may need to get a new muffler just to have that shiny stuff.

I second that opinion Andrew7! I would email them photos of the dent and finish issues and follow-up with a phone call. At $306 plus shipping I would want an undented unit with a consistent finish on it. Even if your willing to keep the muffler you may be able to get some of the sales price returned as a good faith gesture, call it a open-box/dent discount.