Got my SE, now an exhaust question
 

This new love of my life has a new hi-flow bonez cat and Mazdatrix muffler. All else stock.
Would an RB system make that much difference at this point? No emissions here, so thats not in the mix.

Yes. Replacing the exhaust manifold with a header (assuming the rest of the piping is an appropriate size) will free up engine breathing while maintaining proper pressure wave tuning. If emissions aren't a consideration, why have a catalytic converter at all, even a high flow type? Might want to put in a presilencer instead.

There were emissions in the state I bought the car from. Sounds like an RB setup is what I need, but can I pinch pennies and get the header and prsilencer only?
Muffler is new, hate to chuck it.

odds are it's the same muffler - I believe Mazdatrix resells RB stuff

If you want the Racing Beat/Mazdatrix long primary streetport exhaust (GSL-SE) I have one I'll sell. It has about 1500 miles on the system. It sold new for almost $800 but I'll sell if for $300. PM me if you want it.

i may be interested in the cat if you get rid of it

I was really surprised by how quiet this car is..much quieter than my GSL w/ straight pipe and muffler!
Must be the bonez cat.

I was actually disappointed at how quiet the Bonez/Mazdatrix muffler was when I put it on. I wanted a more aggressive tone than I got. But there was those bi-annual emissions tests...
The Racing Beat and Mazdatrix mufflers are the same parts. Next thing forward is the stock connecting pipe. You should be able to buy the Racing Beat header of your choice and connect it to the rest of the system.

Yep, I'd like an aggressive tone as well..will just replacing the header do it, leaving all else the same?