Just bought a beautiful all original GSL SE. Unfortunately, the exhaust system is original and needs to be replaced. I'm wondering what others are running? Your thoughts and suggestions? Are you happy w/ you set up?

The SE is a keeper for me. I don't plan on racing it. It's more of a weekend car and won't see winters. I don't have to meet any emission requirements so a straight pipe (Racing Beat, for example) is an option.

The main thing is I want the noise to be reasonable. I'm not 20...that's a memory ;-) and the emphasis is on comfort -- I think. Performance would be nice, but secondary. I'm certainly not against performance and I like to DRIVE the car. Just not expecting to be putting it on the track at any time.

All input greatly appreciated.

Duane

 

did I hear someone say racing beat! There really is no better option and the power pulse mufflers give a nice tone. They also last for ever.

Check out mazdatrix.com, they have a video of one on the site.

Adam

 

A turbocharger will quiet down your exhaust.

 

Racing beat is the best direct replacment for this app.

 

The RB system is over-engineered. By that, I mean it is built very solid, and lasts for years. The GSL-SE system is also engineered to retain the aux ports operation.
RB is not a cheap option, but it is much more liveable, as it barely increases the sound output over the stock system, while improving the flow. Other cheaper alternatives exist, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Most are loud, and don't last very long.
Drawback to RB system is, it uses the factory connecting pipe. If yours needs replaced, they don't even sell that part. Mazdatrix.com and mariahmotorsports.com both offer the RB systems, along with the factory connecting pipe if you need it.
Since you plan to keep it, and don't want a major increase in the sound output, the RB system is probably your best option.

 

Personally I would get some good headers a good high flow cat and a high flow muffler.

in my experience RB muffler is restrictive and running with out a cat is for teens, unless you enjoy crying while driving. exhaust is terrible thing to deal with.

Keep in mind for optimal hp the headers should be atleast 3in before they turn and my car would run at the track .5 sec faster with out the RB muffler in the 1/8.

If you have the budget for a turbo then that IS the answer, but Im sure you know that already.

 

I have had the Bonez Street Performance exhaust system from Rotary Performance on my GSL-SE for 8 years now and have been extremely satisfied. System was a "direct bolt-in" and the single cat that replaces the two stock cats has the air tube for supplying back pressure for actuating the 13B's 5th/6th ports. Quiet at low to normal rpm/speed, but has a great tone from 4-7k rpm. It does not sound "tinny" or like a "fart-can."

 

SDJ headers are the ones you want unless your budget wont allow

 

Thanks for the replies so far.

To be totally honest, I'm still learning and haven't worked on cars much other than replacing brakes, and other small jobs with friends that know cars and that was 7 years ago...I'm not entirely sure where the header is located and what it's purpose is.

I guess I should clarify what needs replacing. The two cats at the front look rough and there is a leak inbetween. I could try replacing the gasket myself and see if that takes care of it. The muffler at the back is toast and definitely needs replacing. Again, I could try this myself. Seems straight forward enough.

The main cat. looks questionable; although it will pass a safety -- I think. If I decide to replace it, I might just get a shop to do the work.

I want to keep the car stock, so I'm not interested in a turbo charger.

Looking at Mazdatrix, the main converter is listed at $2,178.48 That's way out of my price range. Is there anything more reasonable? For example, it's not clear at Rotary Performance if the Bonez System at $245 replaces the main cat or the two initial ones?

I talked to a mechanic today and he suggested running a pipe to replace the first two cat. converters and then running a cat. to muffler. Is this advisable?

What about a straight pipe to a muffler. I see Racing Beat offers this. Would the noise be unacceptable? How badly am I killing the environment? It's only a weekend driver so I'm not looking at driving tons.

Thanks again for any and all help.

Duane

 

check out Clear image automotive.com we sell rx7 exhaust systems. i would also suggest goin for a spintech muffler because they have no packing so they won't burn out. if you want a custom system we can also build a whole new system for your car with your choice of cats and mufflers.

 

The Bonez system replaces all the original cats. It bolts to the manifold, and goes to the rear of the rear-most cat, I think.
Bonez cats are high flow, and will hold up to the heat produced by a Rotory engine. I would assume the Bonez muffler is made to the same standards, otherwise RP wouldn't be selling them. I believe the Bonez pipe and muffler will completely replace the entire factory exhaust, but I am not 100% sure.
The Bonez system is an improvement over the factory system, and should be smog legal, in the event you ever have to face such requirements. It is also far cheaper than the Racing Beat system, which is NOT smog legal.

 

the Bonez System replaces all 3 cats and i bolt right to the factory exhust manifold and forward of the muffler!


^damn you beat me!

anyways heres the link to his section here on the club if you wanna ask him any questions about his products

https://www.rx7club.com/rotary-performance-rx7-com-178/

 

Sorry to sound like an idiot. I found the Bonez products at:

http://rx7.com/store/rx7/saexhaust.html

It lists it at only $245. Is this the system that replaces ALL three cat. converters??? Or am I looking at the wrong one?

Thanks for your patience :-)

Duane

 

yes thats the right place the link that i gave is a forum inside of a forum persay thats all you. same guy but rx7.com is his web site and his bussiness, the link that i gave you was just where you can go to ask questions.

 

That would be the system I was reffering to, and RX7.com is the RP I also mentioned.
Yes, the $245 system replaces all 3 stock cats. Add another ~$250 for the Bonez muffler and $15 or so for the bolt/gasket kit, and you should be good to go. I'm not sure whether this system uses the stock connecting pipe, between the cats and muffler. If so, and it's needed, mariahmotorsports.com had the best price on this pipe, last I knew.

The Bonez system will free up a few horsepower lost to the stock cats being restrictive, yet remains emmissions freindly. I'm seriously considering one for my latest purchase, a near-mint '83 GSL

 

Thanks guys! I'll be looking into this set up once the kids are asleep :-)

BTW, like 3rd and Final 7, this is my third and final 7 . Started w/ an 83 GSL in 1992, then a 1985 GSL SE after that. That car was mint and drove like it was on rails. Always buy a used car from a mechanical engineer Reluctantly sold the car when my first son was born in 2000. Now for our 10th Anniversary, my wife and I decided to get another 7 to relive all the great memories. One of the best is touring Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in the 7 for our Honeymoon! Got a great GSL SE with only 55,000 original miles. Paid a fair price though and need to get the exhaust updated.

Thanks again! Much appreciated!
Duane

 

LOL. For my 10th annivesrary, I got the best present of all. A divorce......
Then I bought my 1st RX7 a couple years later. 83 GS (The one in my avatar) Still have it. I was given an 86, I swapped it for the 83 GSL. I'm trying to keep my 15 year old son from getting any big ideas........

Bigger view of my avatar:

 

What do you say to a line like that? Congrats?

Seriously, nice car.

Good luck keeping your son in line :-) I remember trying my Mom's 77 Camero was I was 16. Good times....at least for me. I remember my friend clutching the dash...chicken ****! LOL!

Thanks for all the advice.

Duane

 

grab that RB header and get a side dump exhaust!!!!

 

"For my 10th annivesrary, I got the best present of all. A divorce......"

That one made my day, and it's not even 10:00 am yet!

This is a good intelligent discussion of exhaust options, nice work guys!

Ray