next week i'm planning to buy some headers or a straight pipe to remove those rusty cats, at racingbeat.com they said that the straight pipe removes all the cats, then i went to look at the headers and didn't say anything about removing the old cats. What i'm wondering is if i buy the headers will i need to get some extra piping to connect the headers to my exhaust? Or are the RB headers long enough to reach my exhaust, i just don't want to make the mistake of buying some headers and then spend more money for extra piping when i could just get the straight pipe. Please let me know something, thanks

 

I think the straight pipe bolts onto the stock exhaust manifold and erases the stock 3 cats than connects to the pipe that connects to the muffler...

 

Why do you have RB exhaust in your sig if you don't have any?

 

the connecting pipe bolts to the stock exaust replacing all your cats. If you install headers, then you will need to replace your cats with a presilencer. The headers do not connect straight to the cats nor to the center pipe.

I have the RB Headers and the presilencer and it makes an improved performance not to mentinon a nice throaty sound...

 

wait wait!

I thought that the header only replaced the stock manifold and and the two pre-Cats. The pre-silencer they sell replaces the Main Cat. and the stock straight pipe that leads to the muffler can then be used. Note that in the RB catalog for the single exhaust system the "factory connecting pipe" isnot included, so don't throw yours away. If you don't get the presilencer, they sell a straight pipe that'll replace just the Main Cat. If that being the case then how could the Header replace all three cats? Get under the car and look. From the exhaust ports to the end of the Main Cat is a LONG distance. Under the passenger seat if I recall correctly. RB catalog says header + presilencer replaces all 3 cats.

RB's components are all bolt in and very modular with the stock system. You can't go wrong with the fit or performance. But if you skip the pre-silencer in favor of the pipe, then it is going to be LOUD.

 

The header doesn't. The straight pipe does. It bolts to the crappy stock manifold and goes back to the connecting pipe.

 

I think they have a few options.

Afaik, the header they sell replaces the maifold and 2 pre-cats then bolts to the OEM cat (or a replacement high flow unit, pre-silencer, or straight pipe depending on your setup).

I have a unit from rx7.com that replaces the 3 cat's with a pre-silencer and high flow cat, it bolts to the manifold then to the connecting pipe before the muffler.

I believe I'd have to have it modified to work with a header (remove the pre-silencer and re-weld a flange), since the headers replace the precats and are therefore longer than just the manifold.

So, you could just buy the header, and replace the stock maifold and precats with it, keeping your main cat.

The straight pipe option from RB i believe is a replacement for the cat, as is the pre-silencer.

 

Not to be mean or anything... im just being blunt, I think your all wrong and me and Felix Wankel are the ones who have it right :P

 

ok
ok

I think I know where we are getting our wires crossed. We are all correct about this one, talking about different setups.

RB part#s 16202 thru 16205 Catalytic Converter Replacement Pipe. See page 24 of the new catalog. $92

Bolts to the stock manifold and replaces ALL 3 cats. It's a "header alternative", so won't work with headers.

I didn't know about this part.

I was basing my picture on the High Performance Exhaust System (single exhaust) which is made up of the Header (replaces manifold, and Cat 1 and 2), Pre-silencer (replaces Main Cat.), your stock connecting pipe, and finally the muffler.

Now are we all in agreement?


If I may, I copied this from RacingBeat.com

1981-83 RX-7 (12A) RX-7 Catalytic Converter Replacement Pipes*

As a result of our testing of catalytic converter equipped RX-7s, we offer an economical alternative to headers - simply replace the catalytic converter with a straight pipe. The power increase is significant - typically about 2/3 of the horsepower gain that a header will offer. While the noise level is higher than stock, it is possible to change from the stock muffler to the Power Pulse muffler for an additional power increase combined with a lower, more mellow exhaust note.

These kits include instructions, hardware, and where necessary, an emission control passage cover plate. In all models, the pipe replaces all of the catalytic converters. The pipe for the GSL-SE includes the connection necessary to actuate the 6-port intake valves. Gaskets are not included, but are available separately.

 

Yeah

 

i don't have the whole RB exhaust system, i just have the pipe that goes from the muffler to my 3rd cat, the guy who sold me the car said he couldn't afford the whole thing at the time so he just got the exhaust.
BTW thanks for the info everyone

 

i believe mine was header,to presilencer,to factory straight pipe,then the muffler piece.(pipes over the rear) if i remember correct,racing beat said there was no power to be gained by altering or replacing that straight pipe.wish i still had that car!