Racing beat exhaust
 

So I installed a full racing beat exhaust today in my GSLSE. I feel like it's really close to my 5th and 6th port actuators. And it's kind of tinny. Does anyone have em experience with this

Picture of muffler. Will try to upload video later.

I have a 12A so can't comment on the port actuators. But YES it is tinny, as in, you're trapped in a metal coffee can with Dr Ruth's prized vibrator.Sounds fantastic at idle, but driving the car is horribly noisy and the local cops definately notice.

I will upload a video later but it sounds like a fart can at 5k+ is that normal

2 minutes after first post, what is this?

yes, header + straight pipe + muffler = tinny sound. their presilencer will deepen the tone a lot. and if a cop stops u for the exhaust, ask him how many harley's has he stopped for their exhaust.

That's what mine did. Ultimate rice-boy sound. I actually took my muffler off last weekend and put the OE back on (kept the RB header and pre-silencer though). I was really disappointed in the sound and quality of the RB setup.

Here's the video. I was under the impression it wouldn't have that "fart canny" sound

I like the way mine sounds at idle, but not above 3k rpm. and here's what it looks like with about 100 miles on it.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...3e3d774147.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8113b40106.jpg

I got a nice stainless Invidia brand full turbo-back w/ high flow cat, resonator and good muffler on my Subaru for about the same price.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...92b0de3558.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...19ccd11c6f.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b0fb9e4d0d.jpg
43K miles on this exhaust and it still looks nicer than the RB did coming out of the box new.

Not sure what you mean by it's close to 5th-6th port actuators,can post a pic of your install?
Have you driven the car at this point,feel any uptick in response,power?You should feel a surge of power about the same rpm engine used to fall off.
Always a bump up in sound when going to performance exhaust,the original system with manifold,cats,oe muffler really keeps the engine quiet but stifle engine's breathing. Have you ever heard a rotary run unmuffled,you won't forget the sound.
Others may disagree but RB systems are best tuned systems,quality,bang for your buck,last system you will buy for your car(have transferred systems onto several cars). They make the most power(especially street port system) with the least amount of noise.
Give the install a couple thousand miles,you will notice the sound will mellow out.

Maxwedge,is that a RB muffler? Never seen that type discoloration on one of their mufflers on a properly tuned car. Both muffler and inlet pipe into it appear to show some serious heat.
I've worked with a lot of cars and bikes that had performance,stainless exhaust installed without appropriate jetting/fuel mapping changes to compensate for extra flow system provides that discolor systems much like that from running too lean/hot.

He's missing the critical presilencer.
 

Therefore, he's running a straight pipe from the header to the muffler, which probably accounts for the loud noise and heat discoloration of the muffler components. Once you get it that hot, the finish wears out, though Ive not seen a hard chromed RB PowerPulse muffler before. Ive been running the RB -SE specific setup for 20yrs now, and it still sounds like the day I installed it, with very little degradation. I did have to buy a new Presilencer several years back after one of the rear stud mounts broke off, but that was my fault for not using PB Blaster and antiseize.

Add the Presilencer with the correct air pipe for -SE 5 & 6 port actuation and I think he'll be happier with the sound and performance. As GSLSEforme states, once you've heard a rotary on open pipes, you'll never forget it.

The new RB mufflers look and sound different from the previous version. I don't think these are as good as the old ones. But also omitting the presilencer is a pretty substantial problem.

In my case I have the full kit with the presilencer. Much tinnier or fart canny than I thought it would be.

The old Racing Beat full streetport exhaust used a prima flow muffler and a presilencer on each exhaust pipe. I bought mine brand new 20 or 25 years back, and it has a much more mellow sound.
It's a heavy assembly, but it was the best money I ever spent on my car. These new ones look very different than the old ones.

I think clarification is needed when people say "Racing Beat exhaust" whether it's single presilencer or the Street Port dual presilencer system.
The single muffler inlet in the OP shows it's the single presilencer system, which has a reputation of sounding tinny on some cars.
The dual system has a lower tone.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a63f6e402a.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...b278f24f55.jpg

Yes I have (had) a full RB single presilencer exhaust w/ RB muffler. Less than 100 miles on it all, bought new as a complete system through MazdaTrix. If that muffler patina is from heat ( hadn't realized that) it all happened in 15 minutes the first time I fired it up with the new exhaust and intake. I installed them both at the same time. The Holley from Hell had vacuum leaks through loose throttle shafts and wouldn't idle below about 2200, so the high idle and lean condition was hot hot hot (see my avatar). Started and stopped a few times while trying to sort the idle and look for leaks, but no more than 15 minutes total run time, and all of it was parked in my garage. It never drove on the road like that.

And yes, it's ricer loud and obnoxious. Sounds really nice at idle, but not when driving. Forget about hearing the radio.

The single pipe system has never sounded as good as the full dual exhaust SP system. I do wonder if RB has recently changed manufacturer or something cause the new mufflers look to be all SS where the old ones are painted black and have heavier, thicker metal I think. So there may be something different about how the new mufflers sound.

If your avatar pic is from that run, you may have burned it up...
 

RB states they use stainless steel wool packing in both the Presilencer and PowerPulse muffler, but everything has it's temp limits. They may be able to tell you how much heat it can tolerate, and you can gauge heat your engine was putting out by the color spectrum of your photos. If it melted the stainless wool packing, you're basically running a straight pipe now, as those little perforations in the Presilencer won't do much to either slow velocity of the pulses or change their pitch. Let us know what they tell you, and enrich that mixture to cool the exhaust,

Yes I took the used RB Holley off and installed a 500 Edelbrock, which was jetted much richer and never had the glowing header again. I never drove the car like that (with the lean condition and glowing pipes).

I called RB a few times while rebuilding the RB 465 Holley, and was not impressed. Here's a conversation, from memory:

Me- I'm rebuilding one of your carbs, which seems much too lean. Can you tell me what primary jets you install in these? I think a previous owner might have messed with it.
RB- We use 49's in that carb,
Me- 49's?? Mine has 55's, but is running lean.
RB- No, it should definitely have 49's. But we drill the 49's out to 54 before installing them, which is the actual size of a 55 jet.
Me- ??? What? Why not just use 55 jets then?
RB- I don't know, that's just what we do.
Me- Can you connect me to the person that does the carb rebuilding please.
RB- That's me.
ME- ..............................................And you can't tell me why you drill 49's out to 55 instead of just using 55's?
RB- No, I don't know that. Anything else I can answer for you?
Me- ..........Um, no, that's all thanks.

I don't think the RB of today is the RB you old timers remember. I'm not sure what-all they do to the Holley 1848 465cm, but they should be.

I have a newer RB single-presilencer system. I think it sounds fine, it's noisy when I get on it but at a cruise it's pretty reasonable.

I've got the long primary system (aka streetport) on my stock-port 12a, purchased it a few years ago. The mid pipe with the dual pre-silencers is starting to look rusty but the rest of the system has held up well to about 15k miles of driving including wet and dry track days. If anything, I would say it's on the quiet side for a custom exhaust and honestly not much louder than stock while providing a huge bump in power. I can't speak for the short primary system or how it differs on the 13b, but no one who has been in my car has said it was too loud. It is higher pitched at higher RPMs at full throttle, but that's the case for literally every rotary I've ever heard that didn't have a factory exhaust manifold. It quiets down while cruising.

This is what I have. I'm just disappointed with the note at higher reva. Cruising is good. Low rpm and idle is pretty sexy though.

I think Longduck (?) Is right and I burnt out my presilencer insulation, because mine shakes the house windows at idle and is deafening at 3k and above. I have the oe muffler back on it now, guess I'll have to get a new presilencer. This is the most expensive cheap car I've ever had.

Never bought a cheap Porsche have you? LOL

As far as bolt on exhausts go for the first gen (I think this is the only complete one) the long primary system from RB sounds the best. Just from what I've heard on other people's cars. Can't comment on inside cabin noise. Many moons ago I wanted an RB system for my car, but the rust had other plans for that car. :lol:

I just don't like how the short primary piping system from RB relies on existing factory exhaust piping. Are yall sure your 30+ year old oem mid pipe is in good shape? Possible leaks? or warped flanges? These things in my mind would cause excessive noise and a possible lean condition in the exhaust.

wow thats sucks ..... can't believe they would go in that direction...older mufflers were almost indestructible

My favorite rotary exhaust note is from an RB long primary. It just sounds good. Something about keeping the exhaust pulses separated for a bit and giving each primary its own muffling device, then joining them at about a 5/8 wave harmonic, translates to a really great result. You can achieve similar good sounding results with other long primary systems of different lengths from 1/2 wave to 3/4 wave. I believe 1/1 or full wave is about 101 to 102 inches according to RB.

Edit: I should add that I'm saying good things about the old school RB Prima Flow mufflers with the slant cut tips and the more recent straight tips with mini trumpet-shaped inserts of the PowerPulse; still with the round body painted black. I don't know how the modern oval shaped unpainted ones sound in person.

thats the one i hav laying in my basement . its been on 3 cars .....guess its gold now . i would not spend that type of money on that new exhaust they're offering . looks cheap beside the headers

I am performing this exact same install on my SE right now. I should note I went with entire RB system with pre-silencer etc etc. My car is stock port so that is the system I got from them. I just got the old exhaust out last weekend after much long hard fought battle.. This weekend a little bit of a semi-pause to clean up my mess and prep for install hopefully next weekend (Yeah I take my sweet time). I realized I needed new hangers so ordered all new from racing beat which should come this next week hopefully. Really excited to get this in. Besides the performance in enhancements it simplifies that side of the engine bay without the air pump, AC valve, and shield blocking view. Can see my OMP lines and pump much better now.

Question I hope you guys can answer. I have ordered some exhaust header wrap. Should I take the time now to wrap the header or install as is? In other words would you recommend wrapping the header? Seems a shame to cover up such a beautiful piece of hardware but obviously want to care for the SE in best way possible. Suggestions welcome..

Wrapping on a street car is not recommended. It collects moisture and rots the header from the outside. Leave it as-is or get it ceramic coated. If you are worried about heat, try adding a heat shield that keeps air moving across the header flowing out the back of the engine bay.

Do NOT wrap the header,in this application there are no benefits. Wrapping header guarantees a short life for it. It will overheat and crack at collector area and burn a hole thru #1 rotor tube right in middle of 90 degree bend after mounting flange at engine.
Buying a used system or parts,the header is often discolored from heat which in itself is not a problem,unless the car previously on was running excessively lean/hot which tends to make the metal more brittle and prone to cracking. It is tempting to wrap header to cover up coloration of pipes. This is a mistake on piston engines where exhaust temps are @800-900 degrees leading to eventual cracking,rotary engines run double that and damage occurs much faster.

After header installed,wipe down with acetone,follow up with a spray type wax such as turtle wax,to remove any oil(from hands)or grease from install before starting engine 1st time. Anything left on surface of header and muffler will show up once parts come up to operating temperature and will be there for the life of the part.

After a couple heat cycles and some miles accumulated,go back and check all fasteners on exhaust system for proper tension. They can loosen up after being at operating temp several times. Applies more to streetport setups where more weight/hardware involved. Once is usually good enough as hardware will hold tension indefinitely after that,helps interconnecting gaskets live longer

So update. I have put maybe 100 miles on the racing beat single presilncer kit. No discoloration The exhaust note seems to be getting better. Maybe there's a bit of a break in period. I'll try to put more miles on tomorrow ????

On an SE,should be no real discoloration of exhaust header or other system components as ECU monitors/controls arir/fuel mixtures tightly and no excessive exhaust temperature will occur. If you run your car hard,at high speed,or long pulls uphill over time the header will develop some gold and light blue tints on tubes closest to mounting flange at engine. The paint on front of presilencer may burn off but remainder of system will remain as installed. The latest SS mufflers will turn a gold color over time,which can be polished back to silver color as it was when new.
Good idea to replace O2 sensor on new system install as these sensors age over time and get polluted by oil being burned in normal engine operation and lose their ability to fine tune exhaust mixture. Frequently the amount of effort it takes to remove from manifold damages sensor internally but doesn't show externally. Recommend NGK or NTK sensors,there are cheaper available,recommended brands closely replicate calibration of oe which came with one or the other when new.

I could make a clip of what the dual primary sounds like but not sure that's very helpful.

Thanks for the input all much appreciate.. Got the OEM header off today.. Took off heat shielding all the way back just to inspect above while its exposed. Need to get new o2 sensor as no way I can get old off and probably not worth it as you mentioned above. Next weekend is goal to start install. Keep you posted..

Rock Auto. NTK 24006 O2 sensor $21.79

I did mine in about 3 hours. Removing old and installing new. Some curse words involved with the 30 year old rusted bolts on the cat.

i looked today and noted their site shows 2 mufflers
The power pulse you have and the powerpulse extreme, which used to just be the normal muffler. It appears only the catback comes with the new muffler.


Edit.

I take that back. If you click into any of hee full systems they have the regular powerpulse. Wtf. I wonder if you could complain and get the other muffler if that's what you were expecting.

Edit again

So anyone who is familiar with racing beat no one needs would not expect to get this muffler with their full exhaust
http://www.racingbeat.com/RX7-1975-1985/Cat-Back-Exhausts/16436.html
Also the picks on the main page still show it.

oh shit ....was that their 2 weeks ago

This was the kit I ordered for my 12a but it has changed recently within the last year. My muffler has two entry points before the axle and collects before entering the muffler. The new designed system actually looks to be true dual and does not collect. I don't know what's going on inside the box and whether it's different than before, but I imagine it could very well produce a louder exhaust note than what I am experiencing, especially if the pipes are a straight pass through now. I was always told the location of the collector was tuned for typical street port exhaust port timing...not sure why they would change that if there was a benefit. I know bigger ports benefit from collecting much sooner.

Street Port Exhaust System for 79-85 12A - Racing Beat