Mr. E

The cat on my 85 gs blew up and clogged my whole exhaust system, my headers are bad now also. I was wondering if the racing beat exhaust system is worth the money and if there were any alternatives. I have the money to buy it, but my parents don't think it is a good idea. I'm driving around on an open header to work (only 2 miles) and it is so loud. Anyway, i need a new exhaust system so was wondering your guy's opinions.

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

It's really the best way to go since the only factory parts you can find will be used.

MIVet28

I'm very happy with the RB exhaust. No more cats and precats is nice. I had a leak at the muffler and love the sound now compared to before.

LongDuck

Yes, worth it. You'll never have to replace it, either - making it one of the best investments for the $/time angle.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

to make something better would cost much more...

d_eagz13

I have the a full RB exhaust (aside from mid pipe) and it is well worth it. I purchased my RB header and mini pre silencer second hand about 10 years ago on here and got the RB muffler straight from their website. Great sound and a ridiculous upgrade from the stock setup on my SA. I had to get a stud welded onto the pre silencer after a few years because it snapped. Other than that its solid but I will need to get a new mid pipe made soon.

I was amazed at the difference that small pre silencer made when I had to swap a straight pipe in temporarily while the stud was welded on. It sounded awful. Mind you my 12a is stock port.

I have read about people using borla mufflers combined with the RB pre silencer... I'm sure those have to be much louder though. Although I havent seen any video clips of that setup.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

RB "streetport" complete exhaust is worth the money because it is a long primary system and works better than pretty much anything else.

Richard Miller

The rotary exhaust runs a bit hotter than the exhaust is n your moms Camary . The trip to Midas may work for a year or so. It one of those “False Economy “ things. Going cheap on a rotary exhaust.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

i've never bought a system new, what i have was 2nd hand. but yes, it is definitely worth it. if i had to buy it new i would try to source any and all of it used first. nothing else can withstand the hot breath of a rotary. the streetposrt setup is the way to go, it's currently what's on mine. now i do have the same setup only without the presilencers. it's way louder without them, tolerable for me, but probably would be annoying to neighbors if it was a DD.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

RB is worth it but, and this may be what your parents are on to you about, it depends on the condition overall of your car. If your car is in great condition overall, its a no brainer. If its got, lets say a lot of patina or it has a lot of other major mechanical issues you may want to think about is it worth dropping $1100.00 on an exhaust for it. All of us on this forum think so, but you need to make that decision for yourself and your circumstances. Got any pics of your 7? We like pics.

Mr. E

Here are some pics of my 7:

d_eagz13

Looks clean as can be from the outside looking in. Personally I would never wiegh the need for an exhaust vs getting rid of a car (especially not a first gen rx7!) unless it was a beater that I paid less than 1K for or had a lot of other problems. If thats what your parents are getting at I mean. If cost is the issue, as stated a few posts ago look for some second hand parts maybe? Might be able to find the header used, buy the presilencer new and fab the "cat back" to save some money.

Maxwedge

iTrader: (1)

Your car is worth fixing up. The racing beat exhaust(s) is absolutely the best, and is also the only full system available for our cars. You could probably just get a RB header and pre-silencer and then have a local shop fab the rest, to save money for now. But RB has been at it a Long time and their systems really do sound and perform the best. Make sure you get a new header to engine gasket if you go this route (a muffler shop wont have those).
Dont be tempted to buy an epay header, like Pacesetter or others. The rotary exhaust is MUCH hotter than piston engines and those "cheap" headers burn through pretty quickly. You don't want 1800F fire shooting out in your engine bay right below your carb and fuel system.
Im zooming in on your exhaust pics but its kinda dark. I see the "hole". By the angle I can tell its not a RB header, and also doesnt look at all stock. I think the previous owner put a Midas exhaust on and got what he paid for. Burnt-through pipes.

Maxwedge

iTrader: (1)

Looking again Im a little confused. One pic shows an intact looking pipe, and a mystery rod hanging down under the car. The next pic shows what looks like a blown-away muffler (pipe exiting through a flange) and no hanging rod.

Mr. E

I believe the previous owner did put an aftermarket exhaust on, there was only one cat and it is removed, the pieces were sideways in it.

inuissus_cendi

It'll last forever. That's what I'd tell your parents. The RB systems are very well made. I had the stockport system, but I hear the streetport is the way to go even on a stockport motor.
And with no catalytic converter there's no platinum for anyone to steal. If you bought something with a catalytic converter, like a used stock exhaust system, then you have a theft target slung on the bottom of your car.

inuissus_cendi

They also should have decent resale value on here. If the car is in rough shape and you end up having to scrap it, you should still get some decent money back for the exhaust.

LongDuck

Clean GS, without seeing the inside. Do it, the value you spend now will be valuable to the next owner if you choose not to keep it. Nobody buys these cars without knowing something about what makes a rotary special. I'll bet you didn't, right?

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

I bought my RB SP setup used many years ago for $400.00 from someone on this forum. It came off of a race car. The header was pretty worn and burned through after a few more years and I replaced that but the rest of the system is still good to go including the muffler.

ray green

iTrader: (14)

RB material for sure:



You may be able to sell your cats for recycle. I got $150 for the cats out of one of my GSLs.

d_eagz13

I believe the stock exhaust with thermal reactor and heat exchanger used an odd bypass pipe as part of the exhaust. I remember seeing something like that on my original setup when I removed it.

Back to prices though... 850ish for the standard RB exhaust doesnt include the mid pipe section... which in reality would cost at least 100 bucks to get fabbed from a reputable shop. At 950 committed for a brand new system, the extra 150 for the street port is well worth it for a full bolt on system (and the better sound/power). My high flow downpipe alone on my DD was almost 800 bucks. High quality exhausts arent cheap... you get what you pay for in the end. To be honest for a bullet proof full engine back (or whatever they call it) exhaust like the RB setup... 1100 is a deal lol.

Maxwedge

iTrader: (1)

I agree. The only part not included with the RB single pipe exhaust is the OE Mazda connector pipe, which costs about $185. So for the $1015 I spent (830 + 185) I wish I had just got the Street Port complete system for $1110. Better flow AND quieter sound? How can you beat that?
RacingBeat for the win.

d_eagz13

Exactly..... i lucked out getting the header and presilencer second hand ....and I had the power pulse muffler prior to that. My OE midpipe somehow has held up. If I had to go new, and i still probably will in the near future, street port FTW.

Mr. E

Just bought the street port exhaust system, I'll post back when it gets here.

Maxwedge

iTrader: (1)

Mr E, you will be happy. Your car looks to be in nice condition and worth fixing up. These are classic, iconic sports cars and every one we can keep running keeps the history alive. The exhaust will last much, much, much longer than anything the local shop could build for you and will run and sound good.
Welcome to the club!