To use a header or not to header ?
 

I took off all the rats nest (smog stuff ) should I
run a header or use the stock manifold , Im going to drive this on the street only , any advice, and what about the heat exchanger ? leave it or loose it?
thanks .
Jeff

If you have an '81 you do not have a heat exchanger.
Run a header/presilencer, or a full exhaust. Headers are awesome on a rotary.

Exhaust (rats nest removal) o n an 85 Rex
 

If I remove the rats nest, do I have to get headers to replace? I have a limited budget, and I have a guy who will do exhaust work for a great price.

As well, would he then weld a pipe to the exhaust manifold, and run the pipe(s) back and then add a muffler on the end of this new exhaust system?

Would there be any need for a tune up after removing the rats nest, or would that not change much?

Please advise, as I am hoping to do this today.

Thank ya,

Joe in KC

The RD header is not that pricey for the amount of research they've done to make it flow so nicely - frees up a lot of power in your engine, especially if other restrictions (stock cats & muffler) are eliminated as well.

rd? Racing beats header is the best. Put it on and run full exhaust wiith a descent muffler it will be a little loud but not at all that bad. But do not run the header into a glass pack that will get you tickets and cause a loss of hearing.

jr

The full exhaust from RB are great, and I must say noise isn't that bad. I have a streetport model (12A) under my car, and it sound rather normal at idle or cruising. Only when you floor the gas, you get a very impressive deep sound, that's really adictive :-)

That was a typo. Should have read RB :)

but didn't I read that you get dizzy after a while if you do not have a thermal reactor or cats? because if he street drives it and passes out at a red light it's not good... lol

If you have a leak in your system, or a defective O2 sensor, perhaps.

I have the header, presilencer, and power pulse muffler setup and have no such carbon monoxide issues.

I have the header, presilencer, and power pulse muffler setup and have MUCH carbon monoxide issues. No fun. O2 sensor is brand new. Must be something else...

I'm sure you'll solve it - you proved your ingenuity making that clever glowing dash piece, after all :)

So can I run just a header with full exhaust and no
presilencer , I shuld not need the o2 sensor . being
that the engine is carborrated right?
thanks Jeff .
I have not had my car long only a month and
have been buisy doing the suspention on it and
I also removed the rats nest , it runs good I want to
keep it that way ..... this page has been alot of
help so far I would like to say thanks to all....
Jeff

You won't *need* the presilencer, but you'll enjoy having it