Crixtala

I just got my car yesterday. I won it off of eBay for $4501.01 and ended up paying $4250. The car is an '89 GTU with only 50,400 miles on it. I am 17 and can't drive the car everyday right now, because I am still only on my permit. Since I can't drive the car right now, I want to take this time to add some modifications to the car while I'm not spending a lot of money on gas.

I know there are a lot of things that I need to check on an RX7 to make sure that it is running right and I'm sure that a lot of people are going to think that I shouldn't be thinking of an exhaust system when I just bought the car and could have other things to be worrying about first.

Well, I am worrying about those things, but I am also worrying about an exhaust system as I want to give my car that nice growl that most tuned imports have. Plus, there is actually a method to my madness of wanting to do my exhaust first. Part of my exhaust is corroded since the car has basically been sitting in a garage for the last 12 years and has only had 20,000 miles put on it.

So here's my question, I found an exhaust system on RX7.com that is fairly cheap and gives me the dual exhaust look that I want. It also makes the car look fairly stock, so would kind of give me a sleeper look (?). Anyway, I was just wondering what everybody's opinion of it is. If anybody has it on there car? Or if anybody has seen it on somebody elses car.

Here it is...

RP 50mm Performance Cat-Back
Economical system which offers good performance and a low, baritone sounding exhaust note. Our best selling system.

banzaitoyota

I would start with the BASICS:
1. COMPRESSION TEST!!! I can not stress this enough
2. Full 60K Service/Tune-up
3. Change all your fluids: Tranny/Diff/Brake
4. Change ALL Filters: Especially Fuel and don't forget the Fuel pump sock. Also a good idea to drain the tank and wipe out any accumulated crud in the sump area.
5. Coolant system pressure test and coolant system flush
6. Full alignment and suspension inspection
7. Change Oil and filter

Expensive? : Yes
but it is money well spent in the long run instead of bolting on a exhaust.
get the basics done first, enjoy the car and plan your mods wisely

John

wpgrexx

And after you have done all that Banzai said, check the local laws in your state as to emmissions. Before the muffflers, you would probably be better off replacing the cats(pre and main) with either a straight pipe or new cats(rp has both options) as your cats are probably clogged or well on their way.

The cheapest way is to get an exhaust shop to build a custum single exhaust from the manifold back and just put a couple of glass packs. or a pre silencer and a nice muffler. But check out the mufflers cause not alot last on rotarys

banzaitoyota

Another MUST CHECK: INSPECT YOUR PULSATION DAMPNER!!!!

Ryde _Or_Die

I think in NC, he probably won't have to worry about emmissions. I would go with the bonez racepipe and main cat replacement pipe or the RB setup that does the same. If you have any concerns about the quality of the exhaust tone, I would not get a header. Also, there are better flowing systems out there, but for a stock looking it is pretty good.

1987RX7guy

iTrader: (3)

I second the PD statement by banzai. You don't want that thing leaking fuel all over the place.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

It's an 89+ car. Pulsation damper failure is remote. There is nothing you can really check on the 89+ cars unless it is already leaking. The ones that fail are mostly the '86-'88 style.

banzaitoyota

I realize its an 89, but as long as its been sitting, nasty things could have occured in the fuel system if it was laid up properly. Better SAFE than SORRY.

Evil Aviator

My racing partner has the RP catback, and he just loves it. No, it's not quite as good as a Racing Beat exhaust or full custom exhaust, but it is cheap, sounds good, and has decent performance.

The last time I was in NC, they still had emissions testing. A catback will work fine for emissions, but a header and cat removal will cause problems. Unless you also have problems with the rest of the exhaust components, I would stick to the catback for now. You can always replace the other components later on when they wear out.

Crixtala

At the moment, I'm dead broke and can't get a lot of work in due to school and other after-school activities. What are some things that I need to do that I can do for fairly cheap.

And as for NC inspections, starting next year, if the car is 10+ years old, you no longer need to have it inspected. Meaning I don't have any worries about emissions.

Evil Aviator

Use 87 octane gas. Don't use any higher octane unless the engine starts pinging. This will save you money, and will not hurt performance.

Do you have the maintenance records from the previous owner? Go through the mantenance schedule in the service manual, and replace anything that looks bad. See the free online manual at either of these sites:
http://www.iluvmyrx7.com
http://fc3s.org

The standard maintenance alone will cost you several hundred dollars. You should save the rest of your money for big repairs like the exhaust system. Don't try to make your car look like the cars in import magazines, or you will end up with a half-cool looking car that is broken down in the driveway.

Crixtala

I don't have the maintenance records to my knowledge (but I may be wrong as my dad went to get the car without me). Anyway, thanks for all of the advice, if you have anymore, feel free to post more.

Here's some pictures of the car.