alex1206

iTrader: (3)

Hi
I am new to rx7s. I searched for results but I could not find anymore info that I am looking for. I am interested in the pros and cons of the racing beat SS header vs the regular steel header.

The SS header per RB's website is 7 pounds lighter, and since it's SS it wont rust.
How much louder is the SS header?
Does the SS header provide more horsepower?

I have a NA s5, and will be keeping the motor stock. Should I splurge for the SS header or just go with the regular steel header.

Thanks in advance!

RotaryRocket88

iTrader: (7)

If the wall thickness is the same on the tubing, there won't be a difference in noise. And no, metal type doesn't change horsepower. The steel one should be plated, so it won't easily rust either. I don't know what the price difference is, but if it's a lot, you might just go with steel.

jjcobm

iTrader: (18)

Both headers are equal in dimensions. The only difference is material. Like you have found, the only advantage would be slight weight improvement and the fact it won't rust (the SS one).

I chose to go with the regular steel header since I do take care of the car and I have not found any traces of rust on my header in the 1 year i have owned it. I have seen other members sell theirs on here and they were starting to shown signs of rust. Regardless, they both provide the same improvements in power since they are both equally the same dimensions as I have stated before.

It's up to you, if you want to pay the higher price go ahead. If you plan on taking care of your car or powder coating or ceramic coating your header, go with the steel one.

Also, they should be be equally "loud", the difference in material won't be noticeable to you.

Black91n/a

The stainless header has thinner wall tubing 0.083" vs. 0.125" for the steel, so there will likely be some increase in noise and harshness. 304SS is not rust proof, only rust resistant, it can and will rust given the right circumstances in normal type conditions.

Jet-Lee

iTrader: (1)

What he said. The thinner wall also is what accounts for the most of the weight savings. The thinner walls also resonate easier, adding to the additional harshness in the sound; not something one may notice, but it is there.

Again; not rust-proof, just rust resistant, but better than galvanized/aluminized.

ericgrau

iTrader: (1)

Generally the purpose of stainless steel is a little less weight, a nicer appearance and much les rust around the bolts (except from the bolts themselves). In terms of horsepower it and steel should be identical.

Packing on raw weight seems like a highly inefficient way to reduce sound. Exhaust geometry is a far more efficient way. Since exhausts already rely on this a great deal for sound reduction, I'm betting the wall thickness plays a very minor role.

The OP should also take a minute to read the Racing Beat recommendations. Their cat eliminating down-pipe is cheaper than a header and provides about as much power in fuel injected (not carbed) applications. Not to mention being free from the characteristic raspy header noise. A little bit smoother pipe bend only provides a minuscule amount of horsepower, especially compared to a highly restrictive smog filtering catalytic mesh or a stock muffler where flow bounces back 180 degrees, with no flow smoothing whatsoever, not once but twice. Especially considering the low flow of a non-turbo. Dunno why but header pipe length differences seem to play less of a role in rotaries in pistons, maybe b/c there are only 2. There are also high flow catalytic converters that you may want to consider as a 3rd option.

Jet-Lee

iTrader: (1)

One word...valves.

Valves closing creates a pressure front that bounces back and forth in the header pipe, and engineers want that front to have just bounced off the valve and leaving when the valve opens again, so there's a slight vacuum.

Our rotaries have no valves. There's still a pressure front, just not quite the same.

I hope I make sense.